Stewardship Network of the San Juans

07/24/2026

06/30/2026

Last year, scientists linked a specific bacterium to sea star wasting disease—a welcome answer for one of the largest marine die-offs ever recorded.⁠
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But why are we still talking about this discovery?⁠
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Sea stars play an important role in maintaining balance in intertidal ecosystems by helping control sea urchin populations. We want to keep our eye on their populations because they can give us insight into how the marine ecosystem is doing. ⁠
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📉 If sea stars decline⁠
➡️ Urchin populations surge⁠
➡️ Kelp forests get overgrazed⁠
➡️ Habitat vanishes for several marine species⁠
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SJPT’s Vendovi Island Preserve and the North Shore Preserve on Orcas Island are incredible places to look for sea stars. While the thriving marine systems are underwater, low tide reveals the signs. 🐚⁠
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Have you seen a noticeable change in the number of sea stars lately? Are you seeing more empty shells? More kelp holdfasts? Drop your observations in the comments below. Science takes a community, with our eyes on the stars. ✨

06/30/2026

We are so impressed by the work that San Juan Islands Conservation District is doing with the Youth Conservation Corps! Funds from supported their 8-week summer youth program. They navigated challenging weather, coordination across three islands, and complex conservation projects, with great results. In their own words:

"The most significant result of this year’s program was the development of a strong culture of mentorship within the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Over half of our crew members were returning participants—some for their second, third, or even fourth year. Seeing 15-year-olds who had grown through the program step into informal leadership roles with new 12-year-olds was both unexpected and inspiring. It reflects not only the personal growth of returning participants but also the strength and sustainability of YCC as a whole. As the program has expanded in recent years, offering more engaging projects across the islands, youth are choosing to return season after season. This cycle of growth and mentorship ensures that YCC is building not just conservation skills, but also future community leaders."

San Juan Islands Conservation District, thank you for sharing your story with us!

To support the YCC, you can donate to their fund here: https://sjicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3013

06/30/2026

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Calling Indigenous Vendors! The Coast Salish Youth Coalition (CSYC) is hosting an Indigenous People’s Celebration Day on June 25th, 2026 from 1-4pm at the Guemes Island General Store on Guemes Island, WA.

The event will include Indigenous vendors, food, demonstrations, singing, dancing, cultural crafts, and canoe rides. CSYC will provide handshakes/honoraria for vendors and can provide lodging/accommodations.

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/5WYWuGtfLS
and email [email protected] for more information and questions.

06/16/2026

06/09/2026

Mark your calendars!

Upcoming event: Music in the Park! 🎶🎻🐦

Join us on Saturday, June 20th from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for an all-new musical experience at the American Camp Parade Grounds.

Music in the Park is a celebration of maritime and Americana music as performed free of charge by local island groups.

Limited seating and shade tents provided, please bring a camp chair or blanket as you enjoy your picnic lunch and add new memories in your national historical park.

Please carpool as parking is limited to the American Camp Visitor Center parking lot and at the Reddoubt.

Image Credit: NPS
Image Description: A vintage style event poster that reads: "Music in the Park - 2026, Join us for an afternoon of maritime and Americana music in your national park. American Camp Parade Grounds - June 20th - 11AM - 1PM" Wording is accompanied by graphics of the Officers' Quarters at American Camp and singing birds.