SJICD August 2025 Newsletter
- Julie Curtis
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
As summer continues to bring bountiful food, fun, and friendships to the San Juan Islands, we’re excited to share the latest news and updates from your Conservation District. This issue highlights:
Reflections from another successful Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) summer season- and how you can help sustain it for generations to come
Updates from our Ag Team: Farm Tours, solar incentives, and equipment rental
Wildfire Preparedness in the San Juan Islands
Navigating funding shortfalls and ensuring program resilience
Upcoming events you won’t want to miss
Youth Conservation Corps: Season Wrap-Up
Today’s youth are the most digitally connected generation in history—but also among the most socially isolated. Time in nature, meaningful work, and teamwork are more important than ever.
For 18 years, the Youth Conservation Corps has provided local teens with opportunities to build confidence, connect with peers, and develop a stewardship ethic through hands-on conservation projects across the islands.
This summer, crews:
Removed Scotch broom at Port Stanley
Built deer-resistant caging for Garry oak trees at Turtleback Preserve
Installed a Beaver Dam Analog at Zylstra Lake - More on that in this article in the Journal, with interviews by YCC crew member, Nolan Wall
Camped on Patos Island while helping restore its historic lighthouse, thanks to a new partnership with Keepers of Patos Lighthouse and BLM
And dozens of other projects throughout the islands!
Heading to the County Fair? Watch for our SJI-based crew in their green "Trash Talker" t-shirts, working hard to divert waste from the landfill. Last year alone, their efforts saved nearly 5,000 pounds of waste from disposal!
Help YCC raise $10,000 at the County Fair!
The YCC program wouldn’t be possible without community support. We’re excited to join the SJI Cares County Fair Giving campaign, through the SJI Community Foundation. We’re aiming to raise $10k between August 16-19, with the first $1,000 matched dollar-for-dollar! All funding raised will support crew member stipends and program expenses for future seasons.
Ways to Give:
In Person: Stop by the SJICF fair booth (check, cash, or credit card accepted)
By Mail: Send a check to SJICF at P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (must be postmarked during fair dates and include “SJI Conservation District” in the memo line)
Donations are welcome year-round, and long-term support can be made through our endowment campaign through San Juan Island Community Foundation.
Donations are welcome year-round, and long-term support can be made through our endowment campaign through San Juan Island Community Foundation.
Farm Tours of the San Juans This Fall
Celebrate local food and farming this September and October at the annual Farm Tours of the San Juans! Explore working farms, meet island farmers, enjoy farm-to-table tastings, u-pick produce, and hands-on demos. Most activities are free and family-friendly!
Tour dates:
San Juan Island: Sept 26–28
Orcas Island: Oct 3–5
Lopez Island: Oct 10–12
We need more farm hosts on Orcas and Lopez islands! If you’re a farmer interested in hosting—or know a farm you’d love to see on the tours—please share this invitation or sign up today on website.
Details and maps coming soon to www.farmtourssanjuans.com. Join us in supporting local agriculture and experiencing the rich food and farming culture of the islands!
No-Till Drill Rental
Research shows that no-till planting can enhance soil nutrient retention and carbon storage, while reducing moisture loss and erosion. No-till can be an important part of pasture strategies incorporating improved forage diversity and reduction in weed pressure.
Since 2021, we have offered the use of a Great Plains 606NT No-Till Seed Drill at a low cost to landowners. Interested in renting it for the next planting season? Contact Walt Andrews at walt@sjicd.org to reserve your spot.
Wildfire Preparedness in the San Juan Islands
As we move into August, the signs of wildfire season are all around us: dry grass, warm temperatures, and low humidity. Since early June, five wildfires have occurred on Orcas Island alone, serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly fire can ignite and spread in these conditions.
At least two—and possibly three—of these fires were caused by campfires, one started from a hot muffler, and another remains unknown.
With fire risk climbing, San Juan County raised its fire danger level to VERY HIGH on July 21. As a result, in addition to the burn permit suspension that began June 16, all recreational fires, including campfires and charcoal grills, are now prohibited.
Please do your part to help prevent wildfire—stay informed, follow local restrictions, and take extra care when working or recreating outdoors. For the most up to date information on burn bans and permits, monitor the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s web page.
Read our latest forestry newsletter to learn more about wildfire resiliency. Then sign up so it goes straight to your inbox!
Funding Cuts & Program Resilience
Recent federal and state cuts have resulted in budget cuts of over $650,000 this year. Despite these challenges, SJICD remains committed to supporting land conservation and ecosystem resilience across the county. Our ability to absorb these shocks is driven by tight budgeting, tireless grant writing, and community support.
The SJICD board has submitted a proposal to San Juan County to increase its rates and charges from the $5 set in 2019 to $25 moving forward. The proposed amount is the new limit put in place with bipartisan support in the 2025 legislative session and will provide critical funding to shore up recent deep cuts to wildfire resilience, forest health, AmeriCorps and Youth Conservation Corps programming.
Upcoming Events:
August 7: Youth Conservation Corps Open House, Orcas Island. Stop by anytime 10am to 2pm, enjoy a refreshment, and meet the Orcas Youth Conservation Corps crew at Library Park (500 Rose Street). Event is hosted by the San Juan Preservation Trust.
August 8: Reducing Wildfire Risk in San Juan Forests workshop, Orcas Island. Join Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG), San Juan Islands Conservation District, and Rainshadow Consulting for a free, in-depth field workshop exploring how to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resilience through ecological forestry practices. Free but pre-registration is required.
August 14-17: SJICD at the County Fair. Visit us at our booth in the Green Village during the San Juan County Fair—we’d love to connect with you!
September- October: Farm Tours of the San Juan Islands
San Juan Island – 26- 28
Orcas Island – October 3- 5
Lopez Island- October 10-12
Thank you for your continued support of conservation and restoration efforts in the San Juan Islands.
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