Grantee Spotlight: Friends of the San Juans

Sailing Toward Solutions: Rose’s Site Visit to the San Juan Islands

Earlier this summer, Rose Foundation Board President Williard Brown and Program Officer Timothy Bell joined grantee Friends of the San Juans for a stunning yet sobering journey through the Salish Sea. 

The tour began with a boat ride through the island-dotted waters of Washington’s northwestern archipelago—past playful porpoises, ferry crossings, and serene straits. But this was no ordinary sightseeing tour—it was a powerful call to action to protect one of the Pacific Northwest’s most treasured and threatened ecosystems.   

Willard (far right) and Timothy (center) with Friends of the San Juans team members (left to right): Eva Schulte, Shannon Davis, and Lovel Pratt.

Upon arrival to Stuart Island (Rakiura), a lengthy hike to the Lighthouse rewarded the participants on the site visit sweeping views of the strait—wild, pristine, and under growing threat. As Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and fossil fuel expansion accelerate, vessel traffic through these fragile waters is projected to increase by more than 30%, with 91% of that traffic destined for Canada. Stuart Island sits directly in the path of this growing industrial corridor. 

The risks are profound: 

• Oil spills that could devastate marine life. 
• Air and noise pollution from massive tankers 
• Disruption to the Southern Resident Orcas, a critically endangered species with only three pods remaining in the Salish Sea. These iconic whales rely on echolocation to hunt and communicate—any further increase in traffic could threaten their survival. 
• Invasive species introduced through ballast water discharge, destabilizing already vulnerable marine ecosystems. 

Friends of the San Juans (Friends) is responding with bold leadership and urgency. Since 1979, they have protected the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea through science, policy, legal action, and immersive education. From pushing for smart land-use planning to serving as the region’s environmental watchdog, their work is rooted in a deep love for place—and a fierce commitment to future generations. 

They monitor vessel traffic, produce research that informs policymakers, and rally communities to respond to oil spill threats. A recent major win: Friends negotiated directly with a local refinery to prevent additional vessel traffic, reducing risks to orcas and fragile marine ecosystems.

Throughout the site visit, Friends’ passion and precision were on full display—from expertly crafted, science-backed infographics to frank discussions on the dire consequences of inaction.  Williard Brown shared: “The central message of the visit was clear: we must be ready. Friends of the San Juans made a compelling case for community-wide preparedness in the event of a spill—and for urgent collective action to protect the Salish Sea, an irreplaceable bioregion, and the vulnerable species that call it home. Surrounded by natural beauty, the stakes could not have felt more immediate or more personal. Thank you to Friends of the San Juans for the warm welcome, meaningful dialogue, and the opportunity to join you in on this important journey.” 

Timothy Bell added: “What stood out most is how Friends of the San Juans blends rigorous science with deep care for place. Their work—protecting orcas, shorelines, and communities—advances a shared vision for cleaner water, healthier fisheries, and a more resilient Puget Sound.” 

Rose Foundation is proud to support Friends of the San Juans. Their work exemplifies the power of grassroots action to confront climate threats, challenge industrial expansion, and protect local resources. 

Learn more about Friends of the San Juans: sanjuans.org
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