Island News
Coming soon: Five new OPAL homes on Lydia Lane | OPAL’s first new single-family home construction in 16 years
By Rusty Diggs
OISHA completes 2025-2026 middle school-aged sexual health program
Submitted by the Orcas Island Sexual Health Alliance.
Rock Island Communications reaches nearly 7,000 subscribers and secures $16.5M grant for broadband expansion
Submitted by the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative.
Did you know? SJC processes passport applications at the courthouse
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Christian School kicks off Reading Month with schoolwide activity
By Declan O’Malley
The timeless power of working with gold | Women in Business profile
Since she was a child, Leah Pearce Altman has been creating art with her hands.
Legislators consider bills on low-income housing
By Ayeda Masood
Spinner makes hole in one
Junior Joshua Spinner aced the 203-yard ninth hole on the first day of high school golf practice — only the second hole-in-one ever recorded on the hole. The reigning Club Champion and two-time State Championship team member made it a season opener to remember.
Financial literacy for students | Letter
My name is Emmett Beadnall, and I’m a high school junior at Spring Street International School who has studied the effects of taking a financial literacy course in high school. I write to urge you, the people of our island community, to advocate for accessible and quality financial literacy courses at our island schools.
Council member Fuller not seeking re-election
by Jane Fuller
As Alaskan Chinook crisis deepens, federal court imposes deadline on overdue Endangered Species Act decision
Submitted by the Wild Fish Conservancy.
Orcas Choral Society weaves ‘An American Choral Tapestry’
Submitted by the Orcas Choral Society.
Bill on data center restrictions falls short
By Ayeda Masood
Public meeting: Limited deer hunting considered for two Orcas Island preserves
Submitted by San Juan County.
Apply to the Healing Arts Center
Submitted by the Healing Arts Center.
From strategy to service: Meet the women powering the Resource Center’s mission
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Communications Team.
Citizens ask Washington court to restore the long-serving Sidney-Anacortes ferry service
Submitted by Duncan Chalmers.
March Turtleback March returns
Submitted by San Juan County.
March 19: Volunteer Bluebird Blitz 1 on San Juan Island
March 19 | 7 a.m. | Red Mill Farm Preserve | San Juan Island Become an independent community scientist during our first Bluebird Blitz of the year, led by SJPT’s Special Projects Director, Kathleen Lewis. After registering, we will email you further details. All participants should plan to meet at Red Mill Farm Preserve, at […]
USPS issues Sunflowers Forever Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating a beloved native flower with the release of the Sunflowers Forever stamp, issued March 17, 2026 at the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club’s 136th annual March Party in Strongsville, Ohio. The stamp highlights the sunflower’s beauty and positive symbolism as well as its nutritional and ecological importance. Stamp Artwork Designed by Greg […]
Multiple county advisory board and committee seats seeking volunteers
Press release: San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and committees that help shape daily life in the San Juan Islands. Key positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources Committee, Ferry Advisory Committee, Parks and Rec Commission, and other boards are open. Are you interested in participating in local […]
March 28: :No Kings Rally and March in Friday Harbor
This coming week is all about the NO KINGS mobilization on March 28 across the nation. On San Juan Island the following events are scheduled: “Singing Resistance” Saturday, March 21, from 3 to 4 pm St. David’s Church on Park Street in Friday Harbor – “Singing Resistance” All welcome to join this peacemaker’s activity. Sign-Making event! […]
March 25: DOL mobile licensing unit on San Juan Island
March 25 | 9 am to 3 pm | San Juan Island Grange Hall DOL2Go focuses on helping under-resourced Washington residents get the services they need to live, work, drive and thrive. The mobile unit offers the same services as our traditional offices, including:
The Island Gardener for March 2026
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| March in the garden is always a bit of a tug-of-war between patience and pure excitement. Even after all these years, I still find myself getting swept up in the “spring fever” that hits right after a trip to the NW Flower and Garden Show. It’s so easy to let a few sunny days lull you into planting early, only to have a sudden chilly night remind you Mother Nature’s in charge! But […]