Submitted by the San Juan Islands Conversation District.
The event will take place Nov. 14, 3-6 p.m. featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. that includes tours, refreshments, and community celebration.
The San Juan Islands Conservation District is excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Spring Street Conservation Campus on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 3-6 p.m., located at 915 Spring Street, Friday Harbor. The public is invited to share in this significant milestone in the Conservation District’s 77-year history as it celebrates the acquisition of a permanent home and community hub, made possible through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan.
The new Conservation Campus will promote environmental stewardship, supporting countywide efforts in sustainable food systems, ecological restoration and climate resilience. As a collaborative space, it will help our community tackle pressing environmental and social challenges, foster innovation and strengthen the very fabric of our island culture.
Over the past five years, the Conservation District has more than doubled its staff and services, outgrowing its previous office space. Major growth areas include the launch of the Islands Conservation Corps, an innovative workforce training program in partnership with Western Washington University and AmeriCorps; implementing new programs to improve stream corridors, fish and wildlife habitat, forest health and wildfire preparedness countywide; and collaborating with more private landowners and state, local and federal partners than ever before.
The public is warmly invited to attend the Grand Opening, which will feature light refreshments showcasing locally sourced food, live music, and auction and raffle items, with proceeds benefiting the Youth Conservation Corps program. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m.
“This new facility represents both an exciting new chapter for the Conservation District and a strengthened commitment to the long-term protection of the San Juan Islands’ natural resources,” said Paul Andersson, SJICD executive director. “We look forward to welcoming the community to celebrate with us and explore the new space designed to foster collaboration and innovation in local environmental stewardship.”
The event will offer the opportunity for community members to connect, learn more about conservation initiatives and celebrate this new center for sustainability. For more information, please contact the communications coordinator at Julie@sjicd.org or by phone at 360-378-6621.
The San Juan Islands Conservation District has served the islands since 1947, working to protect and preserve the region’s natural resources. Through education, collaboration and strategic partnerships, the District promotes sustainable land use practices and environmental stewardship across the islands.
