Orcas has a New Online Newsletter Contributor

Please welcome Shelly Kinner, BW Class of 2011, who will contribute news and happenings from Orcas. If you have something you would like Shelly to post, please email her at rbkinner@gmail.com

Salmon Recovery Board Volunteers Opportunity

The Salmon Recovery Board has a restoration project at Neck Point on Shaw Island. This will involve the transplanting of vegetation from one site to another on Shaw. The work is scheduled for July 29 and 30. Since the work will be in an intertidal marsh, each volunteer should bring boots, garden gloves, trowel and a shovel. This is a great opportunity to help our salmon.

For more information, contact Tina Wyllie-Echeverria at tinawe@fidalgo.net

Online Newsletter Reading List

If you are looking for some summer reading, don't forget to check out the reading list at the bottom of the newsletter. New titles have been added.

Biodiversity of Watmough Bay, Lopez

The San Juan Nature Institute is sponsoring a workshop with scientists from Kwiaht in exploring the biology of Watmough Bay. The workshop is June 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the institute for more information, call 378-3646 or E-mail: info@sjnature.org

Evolutionary Mechanics of Movement and Communication in the Sea

The 13th annual Paul Illg Lecture series will host Dr. Sheila Patek on June 21 at 7 p.m. at the San Juan Community Theater.

From mantis shrimp hammers to spiny lobster violins, the same underlying principles guide the interplay between evolutionary variation and the rules of physics. Sheila Patek's research program focuses on the biomechanics, behavior and evolution of fast movements and underwater acoustics. Patek's research probes the evolutionary correlations between morphological and acoustic variation and examines the role of stick-slip friction in the diversification of this system. Through the integration of biomechanical analyses and phylogenetic comparative approaches, these systems offer new insights into the fascinating mechanics of extreme predatory movements and acoustic defenses in the marine environment.

Puget Sound Oil Pollution Less Than Previously Estimated

A new report shows Puget Sound oil pollution is far less than previously estimated. The third and final phase of a multi-year effort to determine which toxic chemicals reach Puget Sound's waters, how the chemicals get there and where they come from is now available from the Washington Department of Ecology. The new report shows that oil and other chemicals contribute far less pollution in the sound than earlier reports indicated. You can view the report at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/1103010.html

"Decline of Island Seabirds:" John Bower Upcoming Lecture

On May 22nd, from 4:00 to 6:00pm, at the Lopez Library, John Bower will present "Decline of Island Seabirds," including his research on major declines in the abundance of marine birds in the San Juans. He will consider why these declines are happening and discuss what we can do to help island marine birds. John teaches field biology, ecology, and evolution at Fairhaven College, Bellingham, and is Lopez ornithologist Kelley Palmer-McCarty's academic adviser for recently launched studies of Lopez birds. This is the second in a series of lectures on "Issues in Island Conservation Biology" sponsored by Kwiaht.

"Go Take a Hike"

If you enjoy a good hike, put the following dates on your calendar. The Lopez Community Trails Network has planned bi-monthly hikes in the islands and on the mainland over the next several months - here are the dates:

Sat. May 21, - Turtleback Mountain on Orcas
Sat. Jul 16 - American Camp on San Juan Is.
Sat. Sep. 24 - Park Butte - Mount Baker area
Sat. Nov 12 - Lopez Hill

Contact Bob Walker of the Trails Network at 468-3397 for details, or check the lopezrocks.org calendar.

Procession of the Species - A Very Successful Event on Lopez!

At least 100 Lopez residents of all ages gathered at the Community Center last Saturday for the first (first annual?) Procession of the Species parade. Anemones, jellies, sharks, dragons, giraffes and many other representatives of the plant and animal kingdom paraded happily through the streets of Lopez village in celebration of the diversity, beauty, and uniqueness of the world we all share.

Charlie Behnke (2009 Beach Watcher,) and Amanda Wedow -- Program Directors for the Lopez Island Conservation Corps, working with the Lopez Prevention Coalition and the Lopez school, did a great job in preparing and publicizing the event. The parade was followed by a pot luck supper, music, and awards and speakers. It was a great evening!

Check out Charlie's costume! He said he didn't know how many people would come, so decided to be the entire marine ecosystem. Barnacles, rockweed, fish, and on his back, a frosted dirona! And as you'll see in the photos, the creative juices were flowing freely in the Lopez community. Plan to join the fun next year!

County Council Workshop on BAS (Best Available Science)

The San Juan County Council will conduct a WORKSHOP on Best Available Science (BAS) on Monday, May 16, 2011 beginning at 8:30 AM in the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor. WA. The Workshop includes conference calls with BAS scientists, and public comment will be accepted. The Workshop will be continued Tuesday, May 17 at 8:30 pm.

The agenda and related materials may be obtained the week prior to the meeting on the County website at www.sanjuanco.com/council/default.aspx or at the Council offices. For more information contact the Clerk 370-7472.