Registration is now open for a countywide event called Sustainable San Juans:  Greening Your Home, Business and Food. The central event is a stewardship fair and workshop on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Friday Harbor Middle School.

The fair will feature displays from local stewardship groups and “green” businesses, presentation of the 2009 Good Steward Awards, a great lunch prepared by the Experience Food Project and local chefs, and a series of workshops with practical tips for nurturing a sustainable ecosystem.

It’s just $5 for early registration or $10 at the door.  Advance registration is recommended.

Workshop sessions will be focused on three categories:
HOME, with tips on low impact designs for landscaping and reducing the use of toxic chemicals inside the house
FOOD, with information about local food programs and suggestions on how to eat healthy foods while supporting local agriculture
BUSINESS, with sessions on how to support businesses that employ environmentally sound practices and how to “green up” your own business

But first, on Friday there will be a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the founding of The Whale Museum, the San Juan Preservation Trust and the Friends of the San Juans.  All are invited to the party from 3 to 5 p.m. p.m. at The Whale Museum on First Street in Friday Harbor.

Following the Saturday workshop, on Sunday, April 19, there will be a variety of field trips and tours throughout the islands to see sustainable techniques in action, and to get out and enjoy nature waking up from winter.  Choose from farm tours, wildflower walks, shoreline wildlife viewing and water-based trips, to name just a few.  Fees range from free to nominal charges.

Take part in all three days, or register for the stewardship fair and field trips separately.  Sustainable San Juans is sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

For more information, to register for the event, and to nominate citizen volunteers for the annual “Finnie” award,  go to https://www.stewardshipsjc.org/summit.html or call 378-2319.

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