SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA May 7, 2025 — Over 300 volunteers joined forces this April for the 2025 Spring Great Islands Clean-Up, showing the true power of community action. From local families and school groups to kayak crews and visitors from Seattle, volunteers came together to clean up 171 miles of beaches, roads, and trails across nine islands: Jones, Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, Stuart, Turn, Waldron, and Yellow.
Together, they removed an impressive 2,925 pounds of litter and marine debris, making a meaningful contribution to the health of our island ecosystems and the surrounding Salish Sea.
“This event proves that thinking globally and acting locally really does make a difference,” said Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Program Coordinator in San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship. “Each person who showed up helped protect the islands we call home.”
The Great Islands Clean-Up is held every spring and fall, coordinated by the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship in partnership with Orcas Recycling Services, Lautenbach Recycling, Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District, San Juan Sanitation, Friends of the San Juans, the Stewardship Network of the San Juans, and numerous individual, business, and service group volunteers. Funding for the event is provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Community Litter Cleanup Program.
The County extends its sincere thanks to all who participated in making the Spring 2025 Clean-Up a success. Your efforts are helping to keep our shorelines clean and our waters healthy!
Contact: Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, katief@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-762-5821
About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship:
San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuanco.com/839/Environmental-Stewardship.
