The coastal areas of the San Juan Islands are regarded as among the most diverse, yet delicate, marine ecosystems in the nation. Home to 2,134 acres, San Juan Island National Historical Park offers spectacular vistas, saltwater shores, lavish woodlands and glimpses of stunning orca whales. While the landscape is breathtaking, it is no stranger to the troublesome affects of climate change. This summer, San Juan Island officials are addressing the impacts of climate change in addition to traditional sightseeing. 

Residents and visitors alike will learn about the influences and outcomes of climate change, and how it affects the popular San Juan Islands, and other admired national parks. A series of eight expert speakers, from oceanographers to botanists, biologists to meteorologists, will engage with attendees to provide a current look at climate change. They'll recommend what actions can be taken on an individual level to bring about positive change. Climate change is dramatically affecting the San Juan Islands, according to Lee Taylor, the historical park's superintendent. 

“The impacts of climate change on national parks are immediate and real—rising sea level, ocean acidification, and increased wildfire to name just a few,” Superintendent Taylor said. “We need to increase our resilience to these changes here in the Islands and beyond.”

This series will run from June through September, with a discussion afterwards to encourage everyone involved to think globally and act locally. Join in on the series kick off with Dr. Richard Hebda, a botanist at the University of Victoria School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and Curator of Botany and Earth History at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Friday Harbor Brickworks.

For a full schedule of speakers and more information, visit Climate Scientists coming to San Juan.