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the exchange

From Ashes to Awesome: The New Orcas Island Exchange

Sandi Friel January 28, 2018

A devastating fire leveled the island’s beloved reuse center, The Exchange. What followed is a shining example of islanders’ determination, collaboration and generosity. The non-profit Orcas Recycling Services (ORS) first took over managing the transfer station and then went to work rebuilding the Exchange.

The Incredible Edible Stinging Nettle

Springtime on Orcas Island means nettle time! Some people only consider nettles to be those pesky weeds that cause an irritating sting when brushed up against. My students at Orcas Island Elementary School know otherwise… they know that nettles are nutritious, tasty, and free! A fresh nettle patch growing on Orcas Island. Nettles are low in calories, but …

Our First Day of Forest School

I sent my child into the forest with strangers and he came out more alive then ever! Did you know that Orcas Island has a Forest School? Forest School is relatively new idea in America but has been successful and commonplace in many European countries for several decades. The Orcas Island Forest School offers a play-based, …

Time for ‘Quick Three Beers’ — The Olive-Sided Flycatcher Is Here

Last summer I listed and sold a property in Crow Valley on Quick Three Beers Lane. I was tickled by the creative address, and as a bird lover I knew right away the name had nothing to do with a cold brew. Quick Three Beers is a birder’s phrase for the three-beat song of the elusive Olive-Sided Flycatcher, …

A Big Blooming Surprise

If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you know that I’m a big fan of native plants. Each spring, I comb the woods and fields for the first budding Calypso orchids, starflower, twinflower, white fawn lily and other favorites. But I’m not a flower snob: I find all plants fascinating. When I recently got an invitation to tour an Orcas Island iris …

BUILDING A BRIDGE: How government can work for people and planet – 2017

When the time finally came to replace the ailing Channel Road Bridge in Deer Harbor, San Juan County took the high road.

Instead of top-down decision-making, County Councilman Rick Hughes encouraged Public Works to reach out to the community and let the residents guide the aesthetics of the bridge. This engagement process added a year in planning, but resulted in citizens taking ownership and pride in a bridge that they, in a sense, helped build.

Spring Bloom 2018 – Farm to Table at Morningstar Farm

Spring Bloom 2018 – Farm to Table at Morningstar Farm By Terri Williams This event was island born! It was about community. It was about family. It was about local food and farmers. It was about wine and connecting. Here is an email I received from Kika Westoff, event coordinator, describing the unique details of …

Orcas ROCKS! A Brief Geological History – Repost

Looking out from one of the stunning viewpoints atop Orcas Island’s Turtleback Mountain or Mount Constitution, it’s easy to imagine that the evergreen archipelago spread out below you has existed as-is since time immemorial. Indeed, the rock you’re standing on may be more than 500 million years old! Far from being permanent, however, Orcas is part …

Orcas Teens: Living and Working on an Island Paradise – Repost

Not a lot has changed since I was a teenager growing up on Orcas Island 20-25 years ago, and that’s not a bad thing. The Sea View Theatre still shows one movie a week and The Village Stop, (Con’s) still has soft-serve ice cream. Being a teenager on an island is actually pretty great, especially Orcas Island. …

Pizza Camp

I love pizza – who doesn’t?! Ok, so I don’t need to eat more carbs, and yes we have Hogstone Pizza in town. So why, you ask, do I crave to create the best ever pizza??? Last time I was in Darvill’s Bookstore I found a book about pizza titled Pizza Camp by Joe Beddin. After reading Joe’s recipe and constitution on how and what to use to make the best-ever pie I started planning and dreaming. So let the fun begin!