Many say that the San Juans are paradise – so how do we keep them that way? An eight page full color insert coming out July 15 and 16 in all three local papers gives actions we can all take to help. Make sure you get a copy of “Caring for our natural resources … a way of life in the San Juans.”

Inside you will find helpful tips on how to save money by taking care of your septic system and reducing watering and landscaping costs while improving water quality and wildlife habitat.

The insert talks about how we are making progress and how we can do better. Find out how local businesses, the Chambers of Commerce, and the San Juan Island Visitors Bureau are supporting this effort.

Get the listings for local marinas that have qualified for the Clean Marina certification – did you know that we have the most of any county in Puget Sound?

Find out how you can learn more about the natural history and ecosystems of our islands, curbing noxious weeds on your property, opportunities for hazardous waste disposal, and more.

A “Stewardship Connection” page lists contacts for free technical assistance such as how to save $200 to $350 by taking a free class on inspecting your own septic system, or developing a farm or forest plan to protect water quality and wildlife habitats. You can also find contacts for conserving open space and wildlife corridors, and what the county is doing to help.

Why does all of this matter? We live in a biological treasure trove that draws visitors from around the world. Fish from one of the largest single salmon runs on the planet, the Frasier River system, use our islands on their way to and from the Pacific Ocean. And, most importantly, our local economies depend upon keeping our island ecosystems healthy.

Recognizing the link between economic health and ecosystem health, the County Commissioners designated all of San Juan County as a Marine Stewardship Area in 2004. The insert gives details about this grassroots effort and priorities chosen by local participants.

Just like the county’s Marine Resources Committee established by local efforts 14 years ago, our Marine Stewardship Area is the first of its kind. However, it won’t work without you!

Added together, all of our everyday choices, big and small, make a larger impact on the health of our islands – our backyards – than most government policies to date. So, look for the insert on July 15 and 16, clip the sections that you find useful, and know that you are doing your part in caring for our precious natural resources.

Susan Key is Executive Director of the San Juan Nature Institute.