Now celebrating its 14th year, the San Juan Nature Institute continues to offer science education through local schools, field workshops for youth and adults as well as cutting edge lectures and classes for the public.

Each year they receive numerous grants from the San Juan and Orcas Community Foundations, the Russell Family Foundation, San Juan County and the State of Washington. However generous these funds are, they don’t cover any of administrative costs, including the writing of these grants. Special thanks to those dedicated islanders who step up each year with volunteer efforts and/or generous contributions.

You can participate by joining the Annual Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. at the Mullis Center in Friday Harbor. The theme this year is “Savory Farms and Healthy Habitats.” In addition to a multi-course culinary extravaganza with fine wines and dessert, the San Juan Jazz Quintet will be on hand. Featured speakers: “History of Agriculture in the San Juans” with Boyd Pratt, historian and multi-generational islander and “Local Salmon Recovery Efforts” with Barbara Rosenkotter, SJC Lead Coordinator for Salmon Recovery.

Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online at www.sjnature.org or by calling either 378-3646 or 378-7140.