A Community-Driven Vision for the San Juan Islands

Island Stewards is a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit that is working with a grant provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce to help ensure that all demographics are included in revising the Comprehensive Plan for San Juan County to better manage Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA).

Island Stewards engages collective wisdom to create an inspiring future for the Islands that emphasizes community voices in shaping policies, solutions, and visions for the future. It’s about listening first—understanding the lived experiences, hopes, and challenges of everyone involved. By emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity, Island Stewards is driven by the people it affects most.

Island Stewards aims to discover and address pressing issues by working side-by-side with residents from all walks of life.

Meet the Team

  • Morgan Meadows

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Morgan has thousands of hours of experience with various non-profit agencies in San Juan County and beyond. Specializing in community-based response and hands-on practices, she helps communities co-create projects and programs with the highest degree of intentionality to achieve their reason for being. More recently, she can be found in her gardens.

  • Leslie Seaman

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Leslie Seaman, a longtime Orcas Island resident, has been a passionate advocate for land use and water protection since 1992. As a Grange Master for 20 years and the driving force behind free Concerts in the Park, Leslie’s dedication to community shines through in every endeavor. Her effort and dedication, have helped inspire future generations of Island Stewards.

  • Sooz Stahl

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Sooz has over ten years of experience specializing in research and professional development through interactive drama, designing workshops that use Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to help organizations examine their work through an equity lens. Sooz uses innovative strategies to create interactive, engaging learning experiences.

  • Joe Symons

    TREASURER

    A longtime resident of Orcas Island, Joe Symons dedicated himself to preserving the island’s unique beauty and sustainable future. As a passionate advocate, he asks us to address critical issues about the future of San Juan County, working tirelessly to inspire stewardship and long-term planning for the community. For a “big picture perspective” see Keep San Juan Islands Wild.

  • Robin Baldwin

    PROJECT DIRECTOR

    Robin has spent the past six years on Orcas Island, tending a vibrant food forest and embracing the healing power of nature. Now, as a writer with Island Stewards, Robin is weaving the myth and legend of San Juan County’s residents and landscapes, capturing the unique interplay between people and the natural world through a lens of thoughtful storytelling.

Advisors

  • Steve Bernheim

  • Marcy Montgomery

Our Approach

Our Approach

Cascade Lake tree overhang Orcas Island

At the heart of this project is the belief that meaningful change begins with listening. Over the coming months, Island Stewards will be hosting focus groups, community gatherings, and creative workshops to learn directly from the people who live, work, and thrive here.

Our Goals Include:

  • Hearing diverse voices: Whether you’re a young person envisioning your future on the islands, a retired resident navigating life on a fixed income, or a low-income family striving to make ends meet, your perspective matters.

  • Building collective knowledge: We aim to create a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the San Juan Islands, drawing from the wisdom of the community.

  • Defining stewardship together: By exploring what stewardship means to different people, we can shape a vision that reflects the values and priorities of everyone who calls these islands home.

The labrynth on Orcas Island Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Why Now?

San Juan County is at a crossroads. Issues like housing affordability, climate change, and access to resources are becoming more urgent, requiring thoughtful and inclusive solutions. At the same time, our community is rich with knowledge, creativity, and passion—an incredible resource for tackling these challenges.

Island Stewards works to ensure that the decisions made today honor the voices of the people who live here and reflect the spirit of collaboration and care that defines the San Juan Islands.

How You Can Get Involved

This project is about you—your insights, your concerns, your hopes for the future. There are many ways to participate:

  • Join a Focus Group: Share your experiences and ideas in a supportive, collaborative space.

  • Attend a Community Gathering: Meet your neighbors and explore what stewardship means to you.

  • Get Creative: Participate in workshops or contribute art, writing, or videos that express your vision for the islands.

We are just beginning to lay the groundwork, and your voice is essential to shaping the path forward. Together, we can create a future where development and preservation exist in harmony, and every resident feels seen, heard, and valued.