Submitted by San Juan County.
The San Juan Islands Stewardship Guide is a simple, visually engaging booklet created to help both visitors and residents protect our environment and way of life. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, the guide offers easy, effective tips for being a good steward — preserving the islands for generations to come.
Launched in 2018 by the San Juan County Department of Stewardship in collaboration with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, the Stewardship Guide is supported by lodging tax funds from visitor stays, reinvesting tourism revenue to help protect and preserve the islands we all value.
Why it matters
Tourism is a vital part of the San Juan Islands’ economy, and the Stewardship Guide helps ensure that visitor experiences are respectful and sustainable. With tips like how to safely share the road and responsibly view wildlife, the guide addresses some of the most common friction points to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Locals love sharing the guide with visiting friends and family, and many vacation rentals and guest accommodations place the reusable booklets in rooms for visitors to enjoy.
Get a guide
Free Stewardship Guide booklets are available at: the Chambers of Commerce on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez; the San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez libraries; and the service counter at the San Juan County Department of Community Development.
A full online version of the guide at bit.ly/SJIstewardguide is also available to view and share. Local businesses are encouraged to link to the guide and include it in guest confirmation emails to promote responsible tourism. Rack cards featuring a QR code make it easy to access the online version of the guide from anywhere. Businesses may also contact the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau to receive a free poster with QR code to display and help spread awareness.
Follow the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for stewardship tips to share with your networks and help amplify the message of care and respect for these extraordinary islands.
