We’re celebrating CoastWatch’s 25th anniversary all year. One of the biggest anniversary events will take place on Saturday, July 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 9) at the Gleneden Beach Community Club (110 Azalea St.). The community of Gleneden Beach is about four miles south of Siletz Bay.
The event will feature coastal ecologist Stewart Schultz, author of “The Northwest Coast: A Natural History” and a leading expert on the shoreline environments of the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Schultz will provide two talks. At about 9:45, he will discuss the ecology of Oregon’s rocky shores. And at 11, he will take up the topic of beach ecology.
We’ll have a semi-potluck indoor picnic shortly after noon. CoastWatch will provide finger food and beverages. Brown-bag your own sandwich or other main course; everyone attending is encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share at lunch and/or the after-party, although this isn't obligatory. Lunch will be accompanied by some remarks on CoastWatch history and future.
Then, at about 1:15 p.m., we’ll head out for a beachwalk led by Stewart Schultz, to learn more about the creatures that inhabit the sandy shoreline, as well as those that wash up on it. (If you aren't able to attend during the morning, but would like to join the beachwalk, feel free to do so, either by catching the group at the community hall at about 1 p.m., or looking for us on the beach.)
We’ll wrap up the day back at the community hall with an anniversary party for CoastWatch--there will be cake!
Mark your calendars now and plan to join us to learn and celebrate. This event is free and open to all--please invite along anyone interested in shoreline science, or who might be a prospective CoastWatch mile adopter. RSVPs, while not mandatory, would be helpful in planning.
To RSVP, for more information about the event, or to learn more about CoastWatch, contact Fawn Custer, our volunteer coordinator, at (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org.