We’ve teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. This bird-oriented happy hour starts at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic.

Salishan opens The Attic an hour early for birders of all levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage in a cozy setting. This month we’ll enjoy a little trivia on the springtime topic of bird eggs.

In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes! 

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

Our oceans and coasts are vast and dynamic, making understanding their underlying processes and predicting future conditions highly challenging. Seabirds, however, cross the boundary between land and sea and can be a highly-visible and insightful window into the workings of the ever-changing Oregon Coast. Will Kennerley shares some of the work done by Oregon State University's Seabird Oceanography Lab as they attempt to use seabirds to better understand marine ecosystems. Murres, cormorants, eagles, and puffins all provide insight into the oceanographic forces, changing fish communities, and effects of humans (both good and bad) along our scenic coastline.

Will Kennerley is a faculty research assistant in the Seabird Oceanography Lab at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. Will first came to OSU in 2020 for his MSc degree, to research how the foraging ecology of Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) in the Gulf of Maine is impacted by marine heatwaves. He fell in love with Oregon’s seabirds during his graduate work and, since completing his degree in 2023, has shifted his focus to the incredible seabirds of the Pacific Northwest. He works now on diverse research projects, including monitoring seabirds at Yaquina Head, performing at sea surveys for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), and is the lead contact for the “Birds with Fish” community science initiative.

This presentation is brought to you by Yaquina Birders & Naturalists

MEETING LOCATION:

OSU Extension Lincoln County
1211 SE Bay Blvd
Newport, OR 97365

The two-mile Two Rivers Nature Trail boasts a sweeping viewpoint of the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers. The walk is moderate with elevation changes and uneven terrain. Early April offers a unique opportunity to view early migrants along with lingering winter birds and waterfowl.

*Please note later start time.

Location: Meet at the upper parking lot off Christiansen Rd.

Directions: From HWY 101 north of the turn toward Pacific City, turn northwest onto Christensen Rd. and continue straight to the parking lot.

The Villages walk provides diverse habitat for an interesting array of birds. April is a great time to see the last of the wintering songbirds and enjoy early arrivals such as warblers. We’ll walk downhill past the Sal La Sea wetlands to the parking lot at Roads End State Park to look for nearshore birds.

Location: Meet on NE Devils Lake Blvd. past the golf course (watch for our SCBA sign).

Directions: From HWY 101 in Lincoln City, turn north onto NE Devils Lake Blvd. and continue straight for approximately 1 mile to the cul-de-sac.

Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation.

We’ve teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This bird-oriented happy hour starts at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic.

Salishan opens The Attic an hour early for birders of all levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage in a cozy setting. A Seven Capes representative will be present to share tips on local birding.

In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes! 

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

Seabirds are often thought of belonging to the isolated domain of the remote ocean – but throughout southern Oregon, hundreds of thousands of nesting Leach's storm-petrels must share the coastline with a diversity of terrestrial carnivores each summer. Anecdotal observations from the past few decades suggest that certain mammal species actively hunt storm-petrels at their colony islands, but the exact impact of these predators is not well understood. For the past three years, Luke Stuntz has been leading a research project on the predatory behavior of river otters and mink at several important seabird colonies in Curry County, with a focus on the intersection between predator sociality and their seasonal impacts on nesting seabirds. Luke will present on how these islands represent a fascinating context to examine the adaptability of Oregon’s native mesocarnivores, and he will discuss the specific conservation implications of this unique species interaction.

Luke Stuntz is a graduate student in Wildlife Science at Oregon State University studying the predation of seabirds by native terrestrial carnivores along the coast of southern Oregon. Luke joined the Seabird Oceanography Lab in 2022 as a novice in the world of seabird ecology, but his expertise and experience in carnivore behavior has allowed for an exciting collaboration between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the OSU project team. He is very passionate about translating behavioral ecology research to applied conservation settings, and he plans to move into a career in protected land management following his time at OSU.

This presentation is hosted by Yaquina Birders & Naturalists.

MEETING LOCATION:

OSU Extension Lincoln County
1211 SE Bay Blvd
Newport, OR 97365

Seven Capes Bird Alliance will host an introduction to volunteer opportunities on Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. in a meeting room at Driftwood Public Library in the City Hall building (801 SE Hwy 101 #201, Lincoln City). This gathering is rescheduled from a meeting that was cancelled last month due to weather.

Seven Capes programs are growing in popularity, and we need help to keep them staffed. The Education Team is a fun bunch of people, and participating as a volunteer is a great way to learn more about birds and wildlife, meet new people, acquire new skills, and get involved!

This event will include an overview of our volunteer roles. We’re sure one of these great opportunities will appeal to you:

• Bird Walk Assistants help our participants have an optimal experience by passing out binoculars, ensuring safety on the trail, and helping the leader spot birds.

• Our Neighbor the Osprey Educators take a fun educational enrichment program to local kindergarten classes. 

• Birding Basics Assistants help the teachers of our popular community college course distribute materials and enhance student enjoyment.

• Senior Presentation Assistants facilitate our program about local birds for nearby senior centers and residence homes.

• Osprey Ambassadors “adopt” an Osprey nest in Lincoln or Tillamook County and document chick success from March through September.

• Tabling Ambassadors join staff at our Seven Capes exhibit that we set up for farmers markets and community events.

All training, materials, and Seven Capes vests will be provided. If you can attend or have questions, please contact Nora Sherwood at noras@sevencapes.org.

Located in Bay City, this 200-acre reserve is rich in heritage and wildlife. The nature trail is wide and accessible, stretching to the bay and back, about two miles total. We’ll look for winter sparrows and other songbirds.

Location: Meet in the Kilchis Point Reserve parking lot off Spruce St.

Directions: From HWY 101 in Bay City, turn west onto Warren St., then turn left on to Spruce St. after 0.2 mi.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance welcomes volunteers to learn about becoming an Osprey nest monitor in Lincoln County! The Newport training is scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 2-3:30 p.m. at Oregon Coast Community College, Newport (400 SE College Way, Newport, OR 97366).

Every spring, Ospreys return to nest in Lincoln County, often meeting up with the same mate and using the same nesting site from previous years. Seven Cape’s Osprey Awareness Initiative pairs volunteers with nest sites to observe the birds’ return, nest building, incubation, and number of chicks. Volunteers enter their observations on a user-friendly phone application or record them on paper. This growing data set helps us understand the patterns of Osprey behavior and their reproductive success.

Volunteers will find it helpful to have some previous birding experience, personal transportation to the nest site, and availability to enter two to three, 15-minute observations each week. Schedules are flexible, and the nesting/observation season runs from mid-March to mid-September. Substitute observers can be scheduled for volunteers’ occasional travel plans.

Become a nest monitor and learn more about these fascinating raptors by “adopting” a nest and recording the Osprey family’s behavior throughout the nesting season. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Osprey enthusiasts and contribute to a growing data set compiled by fellow citizen scientists.

RSVP at heatherg@sevencapes.org to reserve your space at one of the trainings, or to arrange a private training if neither date fits your schedule. Seven Capes especially encourages volunteers from Newport, Waldport, and Yachats to help expand the project’s reach. 

Spring Lake Open Space is a hidden treasure within the city limits about a quarter of a mile from Highway 101 on NE 14th Street. Except for the paved trail at the top, most trails are muddy and uneven. The trail follows the lake edge closely most of the way. We will look for winter sparrows and other songbirds.

Location: Meet in the Spring Lake Open Space parking lot on Port Ave.

Directions: From HWY 101 in Lincoln City, turn east onto NE 14th St and continue for 0.3 mi, then turn left onto Port Ave to find the parking lot on the right side of the street.

Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance welcomes volunteers to learn about becoming an Osprey nest monitor in Lincoln County! The Lincoln City training is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Oregon Coast Community College, Lincoln City (3788 SE High School Dr, Lincoln City, OR 97367).

Every spring, Ospreys return to nest in Lincoln County, often meeting up with the same mate and using the same nesting site from previous years. Seven Cape’s Osprey Awareness Initiative pairs volunteers with nest sites to observe the birds’ return, nest building, incubation, and number of chicks. Volunteers enter their observations on a user-friendly phone application or record them on paper. This growing data set helps us understand the patterns of Osprey behavior and their reproductive success.

Volunteers will find it helpful to have some previous birding experience, personal transportation to the nest site, and availability to enter two to three, 15-minute observations each week. Schedules are flexible, and the nesting/observation season runs from mid-March to mid-September. Substitute observers can be scheduled for volunteers’ occasional travel plans.

Become a nest monitor and learn more about these fascinating raptors by “adopting” a nest and recording the Osprey family’s behavior throughout the nesting season. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Osprey enthusiasts and contribute to a growing data set compiled by fellow citizen scientists.

RSVP at heatherg@sevencapes.org to reserve your space at one of the trainings, or to arrange a private training if neither date fits your schedule. Seven Capes especially encourages volunteers from Newport, Waldport, and Yachats to help expand the project’s reach. 

We’ve teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This bird-oriented happy hour starts at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic.

Salishan opens The Attic an hour early for birders of all levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage in a cozy setting. This month we’ll enjoy a Valentine’s theme of birds we love and their courtship rituals.

In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes! 

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

Join Yaquina Birders & Naturalists for their upcoming Naturalist Presentation: In August 2024, the Willamette Valley Conservation Area was established as the 572nd refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley between Salem and Eugene, the acquisition of the Diamond Hill wetlands was the first purchase of the new Conservation Area. The 600-acre parcel is a step in a 10-year effort to permanently protect oak and prairie habitat for the benefit of five endangered species, two candidate species and numerous other plant and animal species of concern. The conservation area also provides habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical songbirds and iconic Oregon species such as the Western monarch butterfly, Western meadowlark and Oregon white oak. 

The Service worked closely with Tribal Nations, including the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and more. Speaker Jarod Jebousek will discuss the need, opportunity, process, challenges, and establishment our newest National Wildlife Refuge.
 
Jarod has worked at the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the past 24 years as a biologist in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. His job allows him to collaborate with private, non-profit, and tribal landowners on voluntary habitat restoration projects throughout the Willamette Valley. He was born in Salem, grew up in the Willamette Valley on a farm, and attended Oregon State University. He lives with his wife and daughter in Corvallis.

MEETING LOCATION:

OSU Extension Lincoln County
1211 SE Bay Blvd
Newport, OR 97365

This is an easy walk through the forest right in the heart of Lincoln City. We’ll look for year round residents such as Downy Woodpecker as well as wintering sparrows.

Location: Meet at the trailhead on NE West Devils Lake Rd. There is limited parking along the street at the trailhead.

Directions: The trailhead is approximately 0.1 mi south of Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City on the west side of NE West Devils Lake Rd.

Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.

Join MidCoast Watersheds Council for an inside look at the care and conservation of sea otters, with speaker Brittany Blades. Sea otters, often described as charismatic marine mammals, are more than just a cute face. Attend this free talk to discover why they are the heroes of our nearshore ecosystems! The plight of the sea otter is an encouraging story about the recovery of a near extinct species, a journey that continues to this day. In Oregon, sea otters have long been absent from our shores as a result of centuries of intense hunting. The only places in Oregon where you are guaranteed to find one are the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Oregon Zoo. Learn how Brittany Blades found herself immersed in a career caring for sea otters as well as getting involved with sea otter conservation efforts. Hear personal stories of hilarious sea otter antics and discover actions you can take to help sea otters in Oregon!

In his webinar, Dr. Matthew Betts will present research on bird populations in forested landscapes. He will begin by discussing a 10-year study investigating how intensive forest management influences bird abundance in the Oregon Coast Range, then share findings from a long-term ecological research project that focuses on how old-growth forests impact microclimate and bird population trends. Dr. Betts will conclude with research on tropical hummingbird species, examining how landscape fragmentation affects their populations.

Dr. Betts completed his undergraduate degree and PhD in Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick and conducted postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where his research focused on population and molecular ecology. He is currently Professor and Ruth Spaniol Chair of Natural Resources Conservation in the Department of Forest Ecosystems & Society in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University (OSU). Here he has taught both undergraduates and graduates about forest biodiversity and management for 16 years.

Dr. Betts’s research focuses on plant and animal responses to forest management activities at local, regional, and global scales. He is lead investigator for the Oregon Intensive Forest Management project, lead scientist for the HJ Andrews Long-term Ecological Research Program, and director and founder of the OSU Forest Biodiversity Research Network. The author of more than 140 peer-reviewed publications, his work has been profiled in the New York Times, Washington Post, National Public Radio, CBC, National Geographic, and Scientific American.

This event has been CANCELLED due to weather conditions in Lincoln City. To be rescheduled!

Seven Capes Bird Alliance will host an introduction to volunteer opportunities on Tuesday, February 4, at 1 p.m. in a meeting room at Driftwood Public Library in the City Hall building (801 SE Hwy 101 #201, Lincoln City).

Seven Capes programs are growing in popularity, and we need help to keep them staffed. The Education Team is a fun bunch of people, and participating as a volunteer is a great way to: 

- Learn more about the birds and wildlife we all love

• Meet new people

• Learn a new skill

• Exercise skills you already have

• Get involved!

This event will include volunteer training and presentations about bird walks, classroom education for children and adults, and senior citizen outreach. We’re sure one of these great opportunities will appeal to you! 

If you have questions, please contact Nora Sherwood at noras@sevencapes.org.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance has teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This bird-oriented happy hour starts at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic.

Salishan opens The Attic an hour early for birders of all levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage in a cozy setting. This month we’ll share results of the annual Christmas Bird Count.

In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes! 

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

Yaquina Bay regularly hosts thousands of wintering waterfowl. After walking the trail, we’ll drive to the south jetty as time permits. We should see Harlequin and other diving ducks, loons, and other wintering birds. This trip offers short easy walks to viewing areas.

Location: Meet in the Hatfield Marine Science Center visitor center parking lot.

Directions: From HWY 101 south of the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, take SE Marine Science Drive and continue to take the first exit from the traffic circle.

Regatta Park, with playground, picnic area, and lake access, is a favorite spot for local families. Less well known are the park’s nature trails. We’ll start with a walk through the woods looking for songbirds, then check the lake for wintering waterfowl.

Location: Meet in the parking lot off of NE 14th in Lincoln City.

Directions: From HWY 101 in Lincoln City, turn east on NE 14th St. Regatta Park will be on the right, marked with a large sign.

Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation

Conrad Gowell will share his knowledge of Pacific Northwest coastal stream habitats. He will discuss how current and historic baselines of coastal stream environments have shifted, relaying stories that showcase the interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems. His presentation will center ideas that can contribute to the recovery of stream health, focusing on the active role humans can play in better managing aquatic resources.

Growing up in the diverse watersheds of Oregon, Conrad quickly developed a fascination for the aquatic world that has inspired him to act on behalf of wild fish and rivers throughout his life. His interests in ecology, evolution, and the environment led him to complete a degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound in 2012. Since then, he has worked with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, sovereign nations, and fishery consultants aiming to advance science-based management of fish and restoration of watersheds throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

As Biologist for the Wild Fish Conservancy, Conrad brings a policy and research background plus experience with habitat restoration and protection. He also brings a vision for better relationships between the different communities and cultures that depend on fish and rivers. Conrad lives with his wife in McMinnville, Oregon, and when not at work can be found foraging for wild foods or wandering in a Coast Range wild stream.

Date: January 8, 2025

Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

The Yaquina Bay count is within a 15 mile diameter circle that extends from Yaquina Head southward to Seal Rocks and eastward to Toledo. This count covers a variety of diverse habitats along the Oregon Coast.

If you’re interested in participating, fill out this form by December 23 and contact kaifrueh2@gmail.com with any questions.

This is Lincoln City’s 15th annual Christmas Bird Count! The Lincoln City count circle, like all others, is 15 miles in diameter. We've divided ours into seven sectors (see map). If you love birds, join us in the field or count birds in your own backyard.

Field counters need to dress for Oregon coast weather. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)

If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Lincoln City area (see map). We will provide a checklist and guidelines.

Contact us at info@sevencapes.org to register!

Want to join the count but don’t live in our area? Check out the map of all count circles to find one near you here.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance (SCBA) has teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” on Wednesday, December 18. This bird-oriented happy hour will start at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic.

Salishan is opening The Attic an hour early for birders of all levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or healthy non-alcoholic beverage. A Seven Capes Bird Alliance representative will share information about where to see birds on the Salishan property and upcoming SCBA bird walks.

In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes!

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

Seven Capes Bird Alliance (sevencapes.org) was founded as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization, SCBA is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.

With over 200 acres of all-season activity, Salishan Coastal Lodge (salishan.com) invites visitors and coastal residents alike to recalibrate among hospitality, holistic wellness, coast-to-table dining, and empowering eco-adventures infused with nature.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a seabird in a show?  Join Yaquina Birders & Naturalists for an engaging look into the life of wildlife rehabilitation as CJ McCarty shares the history of pelicans at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the joys and the challenges the bird team has faced, what has been accomplished so far, and where they hope to go from here.  She will also talk about wild pelicans and the natural history and conservation messages they share with audiences of all ages.

CJ McCarty has been the Curator of Birds at the Oregon Coast Aquarium since 2007. While obtaining her Bachelor's degree in zoology from University of Washington, CJ started her career as a zoo keeper  working with beluga whales and walruses at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. CJ has been working with birds for the past 25 years. While she did spend six years in UAE working with the threatened houbara bustard, primarily her focus has been seabirds.  Most recently she enjoys socializing, training, and educating about the amazing brown pelican.

MEETING LOCATION:

OSU Extension Lincoln County
1211 SE Bay Blvd
Newport, OR 97365

The Tillamook Bay CBC is one of the oldest counts in the State. The count circle stretches from Netarts north to Rockaway Beach and east to include the Kilchis and much more (see map PDF). If you love bird watching in this rich coastal habitat, contact us! You will be assigned to a team of field counters with a specific area to cover. All experience levels are welcome!

Field counters need to dress for Oregon coast weather. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)

If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Tillamook bay area.

Please contact Allison Anholt at Allison.anholt@gmail.com to register.

EXPLORIENCE Siletz Bay! The bay is a winter resting grounds for thousands of waterfowl including Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, with the possibility of an Eurasian Wigeon. Bald Eagles often put on a show and Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are always present. We will observe from the Taft dock, then drive south along the bay, ending at Salishan Nature Trail if time permits.

Location: Meet in the Taft Waterfront parking lot in Lincoln City.

Directions: From HWY 101 in south Lincoln City, turn west onto SW 51st St. and continue for 0.3 mi to find the parking lot.

Sponsored by Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.

The MidCoast Watersheds Council invites you to join us to learn about the vital role of prescribed fire in habitat restoration and management on the Oregon Coast. For millennia, Indigenous tribes across the Americas utilized prescribed fire as a primary tool for large-scale habitat management. These intentional burns shaped ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and maintaining balance. Early European colonists ended these practices for their own purposes; only recently have we become aware of their unintended consequences. Complete fire suppression has not only contributed to severe wildfire risks due to fuel accumulation but has also led to the degradation and loss of critical habitats. For example, less than 1% of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal meadow ecosystem remains, a dramatic decline noted in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Restoring and maintaining these ecosystems may depend on reintroducing fire as a management tool.

On the Oregon Coast, prescribed fire is used primarily for ecological restoration and coastal meadow conservation rather than wildfire risk reduction, a role that differs significantly from other ecoregions in the state. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as organizations like The Nature Conservancy, lead these efforts on public and preserved lands such as Cascade Head Preserve. However, with 63% of Lincoln County composed of private lands, there is potential to expand prescribed fire practices into private land management and conservation efforts.

This presentation will feature experts from Oregon State University Extension, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in fire management and ecological restoration. They will delve into the role of prescribed fire in restoring and maintaining ecosystems on the Oregon Coast, highlighting its use by federal agencies, opportunities for expanding its application on private lands, and the social, legal, and environmental challenges involved. The discussion will include practical strategies to address these challenges, offering valuable insights into how prescribed fire can serve as a key tool for fostering ecological resilience.

About the speakers:

Aaron Groth
Regional Fire Specialist, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Fire Program
Aaron is the regional fire specialist for the North Coast within the OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Fire Program. He works with communities as well as local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit partners at different scales across the Coast to provide education and foster fire resilient communities and landscapes. He has worked for local, state, and federal agencies, international cooperation, nonprofits, and served as an Environmental Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru.   

David Thomson
Restoration Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & U.S. Forest Service
David serves as a Restoration Specialist shared between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ecological Services and Refuges branches, and the U.S. Forest Service’s Hebo and Central Coast Ranger Districts on the Siuslaw National Forest. His work focuses on coastal meadow restoration in the Pacific Northwest, with a primary goal of recovering the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly.

Brian Bradbury
Fuels Assistant Fire Management Officer, U.S. Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest

Daniel Crowell
Fire Management Officer, U.S. Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest

Kate E. Iaquinto
Project Leader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Join us at the Lincoln City Cultural Center to celebrate our 19th birthday while we honor our outstanding volunteers!

We will have a birthday cake, light refreshments, and a wonderful presentation by Karen DeWitz, author of Look at That Bird! A Young Naturalist's Guide to Pacific Northwest Birding and Let's Explore the Beach! A Young Naturalist's Guide to Pacific Coastal Wildlife. We will be giving away THREE signed copies of Karen’s book, Look at That Bird!, and you must be present to win!

If you’re an SCBA volunteer, make sure to come and claim your certificate of recognition and SCBA cap.

5-6 p.m.: Fellowship, light refreshments, and birthday cake from My Petite Sweet

6 p.m.: Volunteer recognition and presentation of our Volunteer of the Year Award

6:30 p.m.: Presentation by author Karen DeWitz

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

Bufflehead photo by Ruth Shelly