What a blast!
Dozens of non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and local leaders gathered for the 7th Annual Cape Perpetua Land-Sea Symposium, a community event in Yachats hosted by the Cape Perpetua Collaborative. Over 150 people showed up to learn from experts ranging from oceanographers to community science organizers, all doing work in the Cape Perpetua region. The annual event is aimed at highlighting local stewardship and conservation efforts, as well as raising awareness about current research being conducted within the Cape Perpetua nearshore and adjacent watersheds.
Representatives David Gomberg & Caddy McKeown kicked off the welcome to the event, highlighting the importance of the public’s engagement in stewardship actions locally and at the state level.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event was Bruce Menge [Bruce’s slides], a Distinguished Professor and the Wayne and Gladys Valley Endowed Professor of Marine Biology in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University. Menge highlighted what PISCO has learned about how intertidal and subtidal ecological communities have responded to climate and anthropogenic changes, their role in communicating relevant knowledge to policymakers and managers, and PISCO’s work in training new generations of students at the interface between science and management.
Participants were treated to a variety of other speakers covering topics such as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Rocky Shores Management, the elusive marbled murrelet, Oregon Black Oystercatcher Project, extinction of sea otters and gray whale health.
- Paul Reilly [Paul’s slides], Coastal Region Program Coordinator for Oregon State Parks & Recreation,
- Charlie Plybon [Charlie’s slides], Surfrider Oregon Policy Manager,
- Kim Nelson, OSU Senior Faculty Research Assistant and Co-Principal Investigator at the Marbled Murrelet Project, [Learn more about the Marbled Murrelet Project & watch video]
- Joe Liebezeit [Joe’s slides], Staff Scientist & Avian Conservation Manager for Portland Audubon,
- Robert Bailey [Robert’s slides], Coastal Advocate and Board Member of the Elakha Alliance,
- Leigh Torres [Leigh’s slides], Assistant Professor at OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center.
During the event, attendees were treated to some yummy appetizers provided by the local Mandala Catering, The Drift Inn and Bread & Roses Bakery, as well as some delicious beer from Yachats Brewery + Farmstore.
- Event Photos
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Donate: Cape Perpetua Collaborative
About Cape Perpetua – Located on the central coast of Oregon, the region includes the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area, numerous state parks, Audubon’s Ten Mile Creek Sanctuary, US Forest Service areas (including the Siuslaw National Forest, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, and the Rock Creek and Cummins Creek Wilderness Areas), a Globally Significant Important Bird Area for the ESA listed Marbled Murrelet, the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon’s Ocean Shore State Recreation Area, and numerous other sites and natural and cultural resources that provide habitats for migratory and resident seabirds, marine mammals, and native fish and wildlife as well as places for people to recreate.
