What's happening on the South Oregon Coast

Bastendorf Sunset

Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition
P.O. Box 33
Seal Rock, OR  97376
(503) 238-4450

CONTACTS:  Fawn Custer, (541) 270-0027, envtgsldrfawn@aol.com
Joy Tally, (541) 888-5558, ext. 27, joy.tally@state.or.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Good through March 13)

‘SHARING THE COAST’ CONFERENCE SLATED FOR FLORENCE

A conference for all those who love to watch the shoreline, and those who love to teach others about it, is coming to Florence on Saturday, March 13.  CoastWatch and the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) are co-sponsoring the “Sharing the Coast Conference,” devoted to both observing the shore and interpreting what we see for others.  The event takes place beginning at 9:30 a.m. (registration at 9 a.m.) at Lane Community College’s Florence branch, 3149 Oak St.

Geologist Bob Lillie will be one of the day’s key presenters.  Dr. Lillie, a professor at Oregon State University, who also manages education and outreach for the National Science Foundation’s Earthscope program, will present a slide talk on “Beauty and the Beast:  Oregon’s Dynamic Coast and the Violent Forces that Shape It,” and later lead a workshop on how to help others understand coastal geology and coastal hazards, including earthquakes and tsunamis.

Among other speakers, environmental educator Fawn Custer of NAME will provide an ecological introduction to tidepools, Sam Chan of Sea Grant will discuss invasive species of the coast, Russ Namitz of Cape Arago Audubon will present a slide talk on birds of the sea and shore, and Shawn Rowe, a free-choice learning specialist with Sea Grant, will speak on “Meeting People at the Shore:  Interpretation for Everybody” and head a break-out session that explores interpretive techniques more fully.

Robin Hartmann, Ocean Program director for Oregon Shores, will speak on “Alternative Energy and the Oregon Coast,” and lead a workshop on getting involved in energy issues.  Vicki Osis, former head of youth and teacher education at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, will conduct a workshop on teaching about climate change.

The event is free to members of either Oregon Shores or NAME, or $10 to others (although the conference fee will be waived for those joining either organization on that day).  Attendees can either bring their own lunches, or order a sandwich at registration.  The conference will last until approximately 4 p.m.

Pre-registration isn’t required but would be appreciated.  To pre-register or for more information, contact Fawn Custer, (541) 270.0027, envtgsldrfawn@aol.com, or Joy Tally, (541) 888-5558, ext. 27, joy.tally@state.or.us