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![Happy Winter solstice!
Today is the astronomical start of #winter and the turning point as we head toward longer days.
At 7:06 AM, the Northern Hemisphere tilted farthest from the sun - marking the start of winter and ushering in the longest night and shortest day of the year.
We hope you find time to enjoy the beauty of this season with your furry and other friends!
#wintersolstice❄️ #puppy #puppylove]()
Happy Winter solstice! Today is the astronomical start of #winter and the turning point as we head toward longer days. At 7:06 AM, the Northern Hemisphere tilted farthest from the sun - marking the start of winter and ushering in the longest night and shortest day of the year. We hope you find time to enjoy the beauty of this season with your furry and other friends! #wintersolstice❄️ #puppy #puppyloveButton -
![When you support WEBS, you support …community science.
2025 has been a big year for community science in Netarts Bay!
We started the year off strong with our community science panel, where project leaders from Bird Alliance (@birdallianceoforegon), NOAA, USFWS, and @coasst_uw joined us to share about the impacts of data collected by volunteers in and around Netarts Bay.
Since then, WEBS volunteers had a busy season helping with these initiatives by monitoring Snowy Plovers, Black Oystercatchers, Cormorants, and more! WEBS also adopted a new NOAA Marine Debris (@noaadebris ) Monitoring site at Happy Camp Beach, adding to a global data set. Behind the scenes, we have been working closely with researchers and students at PSU to design an all-new community science project to monitor green crabs in Netarts Bay.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue development in 2026!
Community science thrives because of dedicated volunteers—and the resources to train, equip, and coordinate them. A gift today helps WEBS sustain and grow these efforts, expand monitoring in Netarts Bay, and launch new community-driven research in the years ahead.
Donate at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate or use the link in our bio.]()
When you support WEBS, you support …community science. 2025 has been a big year for community science in Netarts Bay! We started the year off strong with our community science panel, where project leaders from Bird Alliance (@birdallianceoforegon), NOAA, USFWS, and @coasst_uw joined us to share about the impacts of data collected by volunteers in and around Netarts Bay. Since then, WEBS volunteers had a busy season helping with these initiatives by monitoring Snowy Plovers, Black Oystercatchers, Cormorants, and more! WEBS also adopted a new NOAA Marine Debris (@noaadebris ) Monitoring site at Happy Camp Beach, adding to a global data set. Behind the scenes, we have been working closely with researchers and students at PSU to design an all-new community science project to monitor green crabs in Netarts Bay. Stay tuned for updates as we continue development in 2026! Community science thrives because of dedicated volunteers—and the resources to train, equip, and coordinate them. A gift today helps WEBS sustain and grow these efforts, expand monitoring in Netarts Bay, and launch new community-driven research in the years ahead. Donate at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate or use the link in our bio.Button -
![When you support WEBS, you support place-based education.
By grounding science in familiar landscapes, young people build strong relationships with their local environment—and a lasting sense of stewardship. Place-based education is a core part of our work.
We’re proud members of the Place-Based Teaching and Learning Network, an international community of educators and organizations collaborating across regions and countries to advance place-based learning.
These global connections strengthen our local impact—supporting deeper collaboration with partners like the Tillamook County STEAM Partnership and our role as a Steering Committee member of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub.
? Give today to help us grow and sustain place-based STEAM and environmental education opportunities for youth. Donate at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate or use the link in our bio.
Photos by @venturingvows]()
When you support WEBS, you support place-based education. By grounding science in familiar landscapes, young people build strong relationships with their local environment—and a lasting sense of stewardship. Place-based education is a core part of our work. We’re proud members of the Place-Based Teaching and Learning Network, an international community of educators and organizations collaborating across regions and countries to advance place-based learning. These global connections strengthen our local impact—supporting deeper collaboration with partners like the Tillamook County STEAM Partnership and our role as a Steering Committee member of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub. 💙 Give today to help us grow and sustain place-based STEAM and environmental education opportunities for youth. Donate at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate or use the link in our bio. Photos by @venturingvowsButton -
![Look at how far we’ve come!?
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have fully unlocked the $8500 matching challenge, more than doubling this amount with an amazing $28,000 raised so far!
Over the next few days, we’ll be highlighting how your support shows up across our community—from classrooms and coastlines to stewardship projects and hands-on science in Netarts Bay.
Every additional gift continues to make a real, tangible impact:
$25 supplies one hands-on learning station
$65 supports a stewardship event
$300 brings experts to share ecological research
$4000 funds a complete school program
Your continued support gives WEBS the stability to plan ahead and stay responsive to both community and ecological needs. Every gift—big or small—helps sustain our school programs, stewardship events, and environmental education throughout the year.
Thank you for believing in locally led environmental education and for investing in the future of Netarts Bay and Oregon’s coast. ?
Give anytime at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate]()
Look at how far we’ve come!🎉 Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have fully unlocked the $8500 matching challenge, more than doubling this amount with an amazing $28,000 raised so far! Over the next few days, we’ll be highlighting how your support shows up across our community—from classrooms and coastlines to stewardship projects and hands-on science in Netarts Bay. Every additional gift continues to make a real, tangible impact: $25 supplies one hands-on learning station $65 supports a stewardship event $300 brings experts to share ecological research $4000 funds a complete school program Your continued support gives WEBS the stability to plan ahead and stay responsive to both community and ecological needs. Every gift—big or small—helps sustain our school programs, stewardship events, and environmental education throughout the year. Thank you for believing in locally led environmental education and for investing in the future of Netarts Bay and Oregon’s coast. 💙 Give anytime at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donateButton -
![Giving locally means investing in the place you live.
The Tillamook County Giving Guide from the @tillamookcountypioneer1 highlights dozens of local nonprofits doing meaningful, behind-the-scenes work to support our people, land, and community.
Every organization in this guide is planting seeds of care—through education, food access, the arts, environmental stewardship, housing, and more. If you’re able to give this season, consider supporting one (or more) of these groups. Every gift, at any level, makes a difference.
We’re grateful to be included alongside so many incredible partners working toward a stronger, more connected Tillamook County.]()
Giving locally means investing in the place you live. The Tillamook County Giving Guide from the @tillamookcountypioneer1 highlights dozens of local nonprofits doing meaningful, behind-the-scenes work to support our people, land, and community. Every organization in this guide is planting seeds of care—through education, food access, the arts, environmental stewardship, housing, and more. If you’re able to give this season, consider supporting one (or more) of these groups. Every gift, at any level, makes a difference. We’re grateful to be included alongside so many incredible partners working toward a stronger, more connected Tillamook County.Button -
![Sometimes we get to witness moments that remind us why we do this work. ?
During our Biomes field trip, students were lucky enough to see salmon making their journey back into freshwater rivers—an unforgettable, real-life lesson in ecosystems, life cycles, and resilience. Thank you again to @venturingvowsfor capturing these moments.
Help us reach our end-of-year campaign goal $17,000! Three local supporters will match up to $8,500 dollar for dollar until the end of the year. You can donate online at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donate]()
Sometimes we get to witness moments that remind us why we do this work. 💙 During our Biomes field trip, students were lucky enough to see salmon making their journey back into freshwater rivers—an unforgettable, real-life lesson in ecosystems, life cycles, and resilience. Thank you again to @venturingvowsfor capturing these moments. Help us reach our end-of-year campaign goal $17,000! Three local supporters will match up to $8,500 dollar for dollar until the end of the year. You can donate online at www.netartsbaywebs.org/donateButton
Upcoming Community Events:
Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS is committed to offering high-quality, nature-based events led by experts, while also reducing the financial barrier of outdoor recreation. We do this by offering our events and programs at no cost to participants. Donations are always greatly appreciated to support the continuation of our work. Please consider donating to WEBS to keep conservation and environmental education alive on the coast.
Keep Learning with WEBS Virtual Library!
Dates: Any day that works for you!
Time: Any time that works for you!
Location: Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS YouTube Channel or Virtual Library Page
The growing WEBS virtual library allows you to continue learning and exploring even when we don't have a program to sign up for. Dive deeper into topics ranging from the history of the area to seals and Dungeness crabs!
Previous Community Events:
Winter Wreath Making Workshop
**EVENT FULL**
Dates: Sunday, December 7th
Time: 1:00PM - approx. 4:00PM
Location: Netarts Community Club
Join us for a hands-on Winter Wreath Making Workshop, where you’ll create a festive wreath, swag, or centerpiece using fresh evergreens from the Pacific Northwest. Guided by expert floral arranger Phyllis Holmes and WEBS staff, you’ll learn seasonal design techniques in a welcoming, no-experience-needed setting. WEBS is providing the essential materials, and participants are free to bring additional supplies. Everyone will leave the event with a beautiful, handcrafted creation to celebrate the season.
Cape Lookout Stewardship Day: Redwood Planting
Dates:
Wednesday, November 5th (rescheduled from October 22nd)
Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Location: Cape Lookout State Park, Day Use Area
We're planting redwoods!
Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. For our final Stewardship Day of the season on October 22nd, we will be planting a small grove of redwoods on the North Trail.
This event requires a short hike (up to half a mile) and digging with shovels.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge on the Oregon Coast: Cultural Restoration Through Weaving & Land
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Registration Required!
Netarts Bay WEBS and the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum for an afternoon of storytelling, ancestral wisdom, and ecological insight with tradition keeper and educator Stephanie Craig, owner of Kalaypuya Weaving & Consulting and the new nonprofit, RootedWays. The Netarts area, part of the ancestral lands and waters of the Tillamook people, has sustained Indigenous communities for countless generations.
Stephanie will share teachings from the lifeways of the Tillamook people, exploring connections between land, culture, and resilience. Learn about traditional foods, medicines, weaving practices, and the vital role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in today’s world.
This is an in-person presentation only. It will not be recorded or streamed online. Advanced registraition is required.
Sunset Bay Walk
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 5:00 PM - Sunset
Location: Along Netarts Bay, Oregon
Join us for a relaxing and educational evening stroll along the beautiful shores of Netarts Bay and the surrounding beach. This in-person event is the perfect way to unwind after a long day and enjoy the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning sunset views!
Marine biologist, professional photographer, and WEBS volunteer Jim Young will be guiding the walk and providing information about interesting beach finds, bay ecology, and more along the way. Additionally, if you are looking for advice on capturing the beauty of Netarts Bay with your camera, Jim is happy to share photography tips.
Netarts/Oceanside Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Option to start at The Schooner or Oceanside Upper Parking Lot
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by cleaning up the coastline with the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and Oceanside Action Partnership! We will have welcome tables set up at The Schooner Restaurant and the upper parking lot at Oceanside Beach, so you can choose where to start your day.
In addition to cleaning up the beach, join our marine debris survey demonstration at The Schooner at 9:30am to learn how we monitor debris on the beach year-round, and how you can help!
AND be sure to stick around after the cleanup for an oyster cookout at The Schooner - a special treat for volunteers donated by Pearl Point Oyster right here in Netarts!
Bring your own bucket to help us reduce waste from plastic trash bags. We will have extras to share.
Birds of Tillamook County:
Walk and Talk with Michael Krall
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 7:30AM - 12:00PM
Location: Bird Walk at Cape Lookout Day Use Area followed by presentation at the OSU Extension Office.
Michael Krall caught the birding bug starting with Golden Eagle banding in central Oregon with his 8th grade science teacher some 60 years ago. Michael birds and photographs extensively in Tillamook County, around Oregon, and beyond.
Join him for an introduction to Tillamook County birds and birding. Michael will share his photographs, hints on where and when to bird Tillamook County, and a potpourri of birds that you can see here. We'll start out with an optional bird walk, meeting at 7:30 AM in the day use parking lot at Cape Lookout State Park (permits required). We will "bird walk" (slow and leisurely) for 1-2 hours over easy terrain, listening and looking for whatever we can find. Bathrooms are available at the parking lot. Dress appropriately for fall Oregon weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have a few extra pairs that we can share, as well as a spotting scope or two.
We will follow the walk with a presentation at the OSU Extension Office from 10:30 AM- Noon. The program is oriented toward those with limited birding experience, but all levels are welcome.
Cape Lookout Stewardship Days
UPCOMING Dates:
Wednesday, September 17th
Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Location: Cape Lookout State Park, Day Use Area
Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. Our efforts to remove ivy and establish new native plants have made a huge impact in the park over the last few years, and we need your help to continue this important work!
Activities are designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels. Families are welcome.
KAYAK NETARTS
Date: Saturday, September 13th
Time: Bay Mouth (Novice) Paddle - 10:0 0AM to ~1:30 PM
Inner Bay (Intermediate) Paddle - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Netarts Bay
Enjoy and learn to respectfully explore Netarts from the water while appreciating the abundance of life in this living bay.
Volunteer STEAM Coach Training
Date: Wednesday, September 10th
Time: 9-2pm
Location: Garibaldi Boathouse
This Volunteer STEAM Coach Training is for new and returning volunteers who want to support environmental education school programs for Tillamook County students during the 2025-2026 school year.
This training will include an orientation session for new STEAM Coach volunteers, a catered lunch social, and hands-on demonstrations of upcoming field trip activities.
Plein Air Painting at Cape Meares National Science Viewpoint
Date: Monday, August 25th
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Meares National Scenic
Join us for a self-guided Plein Air painting afternoon at Cape Meares National Scenic Viewpoint. Artists of all levels are invited to bring their own supplies and capture the coastal beauty during golden hour in a relaxed, inspiring setting. Artist Anna Norris will be on hand to help guide the experience however the final piece you create is yours to determine. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, this is a perfect chance to create, connect, and enjoy the view.
Stories of Netarts Past:
Discover the rich history of Netarts Bay with author John Andersen at a reading & signing of The Amazing People Between the Capes
Date:
Sunday, August 10
Time: 1:00 pM - 2:30 pm
Location: Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Join Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum for a special presentation with local author and historian John Andersen, celebrating the people and history of Oregon’s coastal communities. Andersen will share stories from his new book The Amazing People Between the Capes, offering a personal and insightful look into the lives of those who shaped Cape Meares, Netarts, and Oceanside.
Sustainable Clamming on the Bay
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Netarts, OR
Are you ready to get dirty? ODFW and Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS are set to take a group of participants clamming. Learn about the various species of clams in the bay, how to harvest safety and responsibly, and so much more! ODFW will also share about their work to monitor clam populations and general bay health. WEBS will have shovels and other gear available for loan.
We can't wait to see you out on the bay!
Netarts Bay Salt Marsh Tour
Learn about how plants survive in a salty world!
Date:
Tuesday, August 5
Time: 9:00 AM - ~12:30 pm (approximate)
Location: Netarts + Cape Lookout State Park
Join Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS for a free, hands-on exploration of the salt marsh at Netarts Bay, featuring a presentation and guided walking tour. Learn about the unique plants and animals that thrive in this dynamic habitat and discover how they adapt to salty, shifting environments. This engaging program, led by biologist Jim Young, offers a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems from forest to bay.
Ocean Celebration
Date:
Sunday, August 3
Time: 11:00PM-3:00PM (approximate)
Location: Cape Lookout State Park, Day Use Area
Celebre el arte, la cultura y el medio ambiente durante este maravilloso evento en el Parque Estatal Cape Lookout.
Celebrate art, culture, and the environment during this wonderful event at Cape Lookout State Park.
Cape Lookout Stewardship Days
Dates:
Sunday, July 27th
UPCOMING:
Wednesday, August 13th
Sunday, August 24th
Past:
Wednesday, July 9th
Time: 2:00PM-5:00PM
Location: Cape Lookout State Park, Day Use Area
Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. Our efforts to remove ivy and establish new native plants have made a huge impact in the park over the last few years, and we need your help to continue this important work!
Activities are designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels. Families are welcome.
Queer Flockers Coastal Birding Extravaganza
Date: Saturday, July 19th
Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Location: Meet at Bayocean Peninsula
Join us for a full day of birding on the Oregon Coast! This event is for queer folks to learn, bird, and be in community.
We'll start the day at Bayocean Spit where we will bird along the tidal flats of Tillamook Bay and then walk back along the beach on the ocean side of the spit. For the afternoon, we'll head over to Cape Meares State Park where we'll see who's hanging out in and around the cliffs.
Go Touch Grass: Eelgrass Exploration in Netarts Bay
Date: Saturday, July 12th
Time: 7:30AM-9:30AM
Location: Netarts, OR
Join the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP), and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for an exploration among the eelgrass in Netarts Bay! During this event, we will learn about current monitoring efforts and findings, and we will also get our feet wet as we explore the eelgrass and diverse critters that call it home.
This is a family-friendly event that will be fun and appropriate for all ages!
Netarts/Oceanside Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, July 5th
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: The Schooner Restaurant
Join the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS on Saturday, July 5th to keep our coastal ecosystems clean and healthy. Our goal is to remove July 4th debris before it has a chance to wash into the ocean, and we need your help! We will meet at The Schooner Restaurant and then split into groups to cover as much area as possible.
To thank you for contributing to this important work, The Schooner Restaurant will be offering 10% off your meal for volunteers on the day of the event!
Tidepool Discovery Days
Date: Saturday, June 28th
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Oceanside Beach Access and Recreation Area
What amazing creatures are lurking at the water’s edge? Come out to Oceanside during the lowest tides in June and see!
WEBS staff and volunteers will be onsite in the tidepools to share about the habitats along the coastal edge. Learn about anemone clone wars, how a sea star eats, or how hermit crabs steal shell homes from other crabs! From seaweeds to sculpin fish, there is an amazing world to discover. Come out and enjoy!
Tidepool Discovery Days
Date: Friday, June 27th
Time: 8:00AM-11:00AM
Location: Oceanside Beach Access and Recreation Area
What amazing creatures are lurking at the water’s edge? Come out to Oceanside during the lowest tides in June and see!
WEBS staff and volunteers will be onsite in the tidepools to share about the habitats along the coastal edge. Learn about anemone clone wars, how a sea star eats, or how hermit crabs steal shell homes from other crabs! From seaweeds to sculpin fish, there is an amazing world to discover. Come out and enjoy!
Tidepool Discovery Days
Date: Thursday, June 26th
Time: 7:30AM-11:00AM
Location: Oceanside Beach Access and Recreation Area
What amazing creatures are lurking at the water’s edge? Come out to Oceanside during the lowest tides in June and see!
WEBS staff and volunteers will be onsite in the tidepools to share about the habitats along the coastal edge. Learn about anemone clone wars, how a sea star eats, or how hermit crabs steal shell homes from other crabs! From seaweeds to sculpin fish, there is an amazing world to discover. Come out and enjoy!
Kayak Netarts Bay: Inner Bay Tour
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 June 21, 2025
Time: 8:30 am 2:30 pm
Location: Netarts, OR
Explore the channels and mudflats within the estuary as we search
for aquatic wildlife. While this adventure is full of wonder, it isn’t for
the timid! On the return trip, we will be paddling against an incoming
tidal current and possibly Northwest headwind.
Kayak Netarts Bay: Bay Entrance Tour
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 June 21, 2025
Time: 8:30 am 3:30 pm
Location: Netarts, OR
This tour offers an easier ride. Participants will meander through the bay while making stops to appreciate the variety of animals and algae within the bay. Investigate seaweed blades for hidden creatures, watch crabs scurry along the sandy bottom, see filtering shellfish, and appreciate other invertebrates bouncing between sand grains within the shallow waters of the cove.
Cape Lookout Stewardship Day
Date: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 2:00PM-5:00PM
Location: Cape Lookout Day Use Area
Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. Our efforts to remove ivy and establish new native plants have made a huge impact in the park over the last few years, and we need your help to continue this important work
Tidepool Discovery Days
What amazing creatures are lurking at the water’s edge? Come out to Oceanside during the lowest tides in June and see!
WEBS staff and volunteers will be onsite in the tidepools to share about the habitats along the coastal edge. Learn about anemone clone wars, how a sea star eats, or how hermit crabs steal shell homes from other crabs! From seaweeds to sculpin fish, there is an amazing world to discover. Come out and enjoy!
Friday, June 13th from 8:00am - 11:30am
Sustainable Clamming on the Bay
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Netarts, OR
Are you ready to get dirty? ODFW and Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS are set to take a group of participants clamming. Learn about the various species of clams in the bay, how to harvest safety and responsibly, and so much more! ODFW will also share about their work to monitor clam populations and general bay health. WEBS will have shovels and other gear available for loan.
We can't wait to see you out on the bay!
Cape Lookout Stewardship Day
Friday, April 18, 2025
2:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Cape Lookout State Park Day Use Area
LET'S PLANT!
At the beginning of April, we prepared the soil for a new pollinator garden, which means during this Stewardship Day on April 18th, we get to start planting! Additional projects include planting trees in the campground to replace those that didn’t survive from our original plantings, and continuing our work to keep the ivy at bay.
Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. Our efforts to remove ivy and establish new native plants have made a huge impact in the park over the last few years!
Program Highlights & Stories
Lighthouse History Tour
August 17, 2024
Today's weather of rain showers, lightning, and thunder on the Oregon Coast made for an exciting and insightful backdrop for our Lighthouse History Tour.
Park Ranger Supervisor Travis Korbe from Cape Lookout State Park gave an in-depth walking tour of the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, focusing on what life was like for the lighthouse keepers over the decades.
First lit in 1890, the Cape Meares Lighthouse had two Lighthouse keepers at a time. One would keep the light burning through the night. During the day, the other would wash both sides of each piece of glass in the specialty lens, and well as both sides of the plate glass lighthouse windows.
Typical durations of service as a lighthouse keeper were only a few months long. At times, a mobile library would reach Cape Mears to provide the keepers and their families with new books to entertain and educate themselves with.
During the winter, the Oregon Coast is exposed to fierce storms with strong winds and pounding rain. Throughout these harsh conditions year after year, the lighthouse was still operational until 1963 when it was decommissioned.
In the late 1960s, Cape Meares Lighthouse was adopted as an Oregon State Park and is now a Visitor Center, with visitation around 600-700 people per day during the busy season.
Kayak Netarts Bay
September 7, 2024
With foggy sky's overhead, this morning, 40 paddlers on two different guided tours launched from the Netarts Boat Basin guided by Kayak Tillamook. One route ventured up the bay to the sand dollar beds, and the other paddled across to Netarts Spit. Weather conditions were perfect. Clouds kept us cool, and the bay was glassy without waves or wind.
Throughout the tours, expert WEBS Naturalists shared about bay ecology. We found several species of crabs, clams, seaweeds, and kelp. Plus juvenile flat fish, anemones, seastars, sand dollars, and more! One participant even found a mermaid's purse (which is the common term for a skate egg case).
Thank you to Ken Siegrist for capturing some of these kayak photos.
Netarts Spit Hike
July 24, 2024
Today was an im-peck-able day for our Netarts Spit Hike, focusing on birds and fun beach finds!
This morning, we were joined by Cape Lookout State Park Ranger Travis Korbe, who kicked off our hike with an overview of the dune history at Cape Lookout State Park. Travis shared photos from multiple decades, helping us visualize the amount of dune erosion that has occurred along this part of the Oregon Coast.
Cara Gates from Bird Alliance of Oregon was our Western Snowy Plover expert today. Cara shared about the nesting preferences, mating rituals, and conservation status of these tiny feathered friends. Western Snowy Plover rely on flat, sandy areas where they prefer to create nests (shallow depressions in the sand) near drift wood, shell bits, and sometimes marine debris.
Although we didn't see any plovers today, Cara brought model plover eggs for us to visualize what surveyors are looking for when counting Western Snowy Plover nests during the six-month long nesting season.
While walking back up the spit, we were shocked to find a surprise egg - a Common Murre egg! This large speckled blue egg was found right along the edge of the incoming waves. Although it was cracked and no longer viable, it was a wonderful opportunity to admire the unique shape of these eggs that helps prevent them from falling off the rocky edges where Common Murres form their nests. This one, however, must have fallen over the edge.
Thank you to Cara, Travis, and our WEBS volunteers who all shared their skills and expertise to make today wonderful! Also, happy birthday to Sandra, who spent part of her day hiking with us all!
Now, all of us who hiked these 12 miles today are ready to rehydrate and rest our feet!
