“A Toast To The Coast” helping spread awareness for the conservation of our beloved coastline.

I think as young millennials we all had our own obsessions. For some of that was horses, hot wheels, The movie Karate Kid…. For me- it Started with Free Willy and the dream to become a Marine Biologist. Fueled by a turquoise and hot pink (smiling) Lisa Frank dolphin trapper keeper and my Blockbuster card….I found my first passion.

Wild Oregon Girl and Friends Save The Whales at The Oregon Coast Aquarium

Hook came out and I was suddenly a (hilarious) flying Lost Kid, Goonies was the Sunday afternoon movie on TV so the culture was ingrained. All I needed was a disaster loaded romance film to be released when I was at the height of puberty- Titanic was that gift….the thing that pushed me into FULL SAVE THE WHALES (and the ocean) mode. Ferngully and Captain Plantain only solidified my need to someday become an eco warrior.

The Tilikum Bridge and Wild Oregon Girl & Dave on The Willamette Star, a night to benefit the Oregon Coast.

So, I blame the media of the 90’s…. But here we are. I’ll be 40 in a few months and if there was a better time to “adopt” a cause- I don't know when that would be. I’m not on TV, I’m on this other weird form of media I had no idea would exist back when I’d sneak into the theater to see Rose selfishly bob on a door more than fit for two. Social Media- a place I love to hate and hate to not use for good.

Using my blog and platform, I have the potential to highlight all the things I love most about the place I adore forever- our Oregon Coast shoreline, a place I have loved since I was 4 years old and my parents would take me to Mo’s or to get a Pronto Pup then to the beach to wade in tidepools until it was time to take me back home, I’d cry the whole way home in the back seat, soaking wet in a towel. I didn’t want to brush off the sand, I believed I was a real mermaid.

Our brick is near the entrance of The Oregon Coast Aquarium

Two years ago I sold “Wild Oregon Girl” sweatshirts with every bit of the proceeds going to a heartfelt cause- together we decided on donating the money to The Oregon Coast Aquarium with the name “Wild Oregon Girl & Friends Save The Whales”. There is a brick in our honor now at the aquairum- that you can go stomp on.

At the time I wasn’t sure how we’d go about “Saving those Whales” , other than raising awareness and supporting the aquarium. It seems these day, I may have figured out how that saving might actually come about…

When the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition asked me to partner with them on their upcoming mission- it was a big HECK yes. In fact, I kind of jumped up and yelled “I’m The King of the world” (or some variation of). I’d already been following their conservation efforts on the coast. I like to keep an eye on things over there at the beach ... .as both a hobby and obsession.

My favorite food! Oysters. I don’t mind if I spill a little on my party dress….all in a days work!

I’d already chosen the Non Profit Elaka Alliance as who Wild Oregon Girl & Friends would donate to next. They are on a mission to bring Sea Otters back to Oregon. Partnerships are how things get done and Oregon Shores has got them- to name a few of their conservation allies is like The Super Bowl of who's who in Oregon Coast stuff Im utterly obsessed with.

Here are some I really love:

Surfing at Otter Rock with Pura Vida Surfshop

In Oregon, the Surfrider Foundation focuses on protecting coastal environments through initiatives like:

Coastal Protection: Advocating against harmful development and pollution.

Water Quality: Monitoring and improving safety at surf spots and beaches.

Plastic Pollution: Organizing cleanups and promoting sustainability.

Climate Resilience: Addressing climate change impacts on coastal areas.

Community Engagement: Involving locals in stewardship efforts.

Their work aims to keep Oregon’s beaches healthy and accessible for all.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in Oregon focuses on marine and coastal research, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring. The agency operates several facilities, including the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which contribute to understanding oceanic and atmospheric processes. NOAA’s work in Oregon supports sustainable fisheries, habitat restoration, and climate resilience, helping to protect the state's rich marine resources and ecosystems.

Exploring and learning about our vital Marine Reserves at Otter Rock with local and amazing interpretive guides.

Oregon State Parks play a crucial role in coastal conservation by protecting diverse ecosystems and habitats along the coastline. Through the management of parks and natural areas, the state preserves critical habitats for wildlife, including marine and coastal species. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, monitoring of ecosystems, and promoting sustainable recreational practices.

Life below the waves, staying curious about our natural world.

Oregon's State Marine Reserves are designated areas along the coast aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and promoting biodiversity. These reserves prohibit extractive activities like fishing and mining, allowing habitats to thrive and recover from human impact. They serve as vital sites for scientific research and monitoring, helping to understand ocean health.

More of Oregon Shore’s allies include: Rogue Climate, Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve, Sitka Center For Art and Ecology, ODFW Marine Resources, North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection, Portland Audubon, Shoreline Education For Awareness, Haystack Rock Awareness Program, The Oregon Coast, Tillamook Estuaries Program, Friends of Haystack Rock, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oregon Coast Management Program, Oceana, Environment Oregon, The Nature Conservancy, Crag Law Center, Yakona Oregon, Audubon Society Lincoln County, Curry Watersheds, Solve Oregon, Northwest Aquatic & Marine Educators, Citizen Science, Redfish Rocks Community Team, Multi Agency Rocky Intertidal Agency, National Network for Ocean and Climate Change interpretation, North American Association for Environmental Education.

Cannon Beach and amazing local artist’s work- Salty Raven by Season Katz

As a pisces- wanna be-marine biologist- obsessed with Captain Hook and Free Willy….this list is exactly all the things I look up to and want to be a part of. I started writing this blog because I love Oregon and want to help protect it for future generations. Our coasts are worth preserving.

Oswald West State Park, named after the man who initiated public beach access for all in Oregon.

Another fun fact is that I have a favorite Oregon Governor- Tom Mccall, he’s been my favorite politician since I was captain of The Speech and Debate team in high school simply because he helped pass the bill that made Oregon beaches public for all.

The Oregon Beach Bill, officially known as the Oregon Beach Access Law, is a landmark piece of legislation that ensures public access to the state's beaches. The movement began in the early 20th century but gained momentum in the 1960s.

Governor Oswald West, who served from 1911 to 1915, was a key advocate for public beach access, famously declaring that the beaches should be open to everyone, regardless of private ownership of adjacent land. His vision led to the designation of the entire Oregon coast as a public highway, allowing free access to the beach.

Tom McCall worked towards advancing the Oregon Beach Bill.

The modern Beach Bill was introduced in the 1960s, amid concerns that private development was threatening coastal access. Governor Tom McCall, who served from 1967 to 1975, played a pivotal role in advancing the bill. He passionately supported public access and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of preserving Oregon's natural beauty. In 1967, the Oregon Legislature passed the Beach Bill, legally guaranteeing that the state’s beaches are public lands. This law not only affirmed West’s original vision but also solidified McCall's legacy as a champion of conservation, ensuring that all Oregonians and visitors can enjoy the state's stunning coastline.

I have always admired this type of legislation- creating inclusive spaces for every one of our citizens to enjoy and connect with Oregon’s true roots- the land and animals. I love our State Parks, especially on the coast- because they provide us (reasonably priced) recreation that gives us a chance to rest, recenter, dream, create, and connect to the Earth. I think this enhances the human experience for us all- and helps us to connect and create bridges through a shared love of our home. I believe nature can teach us to slow down, grow through adversity, that beauty is diverse, and resilient.

Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition stands out to me as a shining tribute to the path Oregon has led in preserving and keeping our beaches open- to learn about and enjoy.

I’m excited to partner with them as well as some of my most beloved businesses I’ve encountered along my travels up and down 101.

We won the Pelican Beach raffle. One of my many favorite places to visit on The Oregon Coast.

Visiting my friend the octopus in my Pelican hat circa 2017

Local Oceans has been my supreme choice for Fishery-to-Table seafood since I worked at Rogue just down Bay St….some 17 years ago. It was a rockfish chorizo that showed me just how wild and tasty the bounty of our sea really is! I always recommend a stop into Local Ocean for the freshest catch.

Local Oceans serves up the freshest, fishery-to-table food on the Oregon Coast.

Pelican Brewing was one of the first places I would visit on the coast when I turned 21. I grew up coming to Pacific City as a little Portland kid. My parents would drive over for the day and park me on the sand and I’d dig for hours, making sand castles. As soon as I was old enough I’d shoot over to Pelican for a cream ale before pitching a tent at Tierra Del Mar, in a little spot now blocked off. I have many memories at their pubs in Cannon Beach and now just a few miles from my old house near Taft, on the Siletz Bay.

The Taphouse at Nye Beach and 7 Devils Brewing are two more partners I’ve spent my fair share of time with. It’s rainy on the coast- sometimes you have to stop into a pub and hang out for an hour or two. I’ll never forget sitting in these pubs coloring for hours with our little one, drying off from the drizzle. I must say the view of Coos Bay Port at 7 Devil’s? You can’t beat that.

View from 7 Devils Brewing- Port of Coos Bay

Cheese! One more beloved Oregon Coast classic.

One more part of the coast scene I simply admire is the art! Oregon Shores has a great group of creative souls who support their cause. I picked up a pair of Whale earrings from Aretes De Clay, handmade with love in Oregon. The art by Sarah Sampson also caught my eye at the “Toast for The Coast” benefit cruise and auction, held this October in Portland.

Amazing art by Oregon Coast artist Sarah Sampson at the Oregon Shores ‘Toast to the Coast’ benefit.

more “Save The Whales” gear- handmade whale earrings by Oregon artist Aretes De Clay

I learned more about their specific work and mission like coast watch. CoastWatch is a community-driven initiative focused on monitoring Oregon's sandy beaches and rocky shores, engaging volunteers in observing natural and human-caused changes, wildlife, and coastal phenomena. Participants can adopt a mile-long segment of the coastline, allowing them to document changes and contribute vital data for informed decision-making.

I support Oregon Fisheries and marine reserves!

Oregon’s public beaches face significant threats from rising sea levels and human infrastructure, prompting Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation to launch the Oregon Beaches Forever campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about coastal erosion and habitat loss while advocating for stricter regulations on shoreline armoring, which can worsen beach erosion. The campaign includes public education through webinars and social media, alongside the Oregon King Tides Project, which documents high tides to illustrate future sea level rise impacts.

I talk a lot about King Tides and through that many people have started to go and take part in the documentation process. It’s amazingly fun to (safely) document the storm’s and get to know what’s really going on with our Ocean’s tides. When everyone pitches in picture evidence over years, it makes the scientific process something we can see with our own eyes. I’m learning everyday by checking in on the weather, our coastlines, and the animals who live there.

Oregon’s estuaries support…that’s right: whales!

Lastly, Oregon Shores is working to protect our very important estuaries! The Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries advocates for policies that enhance climate resilience and protect species and habitats within Oregon’s vital estuaries. By educating the public about the ecological importance of estuaries, which serve as critical habitats for marine life and provide essential ecosystem services, the campaign fosters stewardship and appreciation for these ecosystems.

Key initiatives include advocating for comprehensive updates to outdated Estuary Management Plans (EMPs) to address climate change and ensure better protection for endangered species. The campaign promotes a holistic approach to management, linking estuaries with their surrounding watersheds and communities. Currently, Oregon Shores is collaborating with communities in Coos Bay and Yaquina Bay to develop responsible management strategies. The campaign aims to mobilize community engagement and build a movement for estuarine conservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of natural and human systems.

I know that was a lot of words to say ‘Save The Whales’ but I’m awfully excited to be on board.

Thank you to Portland Spirit Cruises, The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Pelican Brewing, The Oregon Zoo, Pelican Brewing and so many more (including all of you) for helping us protect Oregon for our grandchildren- so they can experience Oregon and love it for what we see here today. My heart (for) the ocean will go on! Save the whales!

Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

21 Eats on The Oregon Coast

Roloff Farms Pumpkin Patch