Ecological Tour of Nedonna Marsh

Nedonna Marsh.

The public is invited to join the Friends of Nedonna Marsh for a guided “ecological tour” of the marsh, which will provide information about ongoing efforts to preserve the area.

The walk takes place 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, June 24.  The event is co-sponsored by the Lower Nehalem Community Trust and the Rockaway Beach Citizens for Watershed Protection.

Nedonna Marsh is an intact remnant of the original, pre-development coastal environment. Within this area is a native saltwater marsh, a spruce/willow wetland, and a dune area with many native plants.  Coyotes, river otters, deer, and other wildlife make this area home, and migratory birds use it to rest and replenish themselves. Two salmon-bearing streams, Jetty Creek and McMillan Creek, flow through the marsh and into Nehalem Bay. The marsh is privately owned and in danger of being developed.

The event has no fee, although a donation of $5 for those over 18 is requested.  The walk will be easy, but sturdy shoes are recommended for uneven ground.  Bring binoculars if you have them.  No dogs are allowed.  The walk takes place rain or shine. 

Directions: The walk will begin from the parking lot that is near the South Jetty of the Nehalem River in the Nedonna Beach section of Rockaway Beach. To get there from Highway 101, turn west at the sign indicating the Manhattan Beach Wayside. (This exit is somewhat north of Neah-kah-nie High School.) Then, do not actually turn into the wayside, but proceed west on Beach Drive, following it as it curves north, and then dead-ending after about half a mile. At the intersection of Beach Drive and Section Line Road is the parking lot from which the hike will start. Regarding restroom facilities, there is a port-a-potty at the parking lot, in addition to the complete restroom facilities back at the Manhattan Beach Wayside.

For more information about the hike contact nedonnamarsh@gmail.com or call 503-355-2516.