Beachwalk and Marine Debris Survey

Young participants in a training at Otter Rock get a photo to remember the occasion.\Photo by Alex Derr.

Seize a special opportunity and join Fawn Custer, CoastWatch’s volunteer coordinator, for a marine debris survey, followed by a guided beachwalk.  This takes place on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, on the north side of the community of Otter Rock (follow the trail down from the restrooms).  This free event is open to all.

Fawn was approached by a church youth group which wanted to adopt a CoastWatch mile; they asked for some special training for the young people.  Fawn invited them to participate in an actual marine debris survey CoastWatch conducts at Otter Rock on a monthly basis, using a NOAA protocol, as a citizen science project.  After the survey, she will then lead the kids, and everyone else who wishes to join, on a beachwalk, explaining both shoreline ecology and CoastWatch monitoring techniques.

This will be a chance to learn about the marine debris survey and how to participate (not necessarily at this location—the survey takes place at many sites up and down the coast).  It will also be an opportunity to learn more about the shoreline, and to ask questions about any aspect of CoastWatch and citizen science.

For more information, contact Fawn Custer at (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org.