World Oceans Day Gathering and Beachwalk

Bandon's shoreline. | Photo by Sonja Peterson.

Friday, June 8, is World Oceans Day, and CoastWatch is celebrating with a get-together in Bandon, featuring a beachwalk led by south coast naturalist Marty Giles.  The event, co-sponsored by Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA), takes place at the Bandon Public Library (1204 11^th St., S.W.), beginning at noon.  The event is free and open to all.

CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator Fawn Custer will talk about some of the more interesting finds that CoastWatchers make on the beach, with specimens on hand.  She will also describe our various citizen science programs, with an emphasis on our marine debris survey, since the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day is plastics and how they are affecting the ocean (and how to combat this environmental abuse).  Representatives of SEA will also discuss their work to protect shoreline habitats through public education.  Refreshments will be served.

At 1:30 p.m. the group will venture down to Coquille Point to participate in a citizen science clinic, guided by Fawn Custer (including a demonstration of our marine debris survey), together with an exploration of shoreline natural history led by Marty Giles. Those interested in the beachwalk only can meet the group there. 

Giles began interpreting the natural resources of the Oregon coast over 45 years ago and has worked in many aspects of communicating about nature—from program delivery to teaching and supervising.  Currently, she is owner/operator of Wavecrest Discoveries, a nature-guiding service that specializes in “mind-refreshing” explorations of the southern Oregon coast.  Giles also writes a fortnightly nature column for The World newspaper.

The field trip will also include a beach cleanup, a must on this plastics-oriented World Oceans Day.  For those who would like to extend the festivities, a tour has been arranged of the Bandon headquarters of Washed Ashore, where volunteers turn marine debris into art, a fitting conclusion to the day.

It would be helpful in planning for the event if you would RSVP as to whether you will be present at the library, participate in the beachwalk, or both (plus, if joining the group at Coquille Point, RSVPing will let Fawn know to keep an eye out for you).  But you are also welcome to join in on the spur of the moment that day.  

To RSVP or for more information about the event, contact Fawn Custer at (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org.