Monthly Archives: May 2007

Follow the clues to coastal adventure and learning

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Part treasure hunt, part family game, part exploration of the natural and cultural wonders of the Central Oregon Coast: That’s Oregon Coast Quests, a new, self-guided adventure game that’s fun for visitors and residents alike.

Modeled after letterboxing and geocaching – increasingly popular pastimes in which participants use maps, clues and even GPS units to find caches hidden in the countryside – Oregon Coast Quests challenges participants to follow a map and find a series of clues designed to help them locate a hidden box of surprises — and have fun learning about the central Oregon Coast while they play.
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Kids’ poster contest: Ocean and climate

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Kids from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to enter our children’s poster contest as part of SeaFest, the summer marine festival and open house at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, on Oregon’s central coast

Young artists are invited to enter hand-drawn posters reflecting one of four age/theme categories about the ocean and our changing climate. The contest is sponsored by the HMSC, Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

The deadline for entering is June 8; winning posters will be awarded prizes, and will be displayed at the science center during this year’s SeaFest on Saturday, June 23.

Read the contest rules
Visit the SeaFest site

Beach safety videos free, on-line

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The Oregon coast can be a risky place if you’re not used to it – especially if your idea of “beach” involves splashing around in warm, shallow water and gentle waves. Learn how to avoid some of the biggest threats – treacherous rip currents that can sweep swimmers out to sea, and massive logs that can get tossed like toothpicks by the surf – with on-line versions of from our new video, Beach Safety Basics. (Flash player required)
View these and other video clips here.

Sea Grant team launches invasive species collaboration with China

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SpartinaOregon Sea Grant’s Sam Chan will lead a three-state delegation of invasive species, restoration, and science education and communications experts on a 11-day trip to China this month to help the Chinese begin to assess the extent of a non-native marine-grass invasion that threatens mangrove dominated coastal forests in that country’s Fujian province.

The long-term goal is to forge a relationship between invasive species experts in the US and China that could help both countries better deal with the threats non-native plants and animals pose to local species and ecosystems — and perhaps reduce the transport of such organisms via trans-Pacific commerce.

Read more.