Filed Under: Cultural
Nestucca Bay Refuge was established in 1991 with the acquisition of short grass pastures to provide wintering habitat for dusky and Aleutian Canada geese. The Nestucca Bay area supports approximately 10 percent of the world population of dusky Canada geese, and 100 percent of a very unique subpopulation of Aleutian Canada geese. It is also an important rest stop for migrating shorebirds and other waterfowl and is used by peregrine falcons and the bald eagle--listed as threatened.
The Nestucca Bay and River system supports large runs of native fish species including cutthroat trout, steelhead, and Chinook and Coho salmon. In addition to managed pastures, other refuge habitats include wooded uplands, riparian wetlands, salt marsh, and open meadows. These habitats provide safe haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, mammals, and amphibians.
The Neskowin Marsh Unit of this refuge is the southernmost coastal sphagnum bog habitat on the Pacific Coast. It is a rare and outstanding ecosystem with exceptional biological value. In addition to bird and mammal species, the sphagnum bog is home to many unusual and beautiful plant species such as the carnivorous Sundew and a native bog cranberry.
Nestucca Bay NWR has partnered with two schools: Nestucca High School and Waldo Middle School, to get students out of the classroom and into the outdoors. Through this active environmental education program, students participate in service learning projects and conduct their own scientific research projects developed in accordance with the refuge's management goals and objectives. Other opportunities for public use are currently being developed and will include wildlife viewing and photography, hiking, and interpretation.
Directions
Located on Highway 101 near Pacific City, Oregon.
References and External Links
Posted by: recreation2 and last modified on Jul 05, 2007 by thoos
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