Celebrating 50 Years of Cascade Head Biosphere on Central Oregon Coast, July 18

Published 06/11/26 at 8:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – A half a century of preserving nature has proven ever more engaging and integral. Sizable portions of the central Oregon coast's tourism industry is made up of this part of the landscape. (Courtesy photos)

And now comes its birthday.

The Cascade Head Biosphere Region will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its UNESCO designation with a full day and evening of activities on Saturday, July 18, at Knight Park. The event is free and open to the public, with donations accepted.

The anniversary program runs from 1 to 5 p.m. and again from 8 to 10 p.m., bringing together scientists, artists, educators, musicians and community partners to highlight the region’s ecological and cultural significance.

The daytime schedule opens with words from some of those who helped Cascade Head snag UNESCO status 50 years ago.

“We also will have words from the representative from the United State Biosphere Network with us to share thoughts on our place in UNESCO,” the organization said.

After the opening hour, visitors can take part in estuary boat tours, birding outings, kayaking, surfing, guided hikes, hands-on art and science activities, music and family programming. Exhibits and excursions will focus on the connections between people, research and the coastal environment.

The evening program, “Night Sky at Knight Park,” begins at 8 p.m. and features classical music and telescope viewing under dark skies. Performers include Brandon Lucas of Singing Sasquatch Music Center and Dan Pack of the Siletz Bay Music Festival.

Established in 1976 and expanded in 2017 to its current 102,000-acre footprint, the Cascade Head Biosphere Region encompasses a coastal temperate rainforest watershed and a protected marine reserve. The area serves as a living laboratory for research, conservation and community engagement. https://www.cascadehead.org/

Tidal Exploration Events

Upcoming Biosphere Beach Ambassador events are scheduled around low tides on June 16, June 17, June 30 and July 1 at the NW 15th Street beach access in Lincoln City. Ambassadors will be available one hour before and after low tide to share information about tidepools and coastal ecology. The program is a partnership between the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative, Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.

The popular Exploriences walking tours also return this summer through a partnership with Explore Lincoln City. The 90-minute guided walks offer an overview of the region’s natural history, geology, flora and fauna, as well as conservation efforts on the Salmon River and the history of the Nechesne people. Upcoming dates include June 13, June 27, July 11, August 1, September 5 and September 19.

More information on Exploriences is available at explorelincolncity.com.

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