Celebrating Oregon Coast Nature, Puffins and Other Beasties at Seaside Events

Published 01/27/25 at 6:06 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – Few things scream north Oregon coast fun more than puffins and the Seaside Aquarium. Now, two events in the Seaside area celebrate both and feature a way you can give back to the natural world here. (Photos Seaside Aquarium)

On February 15, there's a special way to celebrate Valentine's Day with giving some love to the tufted puffins – the popular and adorable bird that makes its presence known every spring at Cannon Beach, but also in south coast areas like Coos Bay and Bandon.

That day, Katherine Luscher will present For the “Love of Puffins,” where she will talk about the current state of the tufted puffin and research that is occurring throughout the West Coast.

Luscher is the Senior Coordinator for Tufted Puffins for the National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute. Her passion for natural spaces and species is a thread that weaves through her professional career. She helps facilitate the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and coordination of conservation efforts about the Tufted Puffins throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Her free talk will begin at 10 am and include ample time for questions, discussion, and mingling with fellow puffin lovers on February 15, 2025, at the North Coast Land Conservancy's Circle Creek Conservation Center, located at 32825 Rippet Road, Seaside Oregon. This event is co-hosted by Friends of Haystack Rock and North Coast Land Conservancy.

You'll want to head to Seaside on February 23 for what is known as The Maine Event. It's a special fundraiser for north Oregon coast nature causes, providing important funds for critical local groups such as North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Haystack Rock, and the Wildlife Center of the North Coast.

All you do is go to the Seaside Aquarium to enjoy yourself. There, all admissions collected on this day will be generously donated to these incredible organizations.

“As many may know, the Seaside Aquarium has a long rich history,” said Tiffany Boothe of the Seaside Aquarium. “Established in 1937, many people have participated in the aquarium’s success over the years, but few have dedicated as much time, energy, and love as Neal Maine. Neal’s dedication to the Seaside Aquarium, the community, and nature is inspirational.”

Neal Maine's journey with the Seaside Aquarium began many years ago, and in 1995, he joined the board of directors. His vision was to enhance the aquarium's educational outreach and strengthen its ties with the community and the scientific world. Neal played a pivotal role in establishing the Southern Washington Northern Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a successful partnership with NOAA, Portland State University, and the Seaside Aquarium.

Additionally, he introduced the Seaside Beach and Necanicum Estuary Discovery Program, a free initiative designed for both locals and visitors to explore and learn about the local beach and estuary environments. This program encourages people to see their recreational sites as living, breathing ecosystems.

After 25 years of devoted service, Neal decided to step down from the board in early 2020, passing the torch to new leaders. His contributions will always be remembered, and he will be greatly missed. To honor Neal's legacy, the Seaside Aquarium has established an annual fundraiser in his name, "The Maine Event." On the last Sunday in February, all admissions will be directed to organizations of Neal Maine's choosing.

For more information about The Maine Event, call 503-738-6211. See Seaside Aquarium

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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