N. Oregon Coast's Haystack Lecture Series Kicks Into Gear with New Venue

Published 11/17/25 at 7:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – With this winter season begins a host of fascinating talks along Oregon's shoreline. Starting November 22 with a talk on Oregon coastal mushrooms, things get interesting quickly.

The Friends of Haystack Rock have begun their Nature Talks lecture season, and these are now moved to Pelican Brewery in Cannon Beach ( 1371 S. Hemlock Street). They all begin at 4 p.m. and are open to the public.

The series kicks off November 22 with “Fascinating Fungus: Northwest Oregon Mushroom Foraging and Identification,” presented by Strand Sheldahl, a park ranger with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department at Fort Stevens. Sheldahl holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Literature from Purdue University, and takes attendees on a wondrous verbal adventure around the Oregon coast, going through the basics of mushroom biology, foraging tips, culinary and ecological uses, and species identification. He will also bring a variety of mushroom specimens collected from the region.

On December 20, the community is invited to “A Night With Friends,” an opportunity to meet the members of Friends of Haystack Rock and learn about their ongoing conservation and education projects in the Cannon Beach area.

Seaside Aquarium photo: brown pelican

The January 11 talk will spotlight the Brown Pelican, with scientists Deborah Jaques and Joe Liebezeit sharing insights from a recently published study and ongoing research. The presentation will explore the use of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System to study pelican movement patterns and highlight the role of community science in monitoring efforts.

The series concludes on February 22 with “What Do Puffins Drink? And Other Fun Facts About Oregon’s Iconic Seabird,” presented by Katherine Luscher, Tufted Puffin Conservation Coordinator with the National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute. Luscher will discuss collaborative efforts to protect and restore puffin populations along the Pacific Northwest coast.

The Nature Talks series is part of Friends of Haystack Rock’s mission to promote the preservation of intertidal life and seabirds at Haystack Rock, a designated Marine Garden and part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The organization works in partnership with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and other local groups to foster environmental stewardship through education and outreach.

See https://www.friendsofhaystackrock.org/ for more.

What's Old Is New Again: N. Oregon Coast's Tolovana Inn Redecorates, Winter Brings a Show - New decor at the hotel hotspot, winter brings drama below. Cannon Beach hotel reviews

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Rockaway Beach Hotel News: New Inn Near Rockaway Beach is Really 100 Years Old
Boutique inn and BnB on north Oregon coastin a forest, marvelous details; bathroom vanities created by local craftsmen, headboards made of live edge wood. Pets. Rockaway Beach Hotel Reviews

Oregon Coast Warm 'n Fuzzies: Manzanita's Ocean Inn Launches Winter Deals
20 Oct 2026 at 9:22pm
Nifty special to get your bones warmed on those chilly to windy winter beach days. Ocean Inn, Manzanita hotel specials, Manzania reviews

N. Oregon Coast's Nehalem River Inn - Video Review
3 Sep 2026 at 6:22pm
Upscale wonders on the backroads and forests. Manzanita, Rockaway Beach. Near Neahkahnie Mountain, right on Nehalem River, Overlooks, Wheeler

Review: Hotel Sylvia, Newport ? Katie M Reviews
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
A lovely stay beyond expecations. Great dog-friendly place, super fun interiors. I'd give it six stars if I could.

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted