WHEN: 

Saturday, September 19th, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 PM 

WHERE: 

First location: Yaquina Estuary Trail (meet at trailhead called Idaho Flat West Clam Access on SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365) 

Second location: Pacific Maritime Heritage Center (333 SE Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365) 

WHAT: 

Take a guided walk along the scenic Yaquina Bay estuary and then learn how to draw a shorebird from a local artist! 

Join the MidCoast Watersheds Council for a place-based event that celebrates our scenic estuaries in observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States! Estuaries are locations where rivers meet the sea, and are vital to supporting life in all of its forms !

We'll begin with an interpretive walk along the beautiful Yaquina Estuary Trail to observe fall migratory shorebirds with Timothy Lawes, Wildlife Ecologist and Photographer. We will also learn about the importance of estuaries for fish, wildlife, and people from Cheryl Horton, Estuary Program Manager at MidCoast Watersheds Council. 

After the walk, we will head to the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center to learn how to draw a whimbrel, a stunning shorebird, from Nora Sherwood, Scientific Illustrator. No prior drawing experience is required. 

️ Get your tickets and learn more here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-estuaries-fall-migratory-birds-tickets-1998808900227 

Funding for this event is generously provided by the America 250 Commission ‍ Poster illustrations by the very talented Aurora Fee