VtF Newsletter - April, 2025

Director's Message:

"We preserve, protect, and enhance the natural environment through collaborative actions for scientific, educational, recreational, cultural, and economic goals that benefit the Yachats community and its future generations." Spring Reflections from Yachats, Our Gem of the Central Oregon Coast

As spring unfolds across our beloved landscape, we’re reminded once again why this place is so special. The forests are alive with new growth, coastal meadows are blooming with wildflowers, and the ocean mist carries the scent of renewal and possibility.

View the Future feels that same sense of renewal and inspiration for our mission. This season, we are actively engaged in negotiations on three exciting conservation easements that will help permanently protect key properties in our region. Each of these projects represents a collaborative effort with landowners who share our commitment to preserving the natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural richness of the Central Oregon Coast. These easements are a testament to the power of community and shared vision. They are complex, thoughtful processes—and we are honored to be trusted stewards in bringing them to fruition. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the stewardship of this extraordinary place. Together, we’re preserving the wild heart of the central coast for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Gretchen Dubie

Executive Director, View the Future 😊

What’s New?

Our new website is live- come check it out!

Exciting News about our Website:

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website: www.viewthefuture.org. Our goal was to create a more user-friendly and engaging space where you can stay updated on our work and easily connect with us. You’ll find improved navigation, fresh content, and an overall better experience. We will be posting all our workshops and events on our events page (many coming this spring and fall), and you can also sign up there for monthly tours of Yachats Ridge. We are looking forward to you having a better understanding of all the things View the Future does to preserve the cherished spaces in Yachats and stay informed of our efforts. Please sign up for our newsletter and learn more about View the Future, your local land trust, preserving our future. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re shaping a better future!

Visit us now: www.viewthefuture.org Come Explore some page highlights:

🌿 Local & Indigenous History tab– Discover the rich history of our village, honoring the locals, land and its original stewards. 🏞 Yachats Ridge & Conservation Easement Page – Learn about our efforts to protect this vital landscape for future generations, and the land we currently protect, and get current updates on our progress to protect Yachats Ridge. 🤝 Board Members & Partners – Meet the dedicated individuals and organizations working alongside us to make a difference. We are looking forward to welcoming two new board members so stay tuned!

We’re still fine-tuning some details, so if you spot anything that needs attention, we’d love your feedback! Thank you for your continued support in protecting and preserving our future!

Discover Oregon’s Hidden History with Zachary Stocks

Join View the Future and Yachatians for Social Justice for an engaging presentation by Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. Learn about Oregon’s Black Exclusion Laws and the resilient individuals who defied them.

📅 Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025⏰ Time: 2:00 PM📍 Location: Yachats Commons, 4th St & Hwy 101🎟 Suggested Donation: $5

Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on an often-overlooked chapter of Oregon’s history!

🔗 More info: www.viewthefuture.org📧 Contact: Joanne Kittel – joannekittel@viewthefuture.org

Save the Date! View the Future Presents…

Climate Wisdom Lab: Navigating Change with Resilience

Join View the Future and Climate Resilience for the Climate Wisdom Lab, an interactive workshop designed to help participants engage meaningfully with climate change, structural injustice, and other global challenges. Through guided discussions and experiential learning, explore the key psychosocial dimensions of a rapidly shifting world and reshape personal and cultural narratives for deeper resilience and action.

Facilitators:🔹 Kevin M. Gallagher – Attorney, author, and climate expert with a decade of experience in policy, peace building, and mindfulness.🔹 Kirsten Rudestam – Environmental educator, wilderness guide, and meditation teacher with expertise in environmental justice and transformative learning.

🌎 Discover new tools for navigating uncertainty and fostering meaningful change.

🔗 More info: www.viewthefuture.org

Volunteer Spotlight:

The Yachats Ladies Club – A Legacy of Service and Community Spirit

For nearly a century, the Yachats Ladies Club has been a steadfast pillar of generosity and service on the central Oregon coast. Founded in 1927, this dedicated group has raised over $100,000 in funds and services, supporting scholarships, fire departments, and all of Yachats’ vital community nonprofit programs.

Despite challenges like declining membership and building maintenance, the club continues to thrive through teamwork and resilience. Their creative fundraising—from pie socials and bazaars to quilt raffles and themed dinners—not only sustains their mission but also fosters deep friendships and a spirit of camaraderie.

The club’s commitment extends beyond fundraising. Their delicious homemade food has become a staple at community events, including National Trails Day, special dedications and presentations by figures like Roxy Manning, and they feed all our visitors alike at the Community Solstice Celebration, and the Yachats Mushroom Festival. They proudly support nonprofits such as View the Future, the Women’s Resource Center, Child Advocacy Center, My Sister’s Place Domestic Violence Prevention Program, Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program, and the Yachats Fire District.

For the past 15 years, the Yachats Ladies Club has been a valued partner of View the Future, baking cookies and providing heartfelt support for our initiatives. A heartfelt thank you to Huck Huckins, and all the remarkable members of the Yachats Ladies Club—your leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our community!💚