Art of Growing Oysters in Tillamook County offers FREE tour of … – North Coast Citizen

The Art of Growing Oysters

Do you enjoy Pacific Northwest oysters? Have you ever wondered about where the oysters come from? The oyster industry is an important part of Tillamook County and includes a number of farms, like Pacific Seafood operating out of Bay City, and one of the largest oyster hatcheries in the country, Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery on Netarts Bay.

If you are interested in understanding where the tasty critters on your dinner plate come from or just curious about oysters in general, join us April 2, 2017 for our next tour. This event includes an estuary walk to view oyster beds near Bay Ocean Peninsula County Park, a stop at Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery, and ends at Pacific Seafoods restaurant, the Fish Peddler.

The tour is a rare opportunity to learn about the these facilities, the state of the art scientific research going on at the hatchery, and the issues faced by the shellfish industries and wild shellfish along the Pacific Northwest. The tour is also part of the Explore Nature series of hikes, walks, paddles and outdoor adventures. Explore Nature programs are hosted by a consortium of volunteer community and non-profit organizations, these meaningful nature-based experiences highlight the unique beauty of Tillamook County and the work being done to preserve the areas natural resources and natural resource-based economy.

The event is supported by Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS, Oregon Community Foundation/Salty Dog Fund, Tillamook Eco Adventures, LLC, Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery, Pacific Seafood and Visit Tillamook Coast/Economic Development Council of Tillamook County.

Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS (Watershed, Estuary, Beach and Sea) is a community committed to sustainability through education. WEBS works with interested community members, and locally represented agencies and organizations, to educate Tillamook County residents and visitors.

Date & Time:April 2, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to ~2 p.m.

Cost:No charge. Tax-exempt donations to Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS to enable programs like this are encouraged, but not required.

Event Information:Free shuttle service is provided by co-sponsor Tillamook EcoAdventures, LLC (additional details provided with reservation) for the 1st 10 participants. Larger groups are encouraged to carpool in their own vehicle. The estimated duration of the tour, including travel, is 4-5 hours.

Please bring water and snacks. Weather on the Oregon Coast is unpredictable. Please be prepared and bring appropriate gear and clothing. ***The estuary walk is, depending on the day, a moderate to moderate+ 1/2 mile walk across mud. Your feet WILL get wet and muddy!PLEASE WEAR BOOTS OR OTHER APPROPRIATE CLOSED-TOE FOOTWEAR. OYSTER SHELLS ARE SHARP! PLEASE DO NOT WEAR FLIP FLOPS OR SANDALS.***

Registration: Required and available at EventBrite.com. For a link to the registration page, please visit netartsbaytoday.org or the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS Facebook Event page.

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Art of Growing Oysters in Tillamook County offers FREE tour of ... - North Coast Citizen