Valuable insights and community-driven work highlighted at a recent Rotary Club of Newport meeting:
McKenzie River Trust
A nonprofit land trust founded in 1989, working to protect critical habitats and scenic lands—from the McKenzie River basin to coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes stretching from Reedsport to Lincoln City. Their work is a strong reminder of how conservation and community go hand in hand. (https://mckenzieriver.org/)
Lincoln County Solid Waste Disposal Service District
Staff shared updates on the County’s RV Abatement Program—an effort to remove abandoned RVs and vehicles from public roads and partner with cities and private property owners to address derelict units.
This program tackles the real costs of towing, disposal, and hazardous materials—an issue many of us have seen firsthand across the county. (https://lincolnchronicle.org/county-cities-try-to-deal…/)
Microplastics & Voluntourism – with Guy Faust
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Guy, a dedicated advocate for reducing microplastics on our beaches. Through Rotary-led efforts, individuals and groups can take part in hands-on beach cleanups along the Oregon Coast.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved this summer—this is it. (https://www.rotaryclubofnewport.org/about-microplastics) July 1 – September 6, 2026
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center
Our meeting was hosted at this impressive facility operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society.
The center offers a multi-purpose meeting space and serves as an interactive cultural hub—connecting visitors to our working waterfront, maritime history, and educational programming.
If you’re planning an event, it’s worth checking out. (https://oregoncoasthistory.org/maritime-center/