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View the Future May 2026 Newsletter
- Gretchen Dubie
- May 8
- 6 min read
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."
Preserving what makes Yachats special starts with protecting the landscapes we all love.
As I look ahead to attending my first Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts annual “Land Camp” in June, I’ve been reflecting on several recent experiences—both on my own and alongside View the Future friends and volunteers while visiting forests, project lands, and partner properties—all reminded me of why protecting land matters now more than ever. One of my personal highlights this month was hiking in the Cummins Creek Wilderness and coming upon a 500-year-old fallen tree stretched across the trail, followed moments later by a large owl gliding across my path. Both felt like powerful reminders of the ever-present cycle of life and death in these special places—and of why now is the time to act, preserve, and protect.
Our partners at the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts highlight how Oregon’s landscapes remain one of the few places where communities can find common ground. In their article below, they emphasize how conserving forests, farms, waterways, and open spaces isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about preserving the character, resilience, and shared future of places like Yachats. I loved how their article highlights land trusts and conservation organizations as aligned forces across the state to strengthen conservation partnerships. At View the Future, this work is central to our mission as we help ensure that the beauty, culture, ecological health, and community spirit of Yachats endure for generations to come, and we cheer our conservation partners along as they do the same! Read the full article here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nLdKJdQZKkG0wMiSJZ5UJAmknlzMOjXq/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116941144921346235907&rtpof=true&sd=true
Happy Spring - I hope you are enjoying the blooms, blossoms, and signs of wildlife peaking at us from around each corner!
In Gratitude,
Gretchen
Partners Protecting:
Field Visit Spotlight: Learning from the Land at Haich ikt’at’uu
Recently, View the Future had the opportunity to visit Haich ikt’at’uu (“heart of the river”), a remarkable restoration project led by partners McKenzie River Trust along the lower Siuslaw River. During our visit, we were given an informative tour by Nathan LaClear, Restoration Project Manager, who walked us through the history, vision, and progress of this ambitious estuary restoration effort.
Formerly known as Waite Ranch, this 217-acre property was once diked, drained, and converted for agricultural use, disconnecting it from the river’s natural tidal flow. Today, through a collaborative partnership between McKenzie River Trust, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and other regional partners, the site is being transformed back into thriving estuarine wetlands by restoring tidal channels, reconnecting historic floodplains, and improving fish passage.
The benefits of this restoration are far-reaching: healthier wetlands improve water quality, reduce flooding impacts, create critical habitat for threatened Coho salmon and other native species, and strengthen the resilience of the entire Siuslaw estuary. Just as importantly, the project honors Indigenous stewardship by restoring both the ecological function and cultural significance of this landscape.
Our visit was an inspiring reminder that conservation is most powerful when science, community, and Tribal partnership come together to restore the “heart of the river.”
Picture#1: Large tide gate installed: used to manage water levels in tidal areas, estuaries, or drainage systems by allowing water to flow out while preventing it from flowing back in.
Pictures #2,3,4 – Nathan leading us around restoration project site
pic #5 &6 Sitka Spruce stands tall along river
Pictures above: How many board members does it take to pull Scotch broom?
John Theilacker, Joanne Kittel, Hui Rodomsky, and Michael Guerriero
A beautiful tidal restoration underway!
Come on out for a local bird walk!
May 9th – Join our partners for a Bird Walk
Bird city Eckman lake walk details: https://www.midcoastwatersheds.org/events/2026/may/birdwalkeckmanlake
Volunteer Spotlight:
Michael Guerriero
Michael Guerriero has been volunteering with View the Future since 2016. New to town at the time, he was looking for a meaningful way to get involved in the community while also pursuing his long-standing interest in conservation.
Michael and his wife, Rose, moved to Yachats from Humboldt County in 2013 after falling in love with the area during a vacation visit. Michael was originally drawn to View the Future through interest in Yachats Ridge and its conservation potential. His background in nonprofit work also made the organization feel like a natural fit. Prior to moving to Yachats, Michael was involved with Friends of the Eel River for over 10 years, a nonprofit working on the decommissioning of dams on the Eel River, in California. Through that experience, he recognized many of the same values reflected in View the Future’s work—particularly the importance of community collaboration, environmental protection for land and water, and honoring tribal interests.
Since joining the board, Michael has found great satisfaction in contributing to the community in tangible ways. He has served as secretary of the Conservation Committee and regularly conducts site visits and conservation easement reviews with landowners.
One of Michael’s earliest memories with View the Future reflects the grassroots nature of the organization’s conservation work. He recalls helping care for a small neighborhood footbridge connecting to the Siuslaw Forest, which led to a conversation easement with a nearby neighbor and property owner. Those early discussions eventually resulted in what is now known as the Barton Bridge
Conservation Easement.
When asked about his favorite experience volunteering with View the Future, Michael points to learning more about Yachats Ridge and the importance of protecting it. He sees tremendous potential in preserving the area and remains committed to helping move that process forward.
For Michael, these projects are especially meaningful because of their strong connection to the community. He deeply respects the leadership View the Future has provided and values the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the many individuals and partner organizations involved in this work.
When Mike is not volunteering his services, he spends his time mushroom hunting, taking walks in the forest, gardening, and cycling; all while also tending to his creative interests in his home art studio.
Yachats Ridge is Blooming with Potential!
We had a picture-perfect tour with Senator Floyd Prozanski and Ninkasi Brewery Co-founder, Nikos Ridge, last month to help broaden our outreach and support for our search for Yachats Ridge buyers. Both were impressed by the numerous conservation assets and multiple potential outcomes for the property, and we are encouraged by their thoughtful impressions and suggestions for outreach. Building relationships with leaders and community members who are connected both statewide and nationally helps expand our reach and uncover opportunities we may not otherwise identify. With the support, guidance, and visibility of partners like Senator Prozanski and Nikos Ridge, we continue broadening awareness of Yachats Ridge and strengthening the network needed to help secure its future.
With continued dialogue, thoughtful outreach and perseverance, we will never give up!
John, Joanne, Senator Prozanski and Nikos Ridge Senator Prozanski enjoying the view.
Conservation Corner
Tick Talk: Trail Tip for the season Spring on the Northwest coast means wildflowers, hiking boots, and yes… ticks are officially back in business. While the Pacific Northwest has fewer tick-borne illnesses than many other regions, ticks are active in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas—especially from spring through early summer.
Stay tick-smart while adventuring:• Wear light-colored clothing (ticks are less sneaky when you can spot them!)• Tuck pants into socks on trails or in tall grass• Use bug spray with DEET or picaridin.
Do a quick tick check after outdoor adventures—for you, kids, and pups – they love our furry friends. A little prevention means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time evicting tiny hitchhikers!
Cultural Presentations:
For those of you who missed Devin Boss, here is a link to the recording of the presentation: https://youtu.be/Ea7YdpjKFKc
SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!
June 6th:
Special Presentation from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz (see below)
September 12th:
Rooted and Rising; Grounded in Place, Growing the Future (a fundraiser for View the Future…details to follow)
In Our Own Words: Honoring Whale A Centering Tribal Story
June 6th, @ 1pm Amanda Gathering Area
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invite the community to an afternoon of shared learning and conversation focused on the cultural, historical, and contemporary significance of the Tribe’s relationship with the ocean and honoring the whale.
This gathering will be led by the Tribe and supported by the voices of Lisa Norton, Todd Logan, Josh Rilatos, Zena Green, and Angela Sondenaa, whose participation reflects a collective commitment to cultural responsibility, lived experience, and respectful storytelling. Held in a natural outdoor setting, the event will center Tribal perspectives and values, offering space for listening, reflection, and dialogue. The afternoon is intended to be welcoming, meaningful, and grounded in cultural integrity, honoring the Tribe’s responsibility to share its story in its own way and on its own terms.
- Suggested donation: $10.00
Learn more here: https://www.viewthefuture.org/event-details/honoring-whale-a-centering-tribal-story
Our Children’s Trust: Co-Executive Director Mat Dos Santos August 16th – Yachats Commons 2:00pm Suggested donation: $10.00
The world’s only non-profit public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to securing the legal rights of youth to a healthy atmosphere and safe climate, based on the best available science.
View the Future is honored to welcome Mat dos Santos from Our Children’s Trust https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/ to Yachats for a special presentation on the intersection of climate, law, and the future of our lands and waters. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
Earth Day Hike was a blast!! Please enjoy our Earth Day photos….
parasitic wildflower known as a California ground cone (Kopsiopsis strobilacea).
Thriving fungi stump
Calista Flockhart and beloved dog, Sweetpea
Tricia and Blue
Gretchen and Tricia Quails
Together we can preserve and enrich
our shared future for generations to come.
View the Future, Inc. is an 501(c)(3) nonprofit; therefore, your contribution is fully tax-deductible.
Hi...Can you maybe give me some tangible steps I can take to further the process of protecting Yachats Ridge? Who currently owns the property? In the newsletter, it is mentioned that there is a search ongoing to find a buyer. What is the criteria for a buyer? Clearly it would be a conservation buyer, but an individual, a conservation organization? Is there any progress on securing funding for purchase? Thanks for taking time to answer!
Great news letter Gretchen.very informative.Pictures are a great touch.Keep up the good work