VtF Newsletter - July, 2025

Gretchen Dubie
Jul 1
9 min read

Updated: Jul 2

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."

Summer Reflections

As we move past the longest day of the year, the days quietly shorten, ushering us into the heart of summer and slowly toward fall. At View the Future, this seasonal shift is mirrored by our own evolution—steady, meaningful, and full of purpose.

Since stepping into this role, I’ve been inspired by the momentum we’ve built together. The visibility, partnerships, and impact we’re achieving are a direct reflection of the strong foundation this community has laid.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I hope you find moments of joy, reflection, and connection to the land we all cherish. Please stay safe, enjoy the beauty of our coast, and consider supporting View the Future as we work to protect it for generations to come.

With deep gratitude, Gretchen Dubie Executive DirectorView the Future

What’s New?

VTF awarded $1000 Lions Club Grant for publication of new Conservation Easement brochures

On behalf of the Board members, our Executive Director and all our volunteers, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Yachats Lions Club for their generous gift of $1000 to help fund our conservation easement program. These funds specifically benefit the printing and distribution of trifold brochures that describe conservation easements and their advantages to landowners. (See more information on conservation easements at www.viewthefuture.org) Our Yachats Lions Club distributed over $43,000 this year to local charitable organizations and groups - Thank you, Lions Club!

OSU Students Return to Amanda Gathering Area for Indigenous History Experience By Joanne Kittel

This June, the Amanda Gathering Area once again welcomed twenty-five Oregon State University students and two instructors, participating in the “Creative Field Work: Creative Coast” class. Their visit marked the second consecutive year this field course has chosen Yachats as a meaningful stop to connect with local Indigenous history and landscapes.

The students gathered at the Amanda Gathering Area, where they took part in a presentation on the region’s Indigenous past—stories of displacement, resilience, and cultural continuity. Sharing this history at the site of such emotional and cultural significance is always powerful, and seeing young scholars engage so thoughtfully with the land and its layered past is a reminder of the importance of protecting and educating.

Their return reflects a growing recognition of the Amanda Trail and Gathering Area not just as a beautiful place for reflection and hiking, but as a living classroom—one that honors the truth of our shared history and helps shape future stewards of cultural and environmental preservation. We thank Oregon State University for continuing this important tradition and for helping deepen awareness of the sacred spaces we are working to protect.

One More Step for Amanda

Thanks to a collaboration with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Beach Ranger Doug Sestrich, a new steppingstone has been installed at the Amanda Grotto to improve access to the statue. Joanne Kittel single handedly unearthed a 400+ pound basalt rock—perfect for the step—but transporting it was no small feat. With help from Doug’s truck and crane, and VtF volunteer and Yachats Trails Leader, Loren Dickinson, the stone was placed with care. A surrounding 16-foot circle of rocks now protects nearby tree roots, completing this thoughtful restoration "step."

Cultural Presentations and Events

Marion Brooks: The Lost Story of Emmett Till

An Afternoon of History, Reflection & Truth-Telling

Marion Brooks, an investigative journalist and co-anchor of NBC News Chicago, and daughter of beloved local residents Margaret and Sam Brooks, shares her work on “The Lost Story of Emmett Till: The Universal Story” the powerful Emmy winning documentary she and colleagues produced.

Date: August 12th, 2025

Time: 7:00 pm Location: Yachats Commons Suggested Donation: $5

In this deeply moving presentation, Marion Brooks will explore the hidden history behind one of the most pivotal events in the American civil rights movement—the murder of Emmett Till—and why telling this story now is more important than ever.

As the producer and author of the NBC docuseries The Lost Story of Emmett Till, Marion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how journalism, memory, and social justice intersect to illuminate the truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a powerful voice in contemporary storytelling and engage in an important conversation about history, legacy, and the power of truth.

Save the Date – September 11-12th 2025

View the Future Presents…

What is the Climate Wisdom Lab? The Climate Wisdom Lab is a hands-on, community-focused workshop where we explore climate change challenges and solutions rooted in local knowledge, science, and collaboration. It’s not a lecture—it’s a space for creative thinking and shared action.

Who should attend? Everyone! Residents, retirees, students, professors, youth, business owners, tribal members, conservationists, scientists, government and City officials, State Representatives, land stewards, artists, activists, and curious minds—this is a space for all voices who care about the future of our coast and community.

Do I need to have experience in climate or science to attend? Not at all. You just need curiosity, a love for where you live, and a desire to be part of a hopeful conversation.

Is there a cost to attend? Yes, Early bird ticket prices are $100 until July 31st, and goes up to $125 in August - space is limited, so please RSVP.

What will we do at the workshop? Through storytelling, scenario-building, and group dialogue, we’ll explore what resilience means in the face of climate change—and how local action can shape a more livable future.

What do you mean by ‘climate resilience’? Climate resilience means our community’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing world—socially, environmentally, and economically. It's about preparing for what's next while protecting what we love.

Will there be food or refreshments? Yes! Light breakfast foods, a lunch provided by Drfit Inn Redstauraunt in Yachats, a happy hour each day from 4-5pm with refreshments and good conversation are guaranteed.

How do I sign up? RSVP on our website at https://www.viewthefuture.org/upcoming-events

Why does this matter? Because rural and coastal communities like ours are on the frontlines of change. This workshop empowers us to face the future with knowledge, creativity, and community.

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, 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, peacebuilding, 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.

A deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities in frontline environmental work.
A space for processing the emotional toll of environmental crises.
Training in resilience-building techniques.
A professional network and sense of community.

“Our Lands – Our Cultures” Program to Spotlight Tribal Resilience, Restoration, and Connection to Place

View the Future, Yachatians for Social Justice, and the Yachats Chamber of Commerce are honored to present “Our Lands – Our Cultures,” a powerful community event celebrating the strength, resilience, and cultural restoration efforts of local tribal communities.

When: October 12th

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: Yachats Commons, 441 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498

This informative afternoon, will highlight the inspiring stories of survival and resurgence of the descendants of Coast Range prison camps—stories rooted in perseverance, cultural restoration, and deep connection to land and community.

Featured speakers include:

Jesse Beers, an enrolled citizen and Cultural Stewardship Manager for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. For over 15 years, Jesse has worked to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into restoration projects across the region. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to cultural heritage, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.

Lisa Norton, MSW, is an enrolled member and Chief Administrative Officer of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, where she manages a wide range of initiatives, from infrastructure to public safety and community support. With nearly 20 years of service to her Tribe, Lisa brings expertise in social services, advocacy, and program development. Her work is deeply informed by her long-standing roots in Lincoln County and her dedication to the well-being of future generations.

Together, Jesse and Lisa are not only preserving cultural traditions but actively shaping a future in which both people and the land can thrive. Their stories and insights will inspire all who care about cultural resilience, ecological integrity, and community-based restoration.

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

Partners Protecting

New Business Sponsor:

Toad Hall joins our business sponsorships to support View the Future! Owned and lovingly operated by Valeria Tutrinoli, this charming gift shop offers a shopping experience that is hard to forget. Toad Hall Gift Shop in Yachats, Oregon has been open since 1988, making it a trusted local fixture for about 36 years.

Want to join the club and be a business Sponsor to show your ongoing support to View the Future? Contact Gretchen.dubie@viewthefuture.org, and become a supporting business today!

Volunteer Spotlight:

written by Saga Briggs

Jennifer Pettit

While View the Future volunteer and long-time Yachatian, Jennifer Pettit says it’s “pretty much impossible to live in Yachats and not be aware of View the Future and all the goodness they pour into our community,” and we’d say the same is true of her. The local educator and mom, who works as a Nutrition Education Program Assistant for OSU, has not only made an immeasurably positive impact on the Yachats community over the years but also designed the legendary TRAIL-Ed map used in VtF’s educational programming.

“When my work became remote at home in Yachats, I had the opportunity to present my proposal for the TRAIL-Ed (Thankful Respect & Acknowledgement for Indigenous Land-Education) Interactive Pocket Guide,” Jennifer says. “Fortunately, the project fit with my work for promoting physical activity, so it was really a combo of fun ‘work’ and volunteer time.”

The idea for the trail map came in a stroke of inspiration after Jennifer had partnered with a local teacher on some special events and remembered something the teacher said after hiking the Amanda Trail.

“She brought her classroom to hike the trail and then camp overnight at the Cape Perpetua campground. What a fabulous field day and night! She mentioned that there were so many plants along the way and wished there were more learning resources to support her students. Here was inspiration for the vision of the map.”

Jennifer’s vision for the map was threefold: she wanted it to contain as much information as possible but still fit in a pocket for the hike; to support not only youth learning but all age levels in the community; and to increase reading of the interpretive signs along the trail and bring the history all together in an interactive experience.

“It makes me happy to know that the TRAIL-Ed map has become a valuable resource for so many,” Jennifer tells us. “I can say that it’s one of my dreams come true and my favorite work project to date. Passion really helps makes things happen and becomes a reality generator.”

She notes that the project couldn’t have succeeded without her co-creators: the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and their Cultural Department; Nora Sherwood; View the Future; and Braemar Charitable Trust grant contributor. An additional nod of gratitude goes to her son, Asher and partner, Oscar “for lugging the concrete and elevation signs to install along the trail.”

“Although somewhat of a foreigner (Canada), I have always felt connected in and to the Yachats community,” Jennifer says. “We are all different, yet we fit together like an extended family with collective heart. The grand mission of View the Future is more than enough to carry us onward in the most positive light. I know we will always try our best.”

A Thoughtful Way to Give…

Donating Stocks to View the Future is a Huge Help to Support Our Mission

Tax Advantages:

Avoid Capital Gains Tax: By donating appreciated stock directly to a View the Future which is a qualified charitable organization you can avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciated value (fair market) of the stock. If you were to sell the stock first and then donate the cash, you would be liable for the capital gains tax on the profit.
Federal Income Tax Deduction: You may be eligible for a federal income tax deduction based on the fair market value of the securities at the time of the transfer.
Larger Potential Contribution: The tax savings from avoiding capital gains tax can effectively allow you to make a larger contribution to View the Future than you might be able to with a cash donation.
Consult a Financial Advisor: It is always recommended to consult with a financial advisor for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and to ensure you maximize your tax benefits.

Donating appreciated assets like stock, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs can have a large impact on View the Future’s mission View the Future can then sell the stock and use the proceeds to support their programs and operations. Find out more ways to give here: https://www.viewthefuture.org/donate