The Newport Recreation Center is back on the beach with their ever popular seaweed foraging classes and a new tidepool excursion. Low Tide Learning takes participants to Seal Rock State Park where they spend 2 hours exploring and tasting. “Seal Rock has a wide variety of seaweeds so it’s a great spot for this class,” says Jenni Remillard, Recreation Program Specialist.
“We will have the opportunity to taste seaweeds right out of the tidepools, but don’t worry, I’ll have mints if you need a palate cleanse.” The class also discusses any edible tidepool animals they might see such as mussels and barnacles. This is the third year back for the class after taking a break for COVID. The Rec Center is also offering a brand new activity this year; a tidepool excursion trip to Neptune State Park. The Park is about 40 minutes south of Newport and is a great place for tidepooling. There will be a -2.0 tide the day of the trip.
“I wanted to take people to Neptune because besides it being a beautiful place, it’s pretty accessible,” says Remillard. “There are a few rocks at the end of the trail to the beach, but most of the tidepool viewing is possible from the sand so we avoid walking over a lot of slippery rocks.” Both Low Tide Learning and the Neptune Tidepool Excursion will have a shuttle available for those who don’t want to hassle with parking or driving.
Low Tide Learning
April 12, 11am – 1pm
May 10, 9:30am – 11:30am
May 13, 1pm – 3pm
Tidepool Excursion to Neptune State Park
June 7th, 8:45am – 11:15am (meet at Rec Center at 7:45, shuttle leaves at 8)
For more information, contact Remillard at j.remillard@newportoregon.gov or at 541 265 4859 or register on the Rec Center website under Special Events – Outdoor/Nature https://secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog
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