North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection and the Rockaway Beach Public Library present a special exhibit, “What is a Wetland?”
The display features local artists and photographers, and includes illustrations of native plants and animals. It explains the importance of wetlands for environmental health and clean drinking water, both in general and here in Rockaway.
The exhibit is ongoing through April 7, 2026, at the Rockaway Beach Library, 120 N. Coral St., Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Library hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Some takeaways from the exhibit:
·The Rockaway Beach area was once home to many acres of wetlands. Over time, a significant portion of these wetlands have been drained, filled in, and developed. The remaining wetlands need to be protected.
·Wetlands trap sediments, absorb excess nutrients, and remove pollutants from runoff before water reaches lakes, rivers, and aquifers.
·Wetlands function as natural reservoirs, storing and slowly releasing floodwaters to minimize damage to surrounding areas, particularly in coastal regions.
·Wetlands store significant amounts of carbon in their soil and vegetation, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
·Wetlands provide vital breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for thousands of species, including migratory birds, fish, and shellfish.
·Wetlands are natural firebreaks. Saturated soil and water-rich plants create physical barriers that fire cannot cross.
·Locally, wetlands sit atop an aquifer in Nedonna Beach that is an important source of drinking water for the city of Rockaway Beach.
·You can make a difference. Join NCCWP to protect the remaining Nedonna freshwater forest/shrub wetland for the future of our community and the natural world.
About us: Join the NCCWP regular monthly community meeting on the last Tuesday of each month at St. Mary by the Sea Parish Hall, 275 S. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach, 6-7:30 p.m.
North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection wants no more logging and pesticide use in community drinking water sources regardless of who owns the land, and wants an end to pesticide applications near where people live, work, and recreate. Safe drinking water and clean air are part of the public trust that we all are entitled to have.
For more information go to our website www.healthywatershed.org or contact rockawaycitizen.water@gmail.com
River otter photo by Sue Norris