2024 Field Experiences

Saturday, August 10, 2024

We are excited to offer these field experiences on Saturday, August 10. These excursions will leave from and return to Pearson College. They are included in the full conference registration fee at no extra cost. However, participation in some of the trips is limited. Other field experiences at Pearson College will be available on Saturday for those who are unable to participate in these limited-capacity trips.

Marine Ecological Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour + Kelp Float

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join Gina of Mer Tales Ocean Journeys and Brian of South Island SUP for a stand-up paddleboarding experience exploring the nearshore marine environment. We’ll begin with a half-hour walk from campus to Weir’s Beach, where Gina, a professional marine biologist, will lead the 1.5-hour SUP tour and share her knowledge of the local area marine ecosystems while encouraging everyone to share their marine knowledge and inspire great conversations while together. We’ll take time to rest and enjoy a “kelp float” – nestled within the kelp forest, relax and quiet the mind, allowing nature to come alive even more as we tune in and connect with it in a deeper and meaningful way. Whether you’re standing, kneeling or sitting, exploring the ocean by paddleboard is magical and a source of continual learning through endless opportunities to observe marine life in action – with eagles flying overhead, harbour seals popping up, and being able to gaze down through the water column to observe schools of Pacific herring, egg-yolk and moon jellies, kelp crabs on bull kelp stipes and more! After the tour, enjoy your boxed lunch on the beach before walking back to campus.

Never paddleboarded before? We have you covered. Gina and Brian are Paddle Canada certified stand-up paddleboard instructors and can help you get on the water safely and with confidence. High-end paddleboards, paddles and safety gear will be provided.

The field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Participants will leave Pearson College at 9:00 am and return at approximately 1:00 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:30 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the group.

What to Wear/Bring: Wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and water activity (layers are a good idea, avoid cotton). Bring a towel, change of clothes (just in case). Use a strap for your prescription glasses or sunglasses. Leave your phone “on shore” or place in a dry bag. Bring water and a snack. A vehicle will be at the beach where participants can leave their belongings (e.g. change of clothes, towel, phone etc.).

Accessibility Requirements: The beach is accessed via an easy 2-km walk along the entrance road to Pearson College that takes a half hour at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues is welcome to drive/carpool to the beach site, although there is limited parking along Sandgate Road. Participants must be able to get on and off a stand-up paddleboard, and sit, kneel or stand while paddling. Assistance will be provided as needed. Minimal experience, average fitness level required for this tour.

Maximum Number of Participants: 12

Experience the Wonders of SṈIDȻEȽ, The Place of the Blue Grouse [FULL]

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

[This experience is currently full. Spots may open up at the conference, so please see the registration desk at check-in if you’re interested.]

SṈIDȻEȽ (known also as Tod Inlet, a BC Provincial Park) has been a very special place to the SENCOTEN speaking People since time immemorial.  Some of the members of NAME have been working with the local First Nations over the last 25 years to restore and protect this highly valued ecological and cultural place. With the guidance of local knowledge-keepers, we will bear witness to the history, culture and ecology of this unique inlet and the surrounding Douglas Fir Forest.

This beautiful woodland and estuary provide a powerful outdoor classroom setting to work together for positive change.  Join us in a “hands-on, feet-wet” approach as we explore the local watershed, learn about traditional uses of local plants and appreciate the power of storytelling and art in grounding our learning in place.  The day will include many opportunities for experiential learning from both Indigenous and western ways of knowing and for sharing our collective knowledge and wisdom as we look to the future.

The field trip includes transportation and a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Buses will leave Pearson College at 8:30 am and return at approximately 3:30 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:00 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the bus.

Accessibility requirements: The estuary is accessed via an easy walk along a low grade, slightly rocky path that takes 15-20 minutes at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues will be accommodated with vehicle transport directly to the estuary site.

Maximum number of participants: 40

Weir’s Beach Marine Debris Field Survey [FULL]

[This experience is currently full. Spots may open up at the conference, so please see the registration desk at check-in if you’re interested.]

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Come join us for a half-hour walk from campus to Weir’s Beach, a dynamic outdoor classroom, where we will establish a new marine debris survey site, record the amount and types of debris on the shoreline, and discuss ways to solve marine debris mysteries. Your survey results will be published on a NOAA database used by scientists and educators worldwide who are passionately working to research and interrupt the process that leads to debris in our ocean. During the walk and lunch we can explore our surroundings, identify local species, and begin the conference with place based, experiential learning.

The NOAA  Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project is a rigorous volunteer monitoring program that provides cross-curricular connections, hands-on opportunities for learning, and career skill development. After completing a survey, you will be able to confidently discuss with your students the issue of marine debris, identify as field surveyors, and gain an understanding of how there is no “away” when we throw something away.

Denise Harrington, Community Science and Education Specialist for Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, will lead this excursion. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Teacher at Sea Alumni Fellow, educator, field surveyor, and ocean kayaker, she loves to share ideas of integrating place and project based learning into all we do.

The field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Participants will leave Pearson College at 9:00 am and return at approximately 1:00 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:30 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the group.

Dress in layers, bring a backpack to carry your lunch, and be prepared to walk a mile round trip.

Accessibility Requirements: The beach is accessed via an easy 2-km walk along the entrance road to Pearson College that takes a half hour at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues is welcome to drive/carpool to the beach site, although there is limited parking along Sandgate Road.

Maximum number of participants: 20

Explore Pedder Bay and Pearson College Trails

We will be exploring the beautiful trails around Pearson College and Pedder Bay. This field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. More information and details will be posted as they are finalized.

 

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2024 Keynote Presentations

Sunday, August 11, 2024 • 8:45 – 10:00 am

Where the Whales Are—Lessons learned from giants about positive change in a changing world

Jackie Hildering (Image by Kendra Parnham-Hall)

Jackie Hildering (Image by Kendra Parnham-Hall)

“Where the Whales Are” will be a presentation dedicated to the importance of speaking for the ocean and how to help inspire positive change in a changing world.

The presenter is Jackie Hildering, Humpback Whale researcher, cofounder and communications lead with the Marine Education and Research Society based in the Territory of the Kwak̕wala-speaking People, northern Vancouver Island. Jackie goes by “The Marine Detective” and is also a cold-water scuba diver and underwater photographer.

She will share lessons learned – from a previously undocumented Humpback Whale feeding strategy; to the plight of Sunflower Stars; to the human psychology that leads to disconnect from life in dark seas and to the paralysis and overwhelm that limit socio-environmental change.

Jackie’s on-camera experience includes work with Animal Planet, PBS, and the BBC.

For more information see www.TheMarineDetective.com/about  and www.mersociety.org

Monday, August 12, 2024 • 3:00 – 4:15 pm

Walking in Balance: Towards and understanding of Indigenous Land-Based Pedagogy and Interconnectedness

John Harris

Land-based education is rooted in Indigenous pedagogy and ways of knowing and is the way Indigenous peoples have been teaching and learning for countless generations. More importantly it forms the way we understand, relate to, and interact with the world around us including our more than human relations such as air, water, moon, stars, trees, plants, and all of the winged, finned, four-legged and insect relatives on tumuxw earth and the earth itself. Understanding our place within the complexity of these relationships is characterized by a word and concept from my ancestral language, hul’qumi’num, asnuts’a’maat – we are all one. Deeply embedded within this concept are the inherent responsibilities expected of us to be ‘good relatives’ – that is, in good and right relation with all things.

John Harris is an Indigenous Educator and member of the Snuneymuxw Nanaimo First Nation, working in the Greater Victoria School District’s Indigenous Education Department as the Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Facilitator. He is grateful for the privilege and opportunity of living, learning and working within the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, and passionate about weaving local Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into educational opportunities. In his experience as an educator, he has found that incredibly profound learning occurs at the intersection between traditional Indigenous knowledges, land-based experiential teaching, and an openness to embrace uy’skwuluwun – a good mind and heart when doing this work.

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2024 Presentation Information

The Call for Presentations is now open for the 2024 Conference hosted by NAME and CaNOE! This year’s theme is “Ripple Effect: Making Waves Together.”

We invite educators, researchers, students, and resource professionals from the Pacific Northwest and across Canada to submit your proposals using the online form on our website. There will be a range of presentation formats, presentations, “hands-on” workshops or interactive sessions, and posters. It is possible for a single presenter to host more than one session or workshop. Please submit a separate proposal for each presentation.

Conference sessions, networking opportunities, and social activities will be spread across three consecutive days from August 10-12, including local outdoor field experiences. All presenters must register for the conference and are encouraged to participate in other conference sessions, functions and events.

Presentations that align with the conference theme and goals are encouraged:

  • Connect with a community that shares wide range of experiences to expand perspectives and broaden impacts of ocean conservation, education and research
  • Discover resources and information from communities and organizations that value healthy marine and aquatic ecosystems, and discuss how they can be incorporated into ocean and aquatic education
  • Share activities, lessons, and resources that embrace diverse ways of teaching and learning ocean literacy concepts in the classroom and community
  • Explore and discuss current issues in marine and aquatic science and the role of place, language and culture in informing solutions

All submissions received before the priority deadline of March 31, 2024 will be reviewed and successful applicants will be contacted by April 15, 2024. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed if there is program space available.

For registration information, please visit 2024 Registration Information.

Presentation Formats

  1. Short Presentations: (30-minute sessions)

Standard presentations, including time for questions. Power-point presentations with group discussions on a theme relevant to the conference are also welcome. 

  1. Workshop or Presentation: (60-minute sessions)

Share your favorite marine and aquatic lessons, activities, or stewardship and research initiatives with your colleagues. We especially encourage presentations that highlight hands-on and place-based learning. If you require a time commitment longer than 60 minutes, please reach out to us and we can discuss options directly with individual presenters.

Workshops can be held indoors or outdoors on the Pearson College campus. If you are unfamiliar with the location we encourage you to visit Pearson College’s website at http://www.pearsoncollege.ca/ where you will find information on the campus location, maps, facilities and photos of the college.

  1. Poster Presentation 

The poster session is an engaging way for students, teachers, scientists and community professionals to share their lessons, research, and citizen science initiatives. The poster display is a great way to draw the audience into your research idea, project results, education tips and offers opportunities for building connections. A specific time will be set aside during the conference for presenters to greet and share their posters with conference participants, offering time for networking, feedback and engaging with participants on a one-on-one basis while posters are up for viewing. The poster gallery will be available for viewing throughout the conference.

If you are selected to present a poster, we will provide additional information regarding guidelines for poster size and format and display instructions.

For more information about anticipated registration and accommodation costs, please see here: 2024 Registration Information.

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2024 Registration Information

Registration options

We are excited to open registration for our summer conference that is chock full of engaging content! We will be kicking off with an amazing, all-day field experience for all conference attendees that will highlight our coastal ecosystems, institutional collaborations, and indigenous and cultural knowledge. We will follow that with two full days of keynotes, plenaries, concurrent sessions, social activities, SeaFaire, and the annual NAME Banquet & Auction. There is sure to be something for everyone and we hope to see you all there this summer.

Note: registration costs on the NAME registration website are charged in US dollars. To receive an invoice payable in Canadian dollars (prices listed below) or to pay by check in US or Canadian funds, please register online and select “Invoice Me,” then contact conference@pacname.org.

Registration Type Early bird – Member Regular – Member Early bird – Non-member Regular – Non-member
Registration – Full Conference with lodging – quad $430 ($575 CAD) $470 ($625 CAD) $460 ($615 CAD) $500 ($665 CAD)
Registration – Full Conference no lodging $230 ($300 CAD) $270 ($350 CAD) $260 ($340 CAD) $300 ($390 CAD)
Registration – Student (Full Conference with lodging – quad) $410 ($550 CAD) $425 ($570 CAD)
Registration – Student (Full Conference no lodging) $190 ($240 CAD) $205 ($260 CAD)
Registration – Single Day $120 ($150 CAD) $160 ($200 CAD) $150 ($190 CAD) $190 ($240 CAD)

What’s Included

Full Conference – with lodging: Includes registration, Saturday field experience, 3 nights quad accommodation (Sat, Sun, Mon), all meals (3B, 3L, 3D, including banquet/auction). Does NOT include Monday waterfront excursions.

Full Conference – no lodging: Includes registration, Saturday field experience, 3 lunches (Sat, Sun, Mon),, banquet/auction on Sunday. Does NOT include Monday waterfront excursions.

Single Day Registration: Includes registration, lunch on any single day: (Sat, Sun, OR Mon). Does NOT include annual NAME membership renewal, banquet/auction or Monday waterfront excursions.

Student Rate – Full Conference: Available with or without lodging for full-time high school or post-secondary students.

Non-member Registration: includes annual NAME membership.

Full Conference – with lodging Full Conference – no lodging Single Day
Registration Included Included Included on registered day
Lunches Included Included Included on registered day
Saturday Field Experience Included Included Not available
Banquet/Auction Included Included Optional add on
Dinners, Breakfasts Included Included with single-night lodging add on Included with single-night lodging add on
Lodging – Quad occupancy Sat, Sun, Mon Included Single-night lodging purchased separately Single-night lodging purchased separately
Double or single occupancy upgrade – Sat, Sun, Mon Optional add-on Single-night lodging purchased separately Single-night lodging purchased separately
Lodging – Single night: Fri, August 9 (Quad, double, or single) Optional add on Optional add on Optional add on
Lodging – Single night: Sat, Sun, or Mon (Quad, double, or single) Included Optional add on Optional add on
Monday Waterfront Excursions Optional add on Optional add on Optional add on if registered for Monday

Lodging

We have had to limit the number of single rooms available, as we are approaching our housing limit and we don’t want to turn anyone away from the conference because they can’t find lodging. We encourage everyone to share a room if possible…the rooms at Pearson are spacious and designed for privacy, even at the full quad capacity. Please contact us if you have any questions.

In order to keep lodging costs as low as possible we are offering all lodging options at cost, based on Pearson’s lodging and meal charges. Staying overnight and sharing meals is an important part of the camaraderie and networking inherent in our in-person conference. So we encourage all attendees to maximize their conference experience by taking advantage of the comfortable lodging and delicious meals offered by Pearson College. In fact, part of the charm and beauty of the campus is its remote location at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, where off-campus dining, shopping, and accommodations are not readily available nearby.

Guests will be housed in the campus dorms. Each room holds up to four people, with shared bathrooms on each floor. Occupancy can be limited to double or single for an additional cost. Lodging includes pillows, sheets, bedding, and towels for each guest. There is only pump soap in the washrooms, so guests will want to bring all their own toiletries.

Guests

Guest lodging packages are available for people who are bringing a spouse, partner, or family member with them to the conference who will be staying and eating onsite but not attending the conference sessions. Tickets are also available for attendees who would like to bring someone to the banquet only, or for single-day attendees who would like to attend the banquet on Sunday.

Lodging Optional Add-ons Cost
Full Conference (3 nights accommodation + meals) Registered Attendee – Upgrade from basic lodging package Non-registered Guest
Quad Occupancy $0 $340 ($450 CAD)
Double Occupancy $75 ($90 CAD) $415 ($540 CAD)
Single Occupancy $120 ($150 CAD) $460 ($600 CAD)
Single night (1 night accommodation + meals) Registered Attendee Non-registered Guest
Quad Occupancy $90 ($120 CAD) $120 ($150 CAD)
Double Occupancy $115 ($150 CAD) $145 ($180 CAD)
Single Occupancy $130 ($170 CAD) $160 ($200 CAD)
Banquet $40 ($50 CAD) $40 ($50 CAD)

Cancellation Policy

Registrations that are cancelled for any reason are subject to the following refund policies:

  • Cancellations received through June 30 will receive a full refund
  • Cancellations received between July 1 and July 26 will be refunded minus a $40 ($50 CAD) service fee
  • No refunds will be granted after July 26; no exceptions
  • Any registrations that remain unpaid after July 26 will be canceled

 

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2024 Schedule at a Glance

Friday, August 9

8:00 am – 4:00 pm NAME Board Meeting
4:00 – 5:30 pm Registration – Check in
5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner is served for anyone staying over Fri night

Saturday, August 10

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast Served for anyone staying over Fri night
8:30 am – 3:30 pm Saturday Field Experience
12:00 – 1:00 pm Bag lunches available
4:00 – 5:30 pm Registration – Check in
5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner is served for anyone staying on campus
6:45 – 8:00 pm Welcome Gathering/Blessing

Sunday, August 11

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast Served for anyone staying on campus
7:30 – 8:30 am Registration – Check in
8:30 – 10:00 am Conference Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:00 – 10:15 am Coffee available in Dining Hall
10:15 – 11:15 am Concurrent Session A
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Concurrent Session B
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch served for all registered participants
1:15 – 2:15 pm Concurrent Session C
2:15 – 2:45 pm Coffee Break
2:45 – 3:15 pm Concurrent Session D
3:30 – 4:30 pm SeaFaire & Mingle
4:45 – 5:45 pm NAME Chapter Meetings (Alaska, BC, Washington, Oregon)
6:00 – 10:00 pm Dinner – Banquet/Auction

Monday, August 12

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast Served for anyone staying on campus
7:30 – 8:30 am Registration – Check in
8:30 – 8:45 am Morning Welcome & Announcements
9:00 – 10:00 am Concurrent Session E
9:00 – 10:15 am Canoe & Motorboat Session #1
10:15 – 10:45 am Coffee Break & Transition time
10:45 – 11:45 am Concurrent Session F
10:45 am – 12:00 pm Canoe & Motorboat Session #2
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch served for all registered participants
1:15 – 2:15 pm Concurrent Session G
2:15 – 2:45 pm Coffee Break
3:00 – 4:15 pm Closing Keynote
4:30 – 5:30 pm NAME Annual General Meeting
5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner is served for anyone staying on campus
6:30 – 9:00 pm Closing Ceremony & Evening Social Event

Tuesday, August 13

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast Served for anyone staying on campus
9:30 am Checkout time
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2024 Sessions

Read more
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2024 Waterfront Excursions

Monday, August 12, 2024

We are excited to offer these waterfront excursions led by Pearson College staff on Monday, August 12. These excursions will leave from and return to the dock at Pearson College. Please note that these will take place as options during conference concurrent sessions. Each trip will run twice (once each during two consecutive concurrent sessions) in order to maximize opportunities for participation. Sign-up early—there are limited spaces available and all waterfront excursions are first come, first served! Conference attendees will have the first opportunity to sign up for waterfront excursions. If there are still spaces available, sessions will be opened up to guests.

Pedder Bay Canoe

Spend an hour paddling beautiful Pedder Bay in a big canoe. The big canoes hold up to 14 people and provide an intimate look at the shoreline and wildlife in a large protected bay. During the hour-long paddle we can expect to see shore birds, drifting planktonic life, seaweed beds, and hopefully some curious seals. Each session will comprise two big canoes that offer space for up to 24 people combined, and include a 15-min introduction.

Session #1: 9:00 – 10:15 am
Session #2: 10:30 – 11:45 am

Cost per person: $25 USD / $30 CAD

Accessibility requirements: Please note that the dock is not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able to board, sit in, paddle, and disembark from canoe.

Race Rocks by Boat [SOLD OUT] 

[This excursion is currently sold out. Spots may open up at the conference, so please see the registration desk at check-in if you’re interested.]

Take a motorized boat out to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. This unique rocky island in the middle of the Juan de Fuca Strait is home to a kelp ecosystem full of marine life including seals, sea lions, and marine birds. During the 20 minute boat ride to and from Race Rocks, keep your eye out for larger marine life (humpbacks and killer whales may be spotted), then spend 30 minutes puttering around the islands and viewing the abundant wildlife before heading back to the dock at Pearson. Please note, we will be on the boat for the full time as on-shore visits to this ecological reserve are restricted. Each session offers space for up to 12 people.

Session #1: 9:00 – 10:15 am [SOLD OUT]
Session #2: 10:30 – 11:45 am [SOLD OUT]

Cost per person: $70 USD / $100 CAD

Accessibility requirements: Please note that the dock is not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able to board and disembark from boat.

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2025 Field Experiences

Morning field experiences are included with Full Conference and Single Day registrations, however, some trips may incur additional cost. Guests will be able to join field experiences if space is still available at the time of the conference and will need to pay a $10 fee for each experience (in addition to any extra fee for the kayaking trip, if applicable).

Friday, July 25

Kayaking at Beaver Creek (+$30)

7:00 – 11:00 am

Join Denise Harrington for a leisurely kayak trip in the wetlands of Beaver Creek. The conference van will leave from HMSC at 7:00 am (or paddlers can meet at Ona Beach State Park at 7:30 am) and return to HMSC at 11:00 am (in time to get to OCCC for lunch at noon). Denise will share examples of how she uses kayaking as an educational tool. This kayak trip is good for everyone from first time kayakers to the very experienced.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, fleece, poly, or wool, and a waterproof layer.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to carry, sit in, launch, paddle, and disembark from a kayak.

Limit 14 participants.

Clamming at Yaquina Bay [Cancelled]

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join Bill Hanshumaker for a morning of clamming at Yaquina Bay Estuary. Equipment will be supplied by the education department of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, but we recommend participants wear rubber boots or shoes that can get dirty and dress in layers. 

Each participant will need to purchase their own clamming permit prior to the trip at a cost of $10 resident/ $28 non-resident. Please see the ODFW website to purchase your permit on-line. (Please note, in Oregon, the daily limit for bay clams, which includes cockles, is 20 in aggregate, with only 12 of those being gaper clams. This means you can take up to 20 clams of any type, including butter, littleneck, gaper, and cockle clams, but no more than 12 of those can be gaper clams.) There will be access to a vacuum sealer for your catch. 

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to stand and walk on soft, muddy sediments for several hours and carry a bucket and clamming shovel.

Tidepooling at Otter Rock Marine Reserve

7:00 – 10:00 am

In 2012, Otter Rock became one of the first two marine reserves implemented. Despite being the smallest marine reserve at 1.2 square miles, Otter Rock Marine Reserve has a rich diversity of marine life and provides many opportunities for scientific research, public outreach and education, and community engagement programs. High school interns are hired for the summer as interpreters. Sign up to learn more about this amazing space and program.  

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to navigate the trail to the marine gardens, which is steep and challenging. There is a staircase at the north end of the beach that may be more manageable for participants with mobility issues.

Estuary Investigation at Yaquina Bay Estuary

9:00 – 11:00 am

Join the Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education team for a two-hour estuary exploration experience on the Yaquina Bay Estuary, located adjacent to the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Participants will holistically explore the estuarine ecosystem as they learn how to identify different zones, plants, burrowing species, birds and more. We will use slurpers to dig for burrowing shrimp and clams, as well as spotting scopes, ID guides, and binoculars to get a closer look at the birds inhabiting this dynamic space. 

We will be outdoors on our nearby mudflat the whole time; therefore, participants should wear rubber boots or shoes that can get dirty and bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen, as weather can change quickly on the Oregon Coast. 

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to stand and walk on soft, muddy sediments for part of the program.

Behind the Scenes at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

9:00 – 10:00 am

How does the Aquarium care for a swarm of stinging jellies and dozens of toothy sharks? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. Meet at the Aquarium entrance at 9:00 am for a 1-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public!

Accessibility requirements: None.

Limit 15 participants.

Saturday, July 26

PNW Seaweeds at Seal Rock

7:00 – 10:00 am

Seaweeds are often overlooked and under-appreciated. The Oregon Coast is home to an abundant and diverse selection of seaweeds, and in fact, the PNW has more kelp species than anywhere else on earth! Look into the intricate and distinctive patterns that make up each group. Learn how seaweed is classified as well as how to identify a few local edible species. Chat about sustainable seaweed aquaculture practices, kelp restoration, and other macroalgal climate solutions.

Please wear appropriate footgear (e.g. tennis shoes, rain boots, or other hiking footwear). Whatever you don’t mind getting wet, that will also keep your feet stable. For your own safety and comfort, do not wear flip flops or sandals. Do keep in mind your feet are likely to be in the water at some point, so rain boots are what I would strongly recommend.

Accessibility requirements: Must be able to walk down the paved hill to the beach and navigate a short stretch of rocks to get to the sand.

Tidepooling at Cape Perpetua

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join the Tidepool Ambassadors of Cape Perpetua Collaborative to explore the amazing tidepools, learn about the marine bird protected area and additional information regarding our largest marine reserve and the amazing connection to the coastal forest.

Please wear appropriate footgear (e.g. tennis shoes, rain boots, or other hiking footwear).

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to walk over loose cobble and/or uneven basalt rock. 

Hike in Oregon’s Coastal Forest

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center. Yakona stewards 450 acres on the Yaquina River just inland from Oregon Coast Community College. Learn about our educational programs, restoration efforts, and the history of the land going back to the Yaqo’n/Siletz people. To learn more, check out our website at yakonaoregon.org.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250-300’ multiple times. Bring water, but no pets. Long sleeves and pants are recommended.

Limit 25 participants.

Kayaking at Beaver Creek (+$20)

7:00 – 10:30 am

Join Denise Harrington for a shortened kayak trip in the wetlands of Beaver Creek. The conference van will leave from HMSC at 7:00 am (or paddlers can meet at Ona Beach State Park at 7:30 am) and return to HMSC at 10:30 am (in time to get to OCCC by 11:00 am for the plenary session). Denise will share examples of how she uses kayaking as an educational tool. This kayak trip is good for everyone from first time kayakers to the very experienced.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, fleece, poly, or wool, and a waterproof layer.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to launch, sit in, paddle, and disembark from a kayak.

Limit 14 participants.

Behind the Scenes at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

9:00 – 10:00 am

How does the Aquarium care for a swarm of stinging jellies and dozens of toothy sharks? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. Meet at the Aquarium entrance at 9:00 am for a 1-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public!

Accessibility requirements: None.

Limit 15 participants.

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2025 Lodging Information

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

135 SE 32nd St., Newport, OR 97365
p. (541) 867-3377 – f. (541) 867-3378 – c. (971) 239-9601

Holiday Inn Express Newport is proud to host overnight accommodations for this event with reduced group rate sleeping rooms. We are located within easy walking/driving distance to all that Newport has to offer. All rooms are recently renovated and feature in room Refrigerators, Microwave, Keurig Coffee, Iron & Blow Dryer. Hotel is equipped with an indoor pool & spa, fitness center, coin op laundry & meeting space.

A block of reduced rate sleeping rooms has been reserved for participants attending this event. Rates are $289.00 + tax* per room, per night for a single king bed sleeping room & $292 + tax* for a two queen bed sleeping room .  Rate does include a complimentary Full American Hot Buffet Breakfast served weekends 6:30am- 9:30am (10AM Weekends)  for all overnight guests. *tax = 13.5%

Reservations may be made by clicking on this link or calling the hotel directly and ask to make a reservation under group code ASE with the Sales Department. Please note that the cutoff date for these reservations is Monday June 23, 2025. After this date rates and availability may no longer apply. To make your online reservation simply click on the link below and hit the View Prices Button. Next enter your arrival and departure dates then click on the View Prices Button just to the right of the reservation date calendar. Group rates for this event will appear.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Newport

45 SE 32nd St, Newport, OR 97365
p. (541) 867-7727

La Quinta Inn offers Contemporary lodging with an accessible indoor pool & hot tub, plus free continental breakfast, parking & WiFi. Check-in: 4:00 pm, Check-out: 11:00 am. Air-conditioned and pet-friendly. Guests can use this link and input the dates they would like to stay between the 23rd and 27th of July to get a discounted rate. It isn’t valid for any other dates.

Motel 6

2633 SE Pacific Way, Newport, OR 97365
p. (541) 867-7055

Motel 6 is right across the street from Rogue and pet friendly. No Rooms are blocked off but this is a good option.

RV Parks

Harbor Village RV Park

923 SE Bay Blvd.
p. (541) 265-5088

RV camping, Public restroom, Public shower

Port of Newport South Beach RV Park & Marina

2120 SE Marine Science Dr
p. (541) 867-3321

South Beach RV Park offers water & bridge views. Sites RVA206-210 in the Annex campground are being set aside for NAME from 07/24/2025 check in at 2pm – 07/27/2025 check out at Noon. Sites include 30 amp power, water/sewer hookups, Wifi, cable, and shower/laundry facilities at a daily rate of $64.22 including tax. Please book directly with the RV Park.

Pacific Shores Luxury Motorcoach Resort

6225 N Coast Hwy
p. (541) 265-3750

Pacific Shores offers RV camping, RV water hookup, Public restroom.

Other Lodging Options

  • Newport Belle Floating River Boat Lodging
  • Marine Discovery Tours Guest Rooms
  • Anchor Pier Lodging with Meredith
  • Plenty of vacation rentals Waldport-Newport, Oregon
    • Waldport is 20 min away
    • Seal Rock is 15 min away
    • South Beach is 2 min away
    • Newport 5-10 min away
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Educators at a poster session

2025 Poster Session

Saturday, July 26, 12:00-1:20

As part of the NAME 2025 Conference – Aquatic Science Extravaganza: Outdoor Education from Forest to Sea, we are hosting a poster session as a way to share research, citizen/community science, student projects, and educational resources highlighting marine and aquatic science. The poster session will be held between the plenary and concurrent sessions at the Oregon Coast Community College.

If you are selected to present a poster, we will provide additional information regarding the setup and take-down process, approximate size of the posters, and how posters will be mounted and displayed. No A/V equipment will be available during this session.

When: Saturday, July 26, 12:00-1:20 pm
Where: Oregon Coast Community College

Please submit proposals by July 1, 2025.

Submit a Poster Proposal

Questions? Contact Nat Whitaker at whitaken@oregonstate.edu or 7078439881

Conference registration is required for all poster session presenters who are planning to participate in other conference sessions, functions or events.

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