Volunteers Needed for Scotch Broom Removal
Scotch broom, a plant introduced to Oregon in the 1800s for ornamental landscaping and erosion control, has since become one of the state’s most aggressive invasive species, crowding out native plants and increasing wildfire risks in some areas. Efforts to combat the spread continue along the Oregon Coast, including an upcoming volunteer cleanup in Florence. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative is seeking volunteers to help remove invasive Scotch broom at Exploding Whale Memorial Park on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Organizers say volunteers will work in a meadow area and along a slope leading down to the Siuslaw River. Families are welcome to participate. Volunteers are encouraged to bring closed-toe shoes, gloves, water, snacks, and tools such as shovels, hoes, hand saws, or loppers, although tools will also be available to borrow. Because parking at the park is limited, organizers ask participants to park along Hemlock Street and walk to the work site.
Food Backpack for Kids Receives Funds
The Food Backpack For Kids program has received several grants and major donations to help continue feeding at-risk and food insecure students in Florence and Mapleton. Contributions include $7,000 from the Reser Family Foundation, $5,000 from the Western Lane Community Foundation, $2,500 from the Peace Harbor Medical Center Foundation, and $5,000 through the PeaceHealth Community Benefit Donation Grant. Program leaders also thanked longtime local supporters including Cassie’s Coffee, Florence Elks Lodge #1858, the Ladies of the Elks, St. Mary’s Women’s Guild, Windermere Real Estate, and Western Machine in Reedsport. Since launching in 2012, the program says it will provide more than 31,000 weekend meals this year alone, helping students return to school nourished and ready to learn.
Beach Monitoring Set For Heceta Beach
Heceta Beach in Florence is once again included in Oregon’s annual beach monitoring program, which tests popular coastal beaches for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria during the summer months. The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program, a partnership between the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Environmental Quality, monitors 25 beaches statewide between May and September. Officials say bacteria in ocean water can cause stomach illness, skin rashes, and respiratory infections, especially among children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Beachgoers are encouraged to check advisories before swimming and avoid ocean water for 48 hours after heavy rainstorms.
