The Visitor Center Reopens at The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve!
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) Welcomes Back Visitors with Regular Hours, a New Exhibit, and a Calendar of Community Programs!
Little by little, a return to something resembling “normal” is gradually happening here on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston . We recently learned that the Charleston Marine Life Center has returned to their normal hours, and we’re now happy to report that South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) is re-opening the doors of its Visitor Center after two years of limited operations!
SSNERR is a natural area and center for coastal education, research, stewardship, and training. The 7,000 acres of protected wetlands, forests, and riparian areas, located along the Coos Estuary, is perfect for families, hikers , kayakers , wild-life watchers and everyone in between.
The Visitor Center, which has interpretive exhibits on coastal ecosystems, plants and animals, cultural history, science, is now open to the public every Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Restrooms for trail users, interpretive program attendees, and other visitors are open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A New Exhibit!
As part of a partnership with local Tribes, South Slough NERR is also displaying a new exhibit inside the newly reopened Visitor Center! Among other historical and natural treasures, the exhibit features a fragment of a Native American canoe that washed out of a creek bed at Sunset Bay State Park in 2015. The precious artifact has been carefully preserved through a partnership between the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Displaying the fragment at South Slough Reserve in collaboration with these partners helps to keep the canoe close to where it was found.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit South Slough NERR, we urge you to do so! In addition to exploring the Visitor Center and various hiking trails around South Slough Reserve, adults and children can also take part in multiple events and classes scheduled in the coming months. Guided hikes , kayak and canoe trips, birding and other community classes are now open for registration. Many of these events are free. Learn more and register on the South Slough Reserve website.
South Slough NERR is located at 61907 Seven Devils Road Charleston, OR 97420. Go to www.oregon.gov or call (541) 888-5558 for info.
More Information
oregonsadventurecoast.com/hiking-walking
Visit the South Slough Reserve webpage for more information.
Click here for the Estuary Study Trails map (pdf)
Related Posts
Ten Things People Love About South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Top Ten Things to Do in the Coos Bay Area This Summer
Fourteen Ways to Celebrate Our Beautiful Planet on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
Find Your Inner Zen on an Oregon’s Adventure Coast Girlfriend’s Getaway
There is an adventure for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston . Be sure to book your accommodations in Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston early by clicking here . Whether you are on the hunt for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, prime shopping, fine dining, special events, or an evening of entertainment, you will find it here. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau .
