Manzanita Connections – April 8, 2025
Ways to celebrate Mother Earth and a local Easter scavenger hunt.
April is Earth Month and living near the beach means we are surrounded everyday with opportunities to appreciate the beauty of Mother Earth. This month you can participate in the SOLVE Beach Cleanup or join the Earth Day Work Party at Elk Meadows. Study up on local recycling and composting or learn about foraging on a plant identification walk. If you’ve never been to the grange in Nehalem, don’t miss their Spring Gardenfest this weekend. And you know you want to learn more about tufted puffins from our neighbors to the north. Read on for details on events, volunteer opportunities and things to do this month.
White Clover Grange Spring Gardenfest
Visit the White Clover Grange in Nehalem on April 12 from 11am – 3pm for their annual Spring Gardenfest. They will have spring plant starts, perennials, garden art, farmer’s market items, and a seed exchange. Learn about composting, observe soil microbes under a microscope, make herbal salves, and enjoy other garden-themed crafts.
Northwest Coast Foraging Events
Jennifer Hahn, Northwest naturalist, scientist, culinary explorer and wilderness guide, is in Manzanita for two events to celebrate her latest book, Pacific Harvest: A Northwest Coast Foraging Guide. She will be at Cloud & Leaf Bookstore on April 12 as part of her 2025 West Coast Book Tour. Doors open at 5pm and presentation starts at 6pm.
Continue the adventure on Sunday, April 13 with A Walk on the Wild & Weedy Side! From 11am – 2pm, Jennifer will lead a plant identification walk on Lower Nehalem Community Trust lands and give a cooking demonstration at Alder Creek Farm. Who wants to try Japanese knotweed pie? This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Sign up here.
Reuse. Repair. Reimagine.
This month’s Repair Cafe hosted by Heart of Cartm is April 12 from 3pm – 5pm. This is the place to go for all kinds of repairs (i.e., clothing, jewelry, small appliances, vacuums and lamps) but it’s best to register your items in advance.
The annual Trash Bash Art Festival is coming May 15-18 at White Clover Grange. Get your tickets now for early bird pricing.
Also, remember that Heart of Cartm store in Wheeler is open from 12pm – 6pm, Thursday – Monday. Material donations may be made on Thursdays and Fridays. Visit the store or call/text 971-389-8414 to discuss acceptable items.
Keep Recycling.
The Manzanita Transfer Station at 34995 Necarney Road has switched to Summer/Fall hours and is now open Thursday thru Monday 10am – 4pm.
Did you know that you can recycle your styrofoam at the Manzanita Transfer Station? Clean, white, bulky styrofoam is accepted; no peanuts, food trays or colored materials and remove tape and labels.
This Saturday, April 12 is the next collection date for household hazardous waste. Visit the website for a list of common household items that are accepted such as batteries, aerosol spray cans, paint, motor oil, propane tanks, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities
SOLVE Beach Clean up on Manzanita Beach is Saturday, April 19 from 10am – 12pm. Visit their website for more info on what to bring, what’s provided, and a link to sign up. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages and is a key part of SOLVE's Annual Oregon Spring Cleanup.
Join Trail Keepers of Oregon in collaboration with Lower Nehalem Community Trust for a family friendly Earth Day Work Party at Elk Meadows Park on Sunday, April 27 from 1pm - 4pm. Show up ready to clear scotch broom and help with brushing and tread re-establishment and improvement.
Cannon Beach Earth Day activities
Our neighbors to the north are celebrating with 12 days of Earth Day. Don’t miss the annual Puffin Welcome Celebration on April 13 from 8am – 12pm at Haystack Rock. This event celebrates the return of tufted puffins to Haystack Rack for nesting season and offers a day packed with educational activities, talks and a chance to witness the beauty of these iconic sea birds.
Finish the week on April 19 with an Earth Day Parade and Street Fair. The parade starts at 11am at Spruce and 3rd street, going briefly west on 3rd and then south on Hemlock to 1st Street.
Easter Scavenger Hunt
The Manzanita Visitor Center is organizing an Easter-themed Scavenger Hunt around the town on Saturday, April 19 from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Kids of all ages can complete challenges as they search for interesting places, landmarks, and stories that make Manzanita unique. This is a free event but space is limited. Reserve your spot here.
An equally challenging hunt may be for Cadbury Mini Eggs or pastel colored M&Ms in order to make these Easter cookies. (Maybe the Dollar General in Rockaway has them? If anyone knows, drop me a comment.)
Fun fact - I’ve volunteered with both SOLVE and Trailkeepers :) they’re great organizations!