Last year I proposed a series of articles about detours or “longcuts” on the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT). That’s back when things were “the old normal.”

After having spent more time nesting for the past year, members of the Audubon Society of Lincoln City, serving Lincoln and Tillamook counties, are once again spreading their wings by hosting a guided walk and redoubling efforts to create protected areas of critical habitat for birds and other nearshore species.

Lincoln City’s Driftwood Public Library is branching out to celebrate Arbor Day by teaming up with Lincoln City Parks and Recreation, the Lincoln City Cultural Center and the Indian Education Program at Taft 7-12, for a series of events throughout April.

Pizza lovers along the coast will be delighted to know that Danelle Lochrie and Ethan Granberg of Olde Line Lanes, the retro bowling alley that serves high-quality, delicious food, are now able to spread the joy even further.

The doors to the Hatfield Marine Science Center have been closed to the public since last year, but there’s still been plenty going on behind the scenes. Find out what when they virtually throw open their doors for Marine Science Day, from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 10.

Kite capital of the world. Cleanest air in the world. Shortest river in the world. For a community like Lincoln City, such superlatives aren’t just fun plays on hyperbole — they are powerful tools for marketing.

On the ocean side of the Three Capes Scenic Loop between Pacific City and Tillamook, lies an island that even people who are planning to visit must be vigilant not to miss.

Historically, western snowy plovers could be found on quiet beaches from Mexico to Washington, but their populations dwindled due to disturbance and loss of habitat.

With train cars as the backdrop for sculptural works along the riverfront and mosaics woven through the charming Main Street, Toledo is a small town that integrates art and industry seamlessly.

Jane Wilson and Gloria Richardson will show their “Quilts and Basket Gourds in Brilliant Color” as the featured artists at the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery in Lincoln City from Friday, April 2, through Sunday, June 13.

Down the rabbit hole of warmhearted, wholesome entertainment you’ll go when you attend the next performance from the Lincoln City Playhouse youth theater company.

Are you curious about what lives below the tides?  Want to know what’s safe to eat in an emergency situation, or even just at a fun dinner party?

The April Show at Manzanita’s Hoffman Gallery features photogravure etchings from Sherrie Wolf and fabulous and functional ceramics from Mary Roberts, Friday, April 2 through Sunday, April 25.

Local sand artist Odessa Ford has been chosen to participate in the online version of the BeLeaf 2021 Llano Earth Art Festival, featuring terrestrial artists from around the globe on Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28.

Go deep with the final presentation of the Cape Perpetua Fall Speaker Series at 10 am on Saturday, March 27.

Utilizing the smart in smartphones, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife recently launched the Oregon Wildlife Conservation project on the iNaturalist app, giving anyone the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge of the presence and distribution of wildlife species across the state.

Last year, a beloved plant got its own holiday.

Shopping online goes local, with the Yachats Arts Guild’s "New Leaf" show, offering great deals on original artwork and jewelry until Sunday, April 18.

Something unexpected happened during the height of the COVID-19 quarantine. Unprecedented numbers of people discovered their local trails or, searching for a safe way to get outside, traveled to places that had been on their bucket lists.

Cutting-edge genetic technology will be the topic of the MidCoast Watershed Council’s next virtual Community Meeting, at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 1.