The evergreen huckleberry is a one of many evergreen shrubs native to Pacific coastal forests.
First noted by Captain Lewis at Oregon’s Fort Clatsop in 1806 and brought into cultivation by David Douglas in 1826.
This shrub can grow to 12 feet or more in the shade, sometimes a bit erratic growth spikes. It, like other berries in the vaccinium family, like acidic soil. The huckleberry will tolerate salt spray and strong winds.
In the spring, the branches are covered with clusters of small, pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers which yield tiny blue-black fruit in late summer. These flowers attract bees, birds, and butterflies and the berries are eaten by songbirds, mammals, and humans.
Like its most well-known relative, the common blueberry, huckleberries contain high concentrations of antioxidants and were favored by native populations.
Today, they are frequently eaten raw and used to make pies, jams, jellies, syrups, and wine.
What is the OSG Extension Sustainable Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Program?
The STOR program focuses its efforts on supporting communities and businesses through applied research, training, and advising, often at minimal or no cost. This program collaborates with various stakeholders, including:
Visitor bureaus
Tour operators
Guides
Governmental agencies
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Here are a few examples of resources that the STOR Program offers online:
By focusing on sustainable tourism, the program aligns with the definition set forth by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which considers the current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. This program is part of both Oregon Sea Grant and OSU Extension.
What is Oregon Sea Grant?
Oregon Sea Grant (OSG), based at Oregon State University, is part of a nationwide network of 34 university-based programs that facilitate connections between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and local communities.
With a core focus on research, outreach, and education, OSG’s goal is to enhance the understanding, conservation, and sustainable utilization of marine and coastal resources. OSG’s work spans various areas, such as coastal hazards, invasive species, and sustainable coastal tourism. OSG also manages the Hatfield Visitor Center, which is part of the larger Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR.
What is OSU Extension Service?
The OSU Extension Service is a statewide public service program through OSU that provides educational outreach to all 36 counties in Oregon. The Extension Service is a national program supported by the US Department of Agriculture, that is a component of each state’s land grant public university. Extension offices are located in each county in the country. Its primary focus includes promoting healthy communities and economies, preserving natural ecosystems, and supporting sustainable agriculture, among other initiatives. The youth leadership 4-H Program is one of the Extension system’s best known programs.
The core mission of OSU Extension is to strengthen Oregon’s communities with research-based knowledge. OSU Extension is broken down into multiple program areas, all of which share common values such as community-based relationships, accountability, credibility, diversity, partnerships, and responsiveness. OSG is one of OSU Extension’s program areas.
Oregon is home to nearly 30,000 black bears, Ursus americanus, America’s most common bear species. They can grow up to six feet long and weight anything from 125 to 500 pounds. In fact, the name “black bear” is misleading, because they can have brown or gray coats.
If you’re on the lookout for bears in Oregon, you’ll only find black bears, since grizzlies haven’t been seen in the state since the 1930s. They make their home in Oregon’s abundant forests, where they create dens for hibernation, climb up trees, and forage.
If you’re really looking to find one, try visiting areas that have been clear-cut and allowed to grow for a few years. They are easier to spot, and they feed on the grass and brush.
They also feed on berries, nuts, and fruits; they can eat small mammals, insects, fish, and amphibians, but they are not usually actively hunting.
The best time to spot a black bear is in the middle of the summer, when their breeding season begins. Males and females will be more active, and yearling bears are becoming independent and can be seen roaming around roads and clear cuts. They are also independent animals, so don’t expect to see many in the same place.
