Shore pine (Pinus contorta)

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Shore pine (Pinus contorta)

Shore pine and lodgepole pine are two different varieties of the species (Pinus contorta). In the Northwest, the coastal lowland form is called shore pine. Inland, mountain forms of this species are called lodgepole pine.

Shore pine is found between Alaska and Northern California and typically colonizes infertile sites near sea level where other trees grow poorly, if at all. When grown in tough, windy locations, shore pine can be twisted and irregularly shaped (hence the name ‘contorta’).

Although shore pine can live to be 250 years old, they are typically grow to between 20 and 35 feet in height due to the harsh conditions where they live.  

Uses

Native people used shore pine pitch medicinally and apply to open sores. Various pine species are used to treat arthritis, muscle pains, sores, wounds, and pains. 

Today, the lumber is sometimes used for furniture or cabinets, sometimes as paneling or other finished products. Its inland sibling, the lodgepole pine, grows straight and tall, and was used by natives for the central pole in tepees.

Food

Nationwide, pines are second only to oaks in the food value to wildlife. They have nutritious, oily seeds that are favored by many birds and small mammals. Foliage is eaten by grouse, and deer; porcupines and small rodents eat the bark and wood.

Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)

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huckleberry
Huckleberries

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.

Do you know how the Oregon Sea Grant (OSG) Extension Sustainable Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Program can help you, your business, and your community?

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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.