Expanding Our Reach into the Community
When I look back on the past year, I am astounded by what this organization has accomplished.
People who know me may say I sound like a broken record—fair enough—but even after several years’ service on NCLC’s board of directors, and decades as a resident of the north coast, watching NCLC grow from a little conservation start-up to a leader in the Northwest conservation community—I’m still impressed by what we’ve accomplished, and what we continue accomplishing.
Even just in the past year, if you’ve kept up with our newsletters, you are probably aware how NCLC keeps outdoing itself: Conserving the 3,500-acre Rainforest Reserve in the mountains above Arch Cape about five years ago and then, earlier this year, putting another 80 contiguous acres in perpetual preservation, creating an even larger seamless conservation corridor connecting the coastal summits to the sea. Expanding Circle Creek Habitat Reserve by acquiring about 24 acres surrounding our beautiful new headquarters. Working with the Gearhart community to purchase a small .75-acre piece of land that they hold dear, while simultaneously helping achieve our continuing vision of a wildlife corridor through the heart of Gearhart.
What you might not know, but you might guess, is just how talented the people at NCLC—the staff and volunteers—are, who, with your support, make all this happen.
“It’s rewarding to witness that, when we talk about perpetuity, we aren’t just talking about keeping special lands on the coast wild forever, we’re also talking about a shared vision and commitment to conservation that is also preserved in perpetuity.”
I wound up with a new perspective on the organization as a whole because of an unexpected occurrence: I am dealing with a serious health condition this past year, which has kept me from attending board meetings for months—much longer than I had expected. As a result, I found myself watching NCLC function from a distance, and what I see is an organization that is super skilled, committed, and well-organized, more than I had even realized.
In 2025, we also gained several newcomers to our board of directors, and initially, I wondered how that would affect the board’s effectiveness. No problem! The newcomers all jumped in with both feet and quickly brought themselves up to speed while contributing their own unique skills and experiences and fresh ideas. It’s humbling to be reminded that you are not irreplaceable—and it’s rewarding to witness that, when we talk about perpetuity, we aren’t just talking about keeping special lands on the coast wild forever, we’re also talking about a shared vision and commitment to conservation that is also preserved in perpetuity.
It reminded me a bit of the fire in 2012, when our Circle Creek office burned down. That disaster should have been devastating, and it certainly felt that way at first. But what happened next was emblematic of the strength of NCLC. Staff and volunteers spent little time grieving. Instead they didn’t miss a beat but just went back to work, not only effectively but cheerfully. It turned out to be one of our most productive years to date, finishing a project that helped tackle a chronic highway flooding problem while conserving more keystones in the coastal landscape.
Thank you for being part of this transformative, committed community and creating a legacy ensuring that people, plants and wildlife will continue to thrive here in perpetuity.
Betsy Ayres
President, Board of Directors
North Coast Land Conservancy