2nd Street Gearhart

Type of Project: Habitat Reserve

North Coast Land Conservancy partnered with the community of Gearhart to conserve roughly 0.74 acres along Neacoxie Creek in Gearhart for the purpose of environmental stewardship, with long-term benefits for the health and well-being of community members, native plants, and wildlife.

The two parcels, acquired by NCLC on Sept. 15, are located within city limits, between 1^st and 2^nd streets, and adjacent to Neacoxie Creek. The creek—beloved by many—is nestled among dune ridges to the west of U.S. Highway 101; it is flanked by tall forests and coastal prairies. For birds, elk, otters, butterflies, trout and animals of all kinds, it’s a critical wildlife corridor composed of special and diverse habitats. For local residents, it’s a celebrated backdrop to their homes, neighborhoods, and favorite places. Much of the Neacoxie Wildlife Corridor is in parcellated, private ownership, leaving the bounty of natural life that it supports particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of habitat fragmentation.

In the years leading up to the acquisition, there was significant interest within the community around conserving the two undeveloped properties. Thanks to funding provided by invested neighbors, NCLC completed the purchase, with the goal of working with the City of Gearhart and residents on long-term stewardship of the site to keep the wildlife corridor connected and thriving.