The Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative, in partnership with the Explore Lincoln City Team, invites the public to celebrate the fitieth Anniversary of the Cascade Head Biosphere Region on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Knight Park on the beautiful Salmon River Estuary, just north of Lincoln City.

This free, family-friendly celebration honors five decades of international recognition for one of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

In 1976,  the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative (CHBC) was designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its ecological diversity and its role as a model for balancing conservation, scientific research and education.

Today, Cascade Head remains Oregon’s only UNESCO Biosphere Region, joining a worldwide network of more than 700 biosphere
reserves across over 128 countries.

The anniversary celebration will feature presentations from conservation leaders including Dr. Jerry Franklin, a forest ecologist, who works to transform modern forest management.

Jon Alan, Chairman of the United States Biosphere Network, will share his thoughts on the importance
of biosphere regions.

Visitors of all ages are invited to experience an afternoon filled with outdoor adventures, educational programs, and family activities celebrating the unique natural heritage of Cascade Head.

Activities include: Daytime 1:00-5:00 pm
· Live music

· Estuary boat tours

· Guided birding excursions

· Hikes on Cascade Head

· Secrets of Salmon Revealed educational experiences

· Kayaking and Surfing

· Nature activities for children and families

· Snacks and refreshments

· Interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about the region’s remarkable ecology



Evening Event – 8-10 pm at Knight Park located at 2341 N 3 Rocks Rd, Otis, OR 97368

· Deep Space Professional Telescope Viewing

· Live Classical Music

· Refreshments

Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to old-growth forests and the Salmon River Estuary, the Cascade Head Biosphere Region is widely recognized as a beautiful and biologically diverse landscape. 

“This celebration is an opportunity for everyone to discover why Cascade Head is so special”, said organizers.  We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone and looking ahead to the next fifty years of stewardship”.

The event is free and open to the public.