Voluntourism

VOLUTOURISM

he central coast of Oregon is a booming tourist destination, but it is also a great place for volunteer opportunities.

Voluntourism —a specific form of tourism for people who are seeking not just a scenic vacation but also a chance to give back to the communities they visit — is gaining popularity all over the country. Locally, the opportunities for voluntourism are abundant.

Beach clean-ups are ongoing all year in Newport. Whether joining an organized clean-up with groups like Surf Riders, Sea 2 the Future or SOLVE, or going on a solo venture, volunteers are always needed to clear plastics and trash on our beaches. It’s a worthwhile activity and beachcombers might even find some agates to keep!

Newport is also the home of seven hiking trails and several biking trails. Nature lovers can volunteer their time for trail maintenance — cleaning up debris on trails to keep them looking great and ensure the trails are safe for other hikers and bikers.

Participating in a BioBlitz is another great way to enjoy the beauty of the coast while learning about its diverse ecosystem. A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a