FINAL EMAC SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT SERIES FEATURES OREGON SHORES

FLORENCE, OR – The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) will host the final in its Speaker Spotlight Series on Saturday, November 14, from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. at the Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 Ninth St., in the Bromley Room.

Rachel Freeman, Education Manager from Oregon Shores, will be hosting a family oriented, inspirational and creative workshop on Marine Debris Medium Mosaics. Participants will create ephemeral, multidimensional medium size mosaics using real marine debris collected along the Oregon Coast. The session begins with a presentation about how marine debris shape our shoreline and society, followed by a guided discussion on the complex role plastics play in our lives. Using clean, color-sorted debris, participants will fill in a nature-inspired drawing on a canvas panel. Piece by piece, as marine debris is added, the marine debris will reveal a one-of-a-kind marine debris mosaic.

When the murals are complete, participants will take a short “gallery walk” to appreciate one another’s creations and each will be photographed before returning all materials to their bins. The workshop will close with a conversation about what was discovered, how perspectives may have shifted, and creative ways we can reduce plastic pollution in our communities.

Attendees will enjoy snacks and refreshments, have access to additional educational materials, and can participate in giveaways and raffle drawings. All community members are welcome to this free event. Reservations are recommended and people can sign up at https://oregonshores.org/event/marine-debris-medium-mosaics-workshop/. More information is available on the City of Florence website, https://www.ci.florence.or.us/365/EMAC.

About the November 14 Speaker
Rachel Freeman was born and raised in Astoria, Oregon, and developed an early interest in fisheries and a passion for teaching. She graduated from Oregon State University in 2019 with a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and a Minor in Spanish. Rachel has a background in salmon and steelhead research, having worked on multiple Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife field projects along the North Oregon Coast. As Oregon Shores’ Education Manager, Rachel is dedicated to expanding opportunities for students along the Oregon Coast to participate in Community Science projects and engage with coast-wide initiatives that support positive change for Oregon’s marine ecosystems.

About Oregon Shores
For more than 50 years, Oregon Shores has served as the state’s leading voice when it comes to protecting the beaches, headlands, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Oregon’s coast so spectacular and loved. The ultimate outcome sought by Oregon Shores is a protected coast. To accomplish that, Oregon Shores engages people to Learn, which inspires them to Take Action. More details can be found at https://oregonshores.org/programs-campaigns/strategic-plan/.

About EMAC
The Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) serves as an advisory body to the City Council and City Manager for the City of Florence. EMAC supports the development of programs and actions that promote healthy, environmentally sound practices for the City and the broader community. The committee prioritizes education, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships, working to strengthen local understanding of environmental issues and advance sustainable solutions. Got Questions? Email EMAC at recycleon@ci.florence.or.us or visit www.ci.florence.or.us/365/EMAC.