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Episode 1902

Last broadcast Thursday October 11, 2007

Big Wave Surf

Surfers with worldwide reputations visit the Oregon Coast for the challenge! Who would have thought it? When conditions are right at Nelscott Reef, near Lincoln City, a wave several stories high appears. The wave shows up only intermittently, is threatening, and irresistable to top surfers. We visit the annual international competition coinciding with the big wave's occurence at Nelscott Reef.

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Plover Habitat

European beach grass has invaded the dunes of the Oregon and Washington Coast and decimated the habitat for Western Snowy Plovers. But now biologists are putting bulldozers and even oyster shells to use in an unconventional effort to beat back the dune grass and save the birds.

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Return to Opal Creek

Newts abound in Opal Creek's outdoor classroom. Photo: Vince Patton

Salamanders, newts and the children who study them have all thrived in the Opal Creek Wilderness since congress granted federal protection in 1996. See the transformation to the valley and to the old mining town at its center, Jaw Bone Flats.

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For more information:

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center

• Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center maintains and stewards Jawbone Flats, a rejuvenated historic mining town in the heart of the 35,000-acre ancient forest watershed of the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area. Cabin rentals, workshops, school groups, business retreats.
• Contact: Michele McKenzie
• Tel: (503) 892-2782
• Online: OpalCreek.org
• Email:

• Producer Vince Patton shares the his additional photos from the shoot at Opal Creek.
• Online: More Photos: Opal Creek