New Natural Resources Program Readies to Take Flight

Oregon Coast Community College to partner with
Yakona Nature Preserve to create new
Natural Resources Program

Oregon Coast Community College is proud to announce the planned launch of a new partnership with Yakona Nature Preserve to create a new academic program in Natural Resources — the first of its kind in the College’s history — dedicated to the study of natural resources through the lens of long-term environmental stewardship. 

The College is developing the coursework and curriculum for a Natural Resources program, pending appropriate state and accreditation approval.

Bald Eagle at Yakona
Photo by Rena Olson, snapped at Yakona.

The program is designed with transferability in mind and with conservation at its core — a curriculum shaped to reflect the 300-year timeline Yakona employs in its own forest management practices. The proposed Associate of Science degree is being designed to articulate to Oregon State University’s Natural Resources program, preparing students to transfer as juniors upon completion. Even more, thanks to OCCC’s Dual Credit and Early College programs, some of the planned Natural Resources courses will be available to students while they are enrolled in Lincoln County high schools. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to continue their education, or to pursue careers in conservation, environmental science, sustainable land management, or industry.

The creation of the program has been made possible by a significant investment from JoAnn and Bill Barton, founders of Yakona and among the most generous benefactors in the history of the OCCC Foundation.

“This is a milestone moment for Oregon Coast Community College,” said Dr. Marshall Mease Roache, OCCC President. “The Natural Resources program will provide local students with an affordable, high-quality educational pathway that is rooted in stewardship, science, and sustainability — values we share with Yakona and with the Bartons, whose vision and generosity have made this possible.”

Students enrolled in the new program will benefit from small class sizes, individualized advising, and hands-on instruction, both in the classroom and at Yakona’s 450-acre living laboratory.

The partnership with Yakona is expected to grow in the coming years, with collaborative opportunities for field research, internships, and guest instruction from experts in the field.

“The Bartons have demonstrated a profound and lasting commitment to Lincoln County and to our students,” Roache added. “Their support of this program ensures that our region’s future leaders in natural resources and conservation can begin their journey right here at home.”

To learn more or receive updates as the program develops, contact advising@oregoncoast.edu.