Christine Moffitt
President
- PO Box 5446, Charleston, OR 97420
The Friends of South Slough Reserve, Inc. is a non-profit corporation composed of persons interested in protecting the functions, values and processes of estuaries, and enhancing the work of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Friends are composed of members who raise funds, advocate for, and support the work of the South Slough Reserve. The Friends also operate a bookstore at the South Slough Visitor Center, administer grants, fund interns, and purchase supplies and materials for classes and camps.
FOSS supports protection and stewardship of estuaries by being a trusted voice on estuary policy and by enhancing the work of the South Slough Reserve.
The Friends are overseen by a 4-12 member Board of Directors, who guide the organization, in compliance Oregon law for nonprofit corporations (ORS 65). All members of the board are unpaid volunteers elected by the membership.
The Friends of the South Slough Reserve Inc. (The Friends) are often mistaken as a part of, or the same as, the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough Reserve). However, they are two separate organizations, with different roles, missions and oversight. Both organizations are committed to promoting research, stewardship, and education associated with estuaries.
The Reserve manages nearly 7,000 acres of natural areas along the Coos estuary on the south coast of Oregon.
Designated in 1974, it is managed for the purposes of long-term research, education, and coastal stewardship. The reserve supports and coordinates research, education and stewardship programs that serve to enhance a scientific and public understanding of estuaries and contribute to improved estuarine management.
To practice and promote stewardship of coasts and estuaries through innovative research, education, and training using a place-based system of protected areas.
The Reserve’s immediate governing body is the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Commission whose members are appointed by the Governor of Oregon. Daily oversight is provided by the Oregon Department of State Lands. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.
Our mission is to support protection and stewardship of estuaries by being a trusted voice on estuary policy and by enhancing the work of South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
