Our Beliefs

vision

To honor the past and secure the future by inspiring the present
through partnerships in education, stewardship, and preservation.

mission

Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is a living laboratory
that serves to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural ecosystems and cultural history
of Oregon’s central coast spruce habitat and its wildlife
through the arts, education, and stewardship.

values

  • Habitat and Wildlife Protection: Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is representative of Oregon’s remnant spruce-dominated coastal rainforest. This habitat and wildlife have inherent value to current and future generations. 

  • Education: Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is a living laboratory for natural and cultural history, sciences and the arts. Partnerships with local K-12 and higher education institutions and the general public enable connections for people of all ages to explore nature.

  • Restoration and Stewardship: Portions of Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center were historically logged, which segmented habitats and caused the disruption of natural ecosystems. Our goal is to restore the land to its native habitat with minimal impact and maximal results.

  • Partnerships: Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center thrives because the community believes in its mission and executes on a passion to make our world a better place. We believe our strength and success is realized through community involvement and relationships built with organizations and individuals who share our values and offer unique expertise.

  • Sustainability: Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is managed to ensure environmental and financial acumen.

  • Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center encompasses a portion of the region once populated by the Yaqo'n, a people decimated by colonization and racial injustice. With respect to those who have gone before, Yakona will ensure that all who visit are welcomed, educated in the history of the land, and embraced as partners and stewards in our mission. Yakona is committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization and its programs.

JUSTICE, EQUITY,DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

JEDI

The effectiveness of Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is enhanced when justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, culture, and staffing. We are committed to leadership in and serving as a catalyst for promoting JEDI. The organization does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship, or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies, programs, or operations. We welcome everyone.