On this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Mother & Son duo Katie and Houston Vandergriff share Houston’s inspiring journey documenting their worldwide travels while advocating for disability awareness and accessibility in travel. They discuss the origin of their platform, Downs and Towns, and how Houston's Down Syndrome has shaped their experiences and perspectives. In this conversation with host Dan Haag, they stress the importance of travel for personal growth, the challenges faced in accessible travel, and the positive trends in awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. They also share memorable experiences from their travels, particularly in Oregon, and emphasize the power of storytelling in changing perceptions around disability.

• Helpful links:

  • Downs & Towns

  • Photographer With Down Syndrome's Viral TikTok Gets Over a Million Likes on Newsweek

  • TravelAbility

  • 4-H

  • Annual Dahlia Festival

  • Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

  • Pacific City, OR

  • Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk

  • Tillamook Estuaries Partnership

  • Tillamook Air Museum

  • Cape Meares Lighthouse

  • Old Wheeler Hotel

  • Garibaldi Boat House

  • Wheel the World

  Credits:

  • Hosted by Dan Haag

  • Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast⁠

    Edited by Jon Richardson⁠

In this episode, Trevor Rogers from de Garde Brewing shares the journey of establishing their brewery in Tillamook, focusing on their unique brewing techniques that emphasize spontaneous fermentation and local ingredients. Trevor discusses the challenges and craftsmanship involved in their brewing process, the importance of seasonality, and their commitment to sustainability. Trevor also highlights the significance of community engagement, collaborations with other breweries, and the evolution of de Garde's locations. Dan and Trevor touch on their annual anniversary event, milestones in de Garde’s journey, and future plans for the brewery.

Helpful Links:

• de Garde Brewing

• Belgian Lambic

• Drie Fonteinen

• Coolship

• Crosby Hop Farms

• Fort George

• Brew Häus

• Ruse Brewing

• Port of Tillamook Bay

• Tillamook Air Museum

• TCVA

• Trailkeepers of Oregon

• Tillamook County Fairgrounds

• Night of the Great Thirst

• BXL

• Cantillon Brewery

• Country Squire Food Truck

Credits:

• • Hosted by Dan Haag
  • Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast
  • Edited by Jon Richardson
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TCVA’s Dan Haag sits down with Natalie Nites, Executive Director of the Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council to discuss her role and the mission of the council to improve the environmental health of local watersheds. She highlights the challenges faced, including non-point source pollution and the need for collaboration with local communities and organizations. Natalie shares success stories from past projects, the importance of shade for aquatic life, and the prioritization of wildlife species in conservation efforts. She also addresses funding challenges, the balance between economic needs and environmental conservation, and long-term goals for watershed management.

Helpful Links:

• Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council

• Tillamook Estuaries Partnership

• TEP’s Claudine Rehn on Tillamook Coast Conversations

• Salmon Superhighway

• Science on Tap (Pelican Brewing)

• TEP Water Quality Map

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)

• Department of Environmental Quality

• The Nature Conservancy

• NOAA

• Private Forest Accord

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• Lower Nehalem Community Trust

• Explore Nature

• Haystack Rock in Pacific City

• Cape Kiwanda

• Sandlake

• McKenzie River

Credits:

• Hosted by Dan Haag

• Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast

• Edited by Jon Richardson