Founded in mid-2020, Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve was born out of the need to bring together independent, volunteer stewardship of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve under one organization to engage more effectively with the public and stakeholders in advocacy, stewardship, and protection of Otter Rock Marine Reserve.
Strengthen stewardship and protection of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve and its wildlife. We will achieve this by raising awareness of coastal wildlife and the Marine Reserve, connecting visitors and community members to the wonders of this fragile area, and promoting responsible visitation practices.
Taylor moved to the Oregon coast after graduating from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Zoology. She has extensive experience in ecological research and is very passionate about utilizing communication to effectively combine her interests in scientific research and community outreach. Taylor’s background in environmental education and interpretation, includes working as an Interpretive Ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conducting educational programs in several aquariums. As program coordinator, Taylor oversees recruitment and training of volunteers for our outreach programs and community science projects, creates interpretive stories, and represents our organization at ocean-related events along the Oregon Coast. She also explores her love of the marine environment through surfing and creating ocean-inspired art.
Dennis has extensive leadership experience in building successful public-private coalitions and community engagement at the state and national levels from his career leading public and consumer health initiatives. Dennis devotes his time to Oregon coastal conservation efforts and affordable housing initiatives. Dennis worked with Audubon Society of Lincoln City on their successful Rocky Habitat proposals for designation of Cape Foulweather and Cape Lookout as Marine Conservation Areas. In addition to serving on the board of Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve, Dennis participates in community science activities along the Oregon Coast. Dennis holds Masters degrees in Mathematics and in Management from the University of Michigan and the MIT Sloan School of Management, respectively.
Fawn is a recognized marine education specialist, marine science educator for the Lincoln County School District, a conservationist, and leader of community science projects on the Oregon coast. Fawn has taught in formal and nonformal classrooms for over 30 years. Fawn has served as the President of Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME), and serves as the NAME Oregon Treasurer and Director. Fawn was CoastWatch volunteer coordinator for 5 years. A graduate of Oregon State University, Fawn earned a BS in science education, a BS in biological sciences, emphasis in aquatic marine studies, a MS in environmental education and a MS in integrated science with post graduate courses in learning behavior and free choice learning.
Genevieve is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Oregon State University (OSU) where she is pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in oceanography and in mechanical engineering. Genevieve has a life-long passion for ocean and marine life conservation. She provides perspectives on programs that can engage a variety of age groups in stewardship, leads sea star surveys in the Marine Gardens, and engages with tidepool visitors. Genevieve participated in a two-month research cruise to the geographic north pole to conduct chemical oceanographic research related to climate change. She works part-time in the iLab at the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building in Newport, Oregon where she designed and prototyped an eDNA sampler that will be more affordable than current market versions. She also works part-time for OSU’s Ocean Observatory Initiative, helping to maintain OSU’s scientific buoys.
Amelia is a resident of a community that borders Otter Rock Marine Reserve. She is an avid surfer with a background in biology. Amelia has worked with nonprofit organizations and state and federal agencies. Amelia’s past experience as Portland Audubon’s Coastal Birds Coordinator spanned the Oregon Coast working with local community members to monitor seabirds. She has skills in data analysis, mapping, report writing and science education. Amelia holds a master’s in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University.
Marilyne Coblentz spent childhood summers at the New Jersey shore where she developed a life-long fascination with wildlife that call the ocean home. Marilyne’s passion for the ocean has led to her participation in community science projects on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. She is rarely seen on the beach without a SOLVE bag or camera in hand. Marilyne leverages her professional experience in marketing and communications to amplify the importance of marine conservation and to bridge the gap between advocacy and community engagement. Her most recent project was the film, “Otter Rock Marine Reserve: Where Science and Stewardship Meet.” The film was selected for the 2024 Big Blue Film Festival where it was well-received. Marilyne holds a master’s in International Management from Thunderbird, Arizona State University.