Our Mission

HRAP’s mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock.

To achieve this mission, HRAP operates a seasonal Rocky Shore Interpreter Program from February through November, to educate visitors on the local intertidal and seabird ecology, encourage the practice of proper tidepool etiquette, and educate visitors about the state and federal laws and agencies responsible for managing Haystack Rock. In addition, our program also offers field trips, private tours, and opportunities for volunteering.

Our program could not provide these services without the support of the City of Cannon Beach and our partners. We are proud to be a part of and serve our North Coast community.

Our Values

We value EDUCATION for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to integrated and research-based approaches to public education. We value the importance and ambassadorial role of the teacher in public education. We value inquiry-based learning, research, reflection, and service as means to engage the local, regional, and international communities to address environmental concerns.

We value the ROLE OF THE TEACHER as expressed by our belief statements in education. We believe that, as a teacher, we need to foster every student’s ability to think independently, build confidence, engage their culture, and understand their beliefs. We believe as a teacher, we need to be empathetic, and personable, and make students feel valued. We believe that all students are capable of learning and matter. We believe that every student, regardless of what age they are or the background they come from, deserves to discover their inherent desire to learn.

We value participating in and promoting environmental STEWARDSHIP and that humans are collectively responsible for protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

We value the pursuit of JUSTICE and believe that equal access is essential to protecting our society and planet. We are committed to cultural DIVERSITY through our partnerships, staff, and volunteers. We value the dignity and worth of all people. We believe that true efficacy depends on genuine, strong, and diverse partnerships that are mutually respectful. We value an environment of INCLUSION, FAIRNESS, and RESPECT helps create a setting in which all people can flourish. We value the creation and maintenance of a safe CULTURE that is INCLUSIVE and welcoming to all.

We value the role of COLLABORATION with the COMMUNITY around us and at large. We value the importance of human relationships and recognize that together we are all vehicles of change. We value the health of our local community, both natural and human. We value PARTNERSHIPS and the role of the larger community beyond Cannon Beach, we believe all these communities are important for maintaining the health of our environment and citizens.

We value INTEGRITY and the role of moral and ethical principles to guide decision-making regardless of who is watching. We value the foundational role integrity plays in building trust and healthy relationships with others.

We value ADAPTABILITY and the importance of regular self-reflection and changing our practices or behaviors as the result of new information and informed reflection.

We value clear and precise COMMUNICATION with all people. We value scientific communication that is accurate and up to date to the best of our knowledge. We value the ability to communicate in multiple languages, with the hearing-impaired, and with people of all ages and backgrounds.