#Oregon Dunes

[fuckyeahisawthat]

Biggest galaxy brain moment from visiting the Dune dunes is that it gave me a whole new perspective on why the terraforming of Arrakis is treated with such deep ambivalence by the text. Because the terraforming process that's described in great detail in the book? That's exactly what's happening to the Oregon dunes. And they're disappearing.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the open sand you see in this picture stretched all the way to the Pacific Ocean, which is visible here as a faint blue-gray line about halfway up the photo. The sea washed new sand ashore, and the seasonal wind cycles blew it into a constantly-shifting landscape of dunes, tree islands, ghost forests and both permanent and ephemeral lakes and rivers.

As European colonization of the Pacific Northwest grew, the new settlers and the logging and commercial fishing industries they brought with them wanted permanent towns and roads that weren't constantly being swallowed by the moving sand. Starting in the 1930s, European beachgrass and other non-native species were introduced to try to hold the dunes in place.

The invasive species did hold the dunes in place--too well. The deep roots of the beachgrass shaped the sand blowing in off the beach into a permanent dune parallel to the ocean, called the foredune.

As the foredune got taller, it blocked both wind and the movement of sand, which allowed the land behind it to become grassland...

then forest.

Walking through this area, you might never know there was a dune under your feet. You can be close enough to hear the ocean, but there is almost NO wind--the main force that shapes the dunes.

There are (slow, difficult) remediation efforts underway to control the European beachgrass and restore at least some of the area to the natural dune cycle that created the miles and miles of open sand. But the ecological feedback loop created by introducing the beachgrass is stubborn, and without any further intervention, the dunes could be completely covered with forest in as little as a few decades. (I've heard estimates from 50 to 150 years, both of which are a blink of an eye in geological timescales.) The Oregon dunes are at least 100,000 years old, and within the span of just a few human lifetimes the ecosystem could be irrevocably changed.

The dune stabilization project is what Frank Herbert came to Florence to research for a never-written magazine article. Herbert began writing Dune in the mid-1950s, but by the mid-60s when the book was published, his own politics had shifted as he was influenced by the growing environmental movement and by Native activism happening around him in the Pacific Northwest. Like the story of the Oregon dunes, the terraforming of Arrakis is initially promoted as triumph of science and human rationality over nature that will make people's lives easier. But it ends up destroying the native ecosystem and the way of life of the planet's indigenous people, as becomes clear in Dune Messiah when Paul actually implements the terraforming project. (In the book, Dr. Kynes, the main architect of the terraforming project, dies in a spice blow--literally swallowed whole by the planet he tried to control.) It's one of the many political/ideological tensions in the story that's presented but not resolved, and I'm super curious to see how this element of the story is handled in Villeneuve's Dune Messiah.

All photos above taken by me at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in September 2024.

[rabbitcruiser]

Oregon is admitted as the 33rd U.S. state on February 14, 1859.

[constantlyfalling]

Taking off...

[forest-songs]

Wood, Stone, Feather and Bone

By by Joules Graves (modified)

-:--0--:-

Original Verses

Wood, stone, feather and bone,

Roaring of the ocean guide us home

Wood, stone, feather and bone,

Roaring of the ocean guide us home

Wolf and raven {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

River, sea, cedar tree,

Howling of the wind gonna set us free

River, sea, cedar tree,

Howling of the wind gonna set us free

Eagle and salmon {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

More verses (origin unknown)

Valleys, mountains, stars above,

Many of the gifts of this land I love

Valleys, mountains, stars above,

Many of the gifts of this land I love

Earth, and galaxy {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

Spirits dance, fires burn,

Glowing of the moon I’m not alone

Spirits dance, fires burn,

Glowing of the moon I’m not alone

Beaver and alder {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

New verses by Anake'12:

Ocean sand, barren land,

Rolling of the dunes help us understand

Ocean sand, barren land,

Rolling of the dunes help us understand

Fox and tree frog {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

Tide pool, sitka spruce,

Boardwalk trails gonna set us loose

Tide pool, sitka spruce,

Boardwalk trails gonna set us loose

Seal and falcon {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

Verse by Hannah Whitehead

Flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds

Medicine Plants gonna bring us ease

Flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds

Medicine Plants gonna bring us ease

Tea and Poultice {x2}

In my soul, in my soul, HUH {x2}

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Bandon Coast, Oregon, USA

By Ted Forman

[eopederson2]

Coastal dunes, Honeyman State Park, Oregon 1985.

[stopdoopyphotos]

Rooster’s Rocks in Newport oregon

[zafiro-anyejo]

Sometimes friendship is "Why do you need me for this?" "I don't need you. I want you." and the touch of their heel against your ankle.

Sometimes it's asking what they want for dinner and sharing a single cigarette because one of you is too world-weary to pull out your own.

Sometimes it's house hunting. Just for fun.

Sometimes it's a shit day of work and throwing empty bottles off a balcony, which you will clean in the morning when your head is clear, but right now it's the only thing keeping your anger at bay and now there is a shared smile, a soft laugh, between you.

Sometimes it's a business plan, a business plan falling through, but ideas and hopes still written in the margins of a legal pad--both your initials on a business card--because you wouldn't have it any other way.

Sometimes it's "Why would you--I mean this guy? Seriously?" And the reply being a confused expression, a shake of the head, their hand reaching for your fingers, light filling in the cracks. Their touch is a revelation, a reassurance; your brother would call it a Promethean light.

Sometimes it's silly voices, both to get your point across and to make them laugh.

Sometimes their brilliance frightens you. Sometimes your audaciousness frightens them. You're convinced this is why you work so great together.

Sometimes you help them pick out clothes.

Sometimes you stand up for them; they're being treated unfairly. And sometimes you tell them to follow their heart, that they should work somewhere they're appreciated.

Sometimes it's letting them put their toothbrush in the holder next to yours when they spend the night.

Sometimes the pranks you plan go too far.

Sometimes you trust them to pull you back; sometimes they jump with you. Sometimes there is an event horizon. A point of no return.

Sometimes it's "I love you too. But so what?"

[northwest-savage]

[marseesthisway]

silvertone moments

[callmeblake]

From leti_cheshire's twitter:

Mi fav 🍦🧡 @.lsdunes #lsdunespdx

Long snippet of Benadryl Subreddit at L.S. Dunes at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon on August 1st, 2023

[fuckyeahisawthat]

Yeah I get it now. I too would do shrooms and invent another planet.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Oregon Day

National Oregon Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. This day celebrates the State of Oregon, which is also known as the Beaver State. Part of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Oregon has been home to many Native American people for thousands of years. 

It was the 33rd state of the U.S. and is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. It has volcanoes, water bodies, dense forests, shrublands, and deserts. The capital city of Oregon is Salem, but its largest city is Portland

History of National Oregon Day

National Oregon Day celebrates the 33rd state of the United States of America. The day celebrates the history, nature, and people of Oregon, all of which are incredibly diverse. Oregon has been inhabited for over 15,000 years. Evidence of settlements have been found along the Columbia River, and by the 1500s, there were a number of Native American groups that had settled in the area. 

Exploration led to discovering and making note of the land and its people as early as the 16th century. Over the 1700s and 1800s, the European powers fought over possession of the land until the state of Oregon was formed and became part of the United States of America. 

The first Europeans in Oregon were probably of Spanish descent, and in fact, the name Oregon itself is likely of Spanish origin. During the 1700s and 1800s other Europeans like the French Canadians and Scots arrived, and some even began to settle down on the land. French Canadians have left a lasting impression on the state, with many names of places like Malheur River and Grande Ronde being of French origin.

Slavery has been a major part of Oregon’s history and statehood, with the debates raging over whether the state was to be considered a free state or not. Oregon banned slavery within its borders but required all Black Americans to leave the state. This exclusionary practice was upheld with strict punishment and a big part of the debate to determine Oregon statehood. Eventually, when Oregon was admitted as the 33rd State of the United States, it was admitted as a free state. 

National Oregon Day timeline

1500s

The First Native Americans Settle

By the 16th century, a number of Native American groups, including the Chinook and Molalla, settle in what is now known as Oregon.

18th Century

The First European Settlers Come to Oregon

From the 1700s and beginning with the Spanish, settlers pour into Oregon, including the French Canadians, Scots, and eventually the British.

1848

Oregon Territory is Officially Recognized

The boundaries of Oregon are long disputed, especially between the British and the Americans. Eventually, the Oregon Territory is defined and organized.

1859

Oregon Becomes the 33rd State of the U.S.

After much debate over its status concerning slavery, Oregon is admitted as a part of the union on February 14, though the people only find out a month later.

National Oregon Day FAQs

What is Oregon most known for?

Oregon is known for its colorful history with the wild west and its incredible natural diversity. 

Is Oregon a nice place to live?

With amazing landscapes and incredible quality of life, Oregon is a great state to live in. 

What fruit is Oregon known for?

Pears are the highest-selling fruit crop in the state of Oregon. 

National Oregon Day Activities

Visit the Crater Lake National Park: Oregon’s only National Park, the Crater Lake National Park is the site of the deepest lake in the country. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic and to enjoy the natural beauty.

Go see the Armillaria fungus: Found in the Malheur National Forest, the fungus is a natural marvel, since it's the largest organism in the world, and the coolest part of Oregon.

Celebrate in the Oregon Coast Aquarium: One of the best aquariums in the country, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a great space to celebrate all things Oregon.

5 Facts About Oregon That Will Blow Your Mind

Oregon has a lot of water bodies: There are over 6,000 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams throughout the state.

Hells Canyon is very deep: Found along the border of the eastern part of the state, Hells Canyon is the deepest river-carved gorge in the entire country.

Half of Oregon is forested: Over 30 million acres of land in the state of Oregon is covered by forest — both mixed and evergreen.

It grows a lot of hazelnuts: Nearly 99% of the total hazelnut crop of the U.S. comes from the state of Oregon.

Tater tots were invented in Oregon: Nephi and Golden Grigg, founders of Ore-Ida, invented the tater tot. They were both from Oregon.

Why We Love National Oregon Day

We love the state: We are thrilled to have a day to honor such a diverse, important state of the country. We also want to spend a day just celebrating all things Oregon.

We want to invite people to visit: A day celebrating Oregon is a great way to get more people to learn about the state and explore all the natural beauty. It reminds us of the historical places of interest to be enjoyed.

We want to relax and enjoy nature: The best day to do this is on the day celebrating Oregon, the most naturally diverse state in the country. Observe it by spending time outdoors in your own state.

Source

[gameraboy2]

Dunes Motel, Bend, Oregon, 1960s

[hogteeth]

[ravnlghtft]