United by the Trail

"At the entrance to Gerdemann Botanical Preserve in Yachats."  ~ photo by Lee G Young  © 2014

In an era of history, where materialism, competition and fear of diversity appear to be undermining our desire for personal and planetary peace, there is a small corner of the earth that is demonstrating how that desire for serenity can indeed be achieved. Inspired by the vision for a more connected community, a leadership has emerged in the small coastal town of Yachats in Oregon, with the goal of supporting and building a network of trails that would better  connect their village, the coastal forest and the Pacific Ocean. 

"A boardwalk enhances the experience of the trail at Gerdemann Preserve."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014 

Among those leaders was Dr. James Gerdemann, a retired botanist and Professor Emeritus of the University of Illinois, who with his wife, Janice, a retired teacher, created a 3.5 acre outdoor protected wild space on a wooded hillside facing the Pacific Ocean and bordering the Siuslaw National Forest. This protected natural easement, now called Gerdemann Botanical Preserve, contains numerous native plant species, along with exotics, not ordinarily grown in this region, and hybrids bred by Jim to survive in this coastal climate.  And all of these beautiful plants make up the understory to the native forest of Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, that has been there for hundreds of years. 

"The Big Leaf Rhododendron in Gerdemann Preserve is native to the Himalayas." ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2013

Gerdemann Botanical Preserve now offers a magical path along a small creek in the midst of some impressive Big Leaf rhododendrons and lush, verdant ferns.  On the trail through the preserve, there stands a stately Sitka Spruce, called “Grandmother Spruce”, who survived logging during World War I and is estimated to have spanned Mitchell Creek for at least 300 years.

"Grandmother Spruce towers over the trail in Gerdemann Preserve." photo by Carol E Fairbanks © 2013

Since Jim’s  passing in 2008, the new conservators/ owners of the preserve, Jerry and Kathleen Sand, now manage the conservation site, that offers educational programs and tours, as well as research and apprenticeship opportunities with state universities. With the support of the city of Yachats and other private grants and countless hours of community volunteer efforts, an irrevocable conservation easement has been established to ensure protection of more than 2500 species of plants, making Gerdemann Botanical Preserve a permanent public living legacy. It is truly a place of natural beauty and serenity, where all can stroll the meandering paths and marvel at the sights of that extraordinary range of plants growing there in that sheltered glen, just a few blocks from the roaring surf of the Pacific.

"At the end of the preserve, you then come to the Ya'Xaik Trail."  photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

Just completed in 2013, the new Ya’ Xaik Trail now offers hikers a continuous one mile loop from the historic  804 Trail, at the edge of the Pacific, up through the Gerdemann Botanical Preserve and across the Suislaw National Forest land. The trail finally takes hikers back across Highway 101 to the 804 Trail and the beautiful seashore. Yachats mayor, Ron Brean, says “Trails bridge cultures, and they connect the past and the future.” He went on to say at the trail’s dedication in May, “The city of Yachats is especially grateful to the Siuslaw National Forest, Angell Job Corps Urban Forestry Program, the many land owners and the tireless volunteers, who have all assisted with the creation of this outstanding resource, that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.” He also claimed at this dedication on National Trails Day, that “ the natural trails in Yachats offer people an opportunity to explore the area and experience the unique natural, historical and cultural stories that are offered here.” He explained that the spelling of the name of this new trail, Ya’Xaik, is an approximation of the original name of the only recorded settlement of the native Alsea people, who lived in this area for thousands of years. The Ya’Xaik Trail honors their memory and gives respect for their contribution to the culture and history of the Yachats area.

Volunteers used natural materials, like these log steps, in creating the Ya'Xaik Trail." photo by Carol E Fairbanks © 2013

It is in the construction of these trails and preservation of this vibrant natural area, that people of today have the opportunity to walk some of the same trails that were traveled seasonally by the Alsea people between the coast and inland hunting grounds. We can have similar experiences, like those of the native people of the past, as they traveled on these trails to visit among their families and friends. We may then feel a connection and, perhaps, a greater understanding of those inhabitants of long ago. The trails that the people of Yachats have built today, like the Amanda Trail on the south side of town, leading to Cape Perpetua, and now the Ya’Xaik Trail on the northern end, can indeed tell stories that honor the lives of the Alsea people, who once lived  there. And with similar experiences on the trail, we, like the Alsea people, can have an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the woods and coast, and, hopefully, we might then be more committed to the mission of preserving it today.

"The Ya'Xaik Trail follows through the deep woods of the Siuslaw National Forest." photo by Carol E Fairbanks © 2014

In creating the Ya’Xaik Trail, as a stunning addition to the impressive web of trails in Yachats, it’s taken many people, being united in a common vision, to make it happen. The Job Corps forestry students, the members of the Yachats Trail Committee and many citizen volunteers have all dedicated many hours to make the dream of these trails a reality. The completion of the Ya’Xaik Trail, itself, represents yet another successful collaboration by the City of Yachats and the Suislaw National Forest. Funding was also added to the vision and hard work by the City of Yachats, Oregon State Parks and View the Future, a local organization dedicated to preserving Yachats’ natural beauty. Just as it “takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village and then some to plan and build trails. In short, it takes lots of people, connecting and cooperating in working toward manifesting a common goal. Finally, all those experiences of planning, building and walking those vibrant trails become our symbols of peace and harmony, that encourage us to be more fully connected to one another.

"The Ya'Xaik Trail goes past many "nurse trees" that encourage new growth."  photo by Carol E Fairbanks © 2014

So, as the people of Yachats have dreamed for a better community through honoring the rich history of their past and conserving their scenic environment for the future, they have connected in a most meaningful way. As a community, they have envisioned the best kind of place in which to live and are working together to make it a reality. They know that nothing can be a better teacher than a first hand experience… especially in nature! When we walk in the woods or by the seashore, our sense of self is expanded, and suddenly there is enough room for a greater compassion and consideration for others. Mayor Ron Brean suggests that we try shouting out the original sounds - “yah’ khik". He says “Shout it out next time you’re on the trail in Yachats. Think about those connections, let the beauty of nature surround you, and experience the layers of meaning to be found just by following a trail through the woods.”
In the process of preserving those pristine woods, we then give ourselves a wonderful opportunity to more fully experience the treasure that nature lovingly offers us. The sacredness of that natural beauty can then awaken the sacredness in us… as we walk the trails together ….in that sought after peace.   

                                      by Carol E Fairbanks, W.W.W.