Registration for Westwind 2024 is now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Westwind 2024”?
Every year the Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC) holds its two day annual retreat on the Oregon north coast at a place called Camp Westwind. This retreat is an opportunity for students interested in NEDC, NEDC staff and board members to come together in a beautiful, wild place to celebrate NEDC’s work, listen to presentations on regional environmental issues and participate in group activities.
Who can participate in “Westwind 2024”?
The annual retreat is open to NEDC supporters, law students with an interest in NEDC’s work, law faculty, and the NEDC staff and board. Children are welcome to attend – but there is no onsite childcare. Sorry, no pets other than registered service animals. Pre-registration is required.
When is “Westwind 2024”?
Friday, September 13 through Sunday, September 15. Participants are encouraged to arrive at the camp Friday afternoon and stay through Sunday morning. There are one night stay options and late arrival/early departure options with prior notification to NEDC event planners. No one will be permitted to enter camp outside of the arrival windows, so plan accordingly!
Where is Camp Westwind?
The camp is a 2 hour drive from Portland on the Oregon Coast near Otis, Oregon. Located next to the Salmon River Estuary, this 529 acre camp, farm and wilderness area is set in the middle of the UNESCO Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve. The camp is located on the end of the peninsula at the mouth of the river.
How do I get there?
Westwind attendees will be given directions from Portland to the parking area at the Westwind farm which is north of Lincoln City. NEDC staff will work with participants to help coordinate carpooling options. From the parking area participants walk about a mile into the camp on a maintained gravel road – so make sure to pack and plan accordingly. Participants must arrive in the parking area between 4 and 6 pm on Friday and can leave their luggage to be shuttled into the camp. Upon pre-arrangement, NEDC staff will be available to provide rides into the camp for those who need it. On Sunday morning a luggage shuttle will take participants’ luggage back to the parking area and participants will walk back to the parking area. NEDC staff, upon pre-arrangement, will also be available to provide rides out of the camp for those who need it. If your schedule or situation requires other arrangements please contact NEDC staff.
What is the cost and what does it include? – PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Student Cost: $95
Regular Cost: $295
Children (4-12): $40
The cost includes lodging and meals (including vegan options). The meals will be catered by the Camp Westwind staff and will be held in the Wilson Lodge at the camp. Lodging is either staying in rustic/minimal cabins that sleep up to 8 people or camping in authorized camping areas if you bring your own tent. The cabins have bunk beds with mattresses, a ceiling light and a small heater which provides minimal heat. The cabins do not have water. Participants should bring their own sleeping bag/bedding. Bedding can be provided by WestWind (although they recommend you bring an extra blanket in case the weather is cold). Bathrooms and showers are also available on site.
What do I need to bring?
The cabins are separate from each other, the bathrooms and the main lodge/eating area so participants need to expect to spend time outdoors and dress appropriately for the weather. If possible, pack your belongings in a backpack or a bag that has a carry strap and that can be closed to avoid losing items during transport. Wheeled bags/suitcases are not recommended since many of the trails at the camp are made of sand. Items to bring include:
- Sleeping bag/bedding/pillow
- Towel
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
- Water bottle
- Toiletries/medications
- Rain Coat
- Warm coat/underlayers
- Long pants
- Headlamp/flashlight
Activities?
NEDC will have multiple different speakers who will talk about their work or some aspect relating to environmental law throughout the weekend. NEDC will also offer group activities such as beach walks, hiking, tide pool exploring, archery, canoeing/kayaking, and evening board games and/or an evening bonfire.
What is NEDC?
NEDC was founded in 1969 by a group of Lewis & Clark law professors, law students and Lewis & Clark attorney alumni. NEDC is a non-profit organization with offices on the Lewis & Clark Law School campus. Our mission is to protect the environmental and natural resources of the Pacific Northwest. We prioritize diversity and inclusion, and recognize that environmental burdens and benefits are not distributed equitably. NEDC provides Lewis & Clark law students with opportunities to gain experience in environmental law that enable them to become more effective leaders and practitioners.
Questions?
Contact Grayson Murray at nedc@lclark.edu.
