For more information about SOLC’s education programs, including how to become a volunteer docent, email our Education Program Manager Tara Laidlaw.

K-12 Programs & Offerings
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) frameworks
for integration with classroom learning and/or Outdoor School experiences

eye on nature

Each year, SOLC invites students from the Rogue Valley to explore our lands and participate in nature journaling. Last year saw 1,676 student days! Students are lent hand lenses so that they can examine the details of plants and other natural objects and record their findings in their nature journals. The most challenging part is telling them to return the lenses at the end of the day. The Eye On Nature program hopes to change that. We want every student to have the opportunity to continue exploring the world around them long after their field trip is over. The possibilities are endless when you give youth the proper tools and we can't wait to see the ripple effect these gifts will bring.

In June we kick-started the Eye On Nature program with a goal of providing 1,000 personal magnifying hand-lenses to students to help bring their world into clearer focus. Many of you helped by participating in the raffle of the gorgeous framed photo by artist Matt Witt, "Winter Light." This special raffle along with other sales, helped sponsor almost 340 lenses for students getting us over a third of the way to our goal! 

We are not done yet and still need your help. For only $10, you can purchase a hand-lens for yourself and sponsor a hand-lens for a student!

Please click the button below to purchase and to sponsor:

We want to give a big shout out to Northwest Outdoor Store, Aztech Printing, Artist Matt Witt for donating his beautiful photo “Winter Light,” and all who participated in the raffle!

THANK YOU!

Field Trips & Outdoor School Supplemental visits

SOLC is happy to welcome students to our protected lands in Ashland (Oredson-Todd Woods), Eagle Point (Rogue River Preserve), and Jacksonville (Jacksonville Woodlands) for hands-on, minds-on learning experiences facilitated by our skilled staff and volunteers. These half- or full-day field trips are flexible to accommodate a wide range of topics, grade levels, and group sizes, and can be added to an Outdoor School experience to round out three full days of learning and exploring.

For more information email our Education Program Manager Tara Laidlaw.

Professional Development

SOLC contributes to professional development (PD) events offered by Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP). These PD workshops focus on incorporating natural resources and nature-based learning into formal and informal education programs. See upcoming workshops and register at ONREP’s website.

Additional Teacher Resources

A full list of our teacher resources can be found here, including links to lesson plans, community partners, and more.

Interactive map of the rogue river preserve

With Spanish translations!

Our Google Earth map invites students in grades 3-5 to explore the Preserve through videos, photos, interactive tools, and more, all of which are integrated into NGSS-aligned lessons designed for web-based learning.

Resources for Individuals and Families
Digital and print tools to help you connect with your local landscape

Oredson-Todd Woods StoryMap

SOLC worked with the City of Ashland Parks Department to create a StoryMap for Oredson-Todd Woods, a city-owned conserved park south of Ashland. This digital resource guides visitors through a trailside exploration of the ABC’s of Forest Ecology. Pull it up on your phone when you get to the park, or “visit” the park from the comfort of home! StoryMap available here.

The StoryMap is also available en Español!

Outside every day with soreel

SOLC is proud to be an organizing partner in the “Outside Every Day with (SOREEL)” initiative. In the spring and summer of 2020, about 20 regional environmental education providers worked together to share daily videos that invited kids and families to get outside to connect and learn with nature. Follow SOLC on Facebook or YouTube to see our contributions, or visit SOREEL’s website to see the videos from all of the initiative’s partners. Spanish translations of 30 of the videos are also available!

Galleries and Species Lists

Rogue River Preserve plant list (PDF)
Rogue River Preserve bird list (PDF)
Rogue River Preserve characteristic species galleries
Oredson-Todd Woods wildflowers gallery
Oredson-Todd Woods shrub brochure (PDF or look for a print copy at the park kiosk)
Oredson-Todd Woods plant list (PDF)
Oredson-Todd Woods bird list (PDF)
Oredson-Todd Woods winter birds brochure (PDF or look for a print copy at the park kiosk)

Community Events
Get-togethers with a purpose:
learning about SOLC’s work and
the lands we protect

Open Lands Days

Curious about the Rogue River Preserve? Join us on an Open Land Day, when the Preserve is staffed with volunteer docents to help you explore this beautiful property. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Open Land Days currently require registration in advance. A list of current events and more information can be found here.

hikes & Talks

Learn from the experts! Take advantage of our extensive network of skilled naturalists and join us for a guided hike or for an after-hours pub talk. Check out the schedule and register for upcoming events.

Work Parties

Roll up your sleeves and work side-by-side with our knowledgeable staff as they care for our protected lands. Although the focus of these events is managing invasive species or maintaining trails, our team will always explain the whys and hows of the current stewardship project, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions while you pull weeds. See the schedule and register for upcoming work parties.