Registration Opens

Wednesday, March 5, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Why is Pompadour Bluff such a prominent feature in our valley? We’ll learn why with Karen Grove, Geologist, as we examine the sedimentary rocks of the bluff and climb to the top to see how these rocks fit in with the rest of the valley. We’ll explore how, over time, our region transitioned from an ocean to a river plain, then a series of active volcanoes, to what we see today.

In 2021, we were honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the Southern Bear Creek Valley, The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special and how you can support its conservation.

Date and Time

Sunday, April 6, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff)

Focus

Geology of Pompadour Bluff and the Rouge Valley

Guide

Karen Grove, Geologist

Hiker Limit

18 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Steep Slopes, Elevation Gain of 280 Feet

Visitors will be walking on and off trail on steep slopes at a slow pace. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Meet the charismatic and itty-bitty flora of the Agate Desert Preserve with Botanist and Stewardship Director, Kristi Mergenthaler. We will soak in the beauty of rings, patches, and ribbons of colorful flowers and look for federally endangered and other rare flowers that grow in drying vernal pools. This is a unique preserve of vernal pool-mounded prairie surrounded by industrial and grazing land.

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 9, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Jackson County Parks, 7520 Table Rock Rock Road, Central Point, OR 97502 - Meet at Mosquito Lane

Focus

Flowers, Agate Desert Preserve

Guide

Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate, Low Speed, Hiking Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will be walking cross-county on micro-lumpy ground and will need to cross a smooth-wire fence. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Join us for a beautiful visit to the incredible Rogue River Preserve! The Rogue River Preserve includes two miles of riverfront along the Rogue River, a large floodplain forest, and oak woodlands with meadows. It is only open to the public during special events, work parties, and youth education programs. So, come and take advantage of this special opportunity and explore the trails at your own pace, attend a guided hike, bring a picnic lunch or thermos of tea to enjoy by the river, or all three.

To limit crowding on the trails, registration is free and required for hikes or self-guided exploration for the day. Guided hike participants are welcome to explore the property before or after their hike slot.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Self-Guided Explorations

Check out field guides, binoculars, and other gear from our lending library and chat with docents along the trail to learn as you explore. Alternatively, you can walk the trails at your own pace, take photos, go birding, draw, or relax on a bench. This is a wonderful opportunity for families.

10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Spring Wildflower Saunter with Liz Landreth

Join Liz Landreth, Docent and Naturalist, to enjoy the diverse variety of native plants at the Rogue River Preserve! During the stroll, visitors will have the opportunity to stop and identify different wildflowers and plants with the help of Liz, who is famously known as Southern Oregon's 'Flower Floozy'! Don’t forget to bring a hand lens or borrow one from us.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Caterpillar Book-Making with Gayle Erbe-Hamlin

Join Gayle Erbe-Hamlin, Professional Artist, to learn how to create a handmade book using drawings and unique papers that are inspired by nature. Visitors will have the opportunity to create a simple line drawing from an impression of their time at the Rogue River Preserve, then transform it into a small book. No creative experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. All that is needed is an enthusiastic spirit and the ability to fold paper, use scissors, and glue.

Meeting Location

Rogue River Preserve

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate: You can take a short stroll to the old garden along the river, walk the relatively flat one and a half mile loop trail, enjoy the benches, have a picnic in the grass, or all of the above. For more information about our trails, please click here.

Bathroom

Yes

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

If you have any questions, please contact Paige Gerhard, Event and Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-482-3069 (Ext 107) or email events@landconserve.org.

Sign Up Here!

Registration Opens

Wednesday, March 26, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Explore the rocks and cliffs of The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff!

Tour the spectacular Pompadour Bluff just outside of Ashland on a guided hike by Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director. Walk through the beautiful oaks and grasslands before reaching the top where the views are outtasight!

In 2021, we were honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the Southern Bear Creek Valley, The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special and how you can support its conservation.

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 30, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff)

Focus

Introduction to Pompadour Bluff, Ecology, Future Plans for Pompadour Bluff

Guide

Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Steep Slopes, Elevation Gain of 280 Feet

Visitors will be walking on and off trail on steep slopes at a slow pace. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 2, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Learn more about water in the Illinois Valley at the Rough and Ready Creek Preserve with Hydrology Experts, Gordon Lyford and Randy Frick. Both will discuss everything from watersheds, to water rights, and more.

Date and Time

Saturday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

33096 Redwood Highway, O'Brien, OR 97534 - Carpooling Available from the SOLC Office

Focus

Hydrology, Water, Rivers, Streams

Guide

Gordon Lyford and Randy Frick, Hydrology Experts

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate, Fairly Flat, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will walk on a dirt trail with one ditch crossing and cobble bars. There will be no more than two miles of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 2, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Explore the natural history of the Jacksonville Woodlands with Myco Schroeder, Education and Engagement Specialist. We will hike along the riparian area along Jackson Creek and up into the Oak Woodlands. Come bask in the beauty of spring wildflowers and views of the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains while Myco shares stories about the interconnectedness of these scenic woods.

Date and Time

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Jacksonville Woodlands (Parking Lot Behind Britt Festival)

Focus

Natural History, Ecology, Madrone Trees

Guide

Myco Schroeder, Education and Engagement Specialist, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate, Low Speed, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will be walking on moderate to difficult trails with rocky and uneven terrain. There will be no more than two and a half miles of walking with several stops in between.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Ready to try plein air sketching or painting? Sarah F. Burns will show you her favorite strategies for creating artwork outdoors at the spectacular Pompadour Bluff and guide you in understanding color and light to create your own unique expression. This is a great opportunity for artists with some experience, but all are welcome to attend. Please bring your own painting or sketching supplies. Sarah will provide a list of suggestions upon registration.

Before painting, artists will have the opportunity to tour Pompadour Bluff on a guided hike by Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director. Walk through the beautiful oaks and grasslands before reaching the top where the views are outtasight!

In 2021, we were honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the Southern Bear Creek Valley, The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special and how you can support its conservation.

Date and Time

Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Tour of Pompadour Bluff)

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Paint Out at Pompadour Bluff)

Due to the accessibility of Pompadour Bluff, please expect to stay for the entire time. If you are unable to stay the entire time, then please drive seperately. There will not be any in and out access.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff)

Focus

Plein Air Painting, Introduction to Pompadour Bluff, Ecology, Future Plans for Pompadour Bluff

Guide

Sarah F Burns, Local Artist, and Kristi Mergenthaler, Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Steep Slopes, Elevation Gain of 280 Feet

Visitors will be walking on and off trail on steep slopes at a slow pace. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Explore the rocks and cliffs of The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff!

Tour the spectacular Pompadour Bluff just outside of Ashland on a guided hike by Wyatt Stein, Land Steward. Walk through the beautiful oaks and grasslands before reaching the top where the views are outtasight!

In 2021, we were honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the Southern Bear Creek Valley, The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special and how you can support its conservation.

Date and Time

Wednesday, May 7, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff)

Focus

Introduction to Pompadour Bluff, Ecology, Future Plans for Pompadour Bluff

Guide

Wyatt Stein, Land Steward, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Steep Slopes, Elevation Gain of 280 Feet

Visitors will be walking on and off trail on steep slopes at a slow pace. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and learn more about the Illinois Valley at the Rough and Ready Creek Preserve with Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, and Molly Morison, Board Vice President. Both will discuss serpentine soils, specialized species living in the area, and a brief history about an invasive plant at the preserve.

Date and Time

Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

33096 Redwood Highway, O'Brien, OR 97534 - Carpooling Available from the SOLC Office

Focus

Introduction to Rough and Ready Creek, Ecology

Guide

Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, and Molly Morrison, Board Vice President, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate, Fairly Flat, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will walk on a dirt trail with one ditch crossing and cobble bars. There will be no more than two miles of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Explore the rocks and cliffs of The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff!

Tour the spectacular Pompadour Bluff just outside of Ashland on a guided hike by Steve Wise, Executive Director. Walk through the beautiful oaks and grasslands before reaching the top where the views are outtasight!

In 2021, we were honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the Southern Bear Creek Valley, The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special and how you can support its conservation.

Date and Time

Wednesday, May 21, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff)

Focus

Introduction to Pompadour Bluff, Ecology, Future Plans for Pompadour Bluff

Guide

Steve Wise, Executive Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Steep Slopes, Elevation Gain of 280 Feet

Visitors will be walking on and off trail on steep slopes at a slow pace. There will be no more than one mile of walking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Meet our newest preserve located in the Colestin Valley and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument! We will explore the oak woodlands, cliffs, scablands, and forests by car and on foot and see a unique community of vagrant lichens.

Date and Time

Saturday, May 24, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpool to Bear Gulch Preserve)

Focus

Introduction to Bear Gulch, Wildflowers, Lichens

Guide

Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult, Low Speed, Hike Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Elevation Gain of 600 Feet

Visitors will be walking on roads, jeep roads, and cross country for up to two miles.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Spring on spongy soils at the Sharon Fen Preserve! This hike with Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, will include an expansive view of a unique landform, a brief history of the geologic history, and discussions about the general ecology of this particular type of wetland. With favorable conditions, there is also an opportunity to see infrastructure from decades past and to test the load bearing qualities of floating mats of moss.

Date and Time

Sunday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (Carpooling Required for Sharon Fen Preserve)

Focus

General Ecology

Guide

Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

10 Hikers

Difficulty

Difficult, Low Speed, Hiking Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will be walking on difficult terrain that may require bending and long strides. There will also be an opportunity to walk onto the fen, which is unstable and wet.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Join us for a beautiful visit to the incredible Rogue River Preserve! The Rogue River Preserve includes two miles of riverfront along the Rogue River, a large floodplain forest, and oak woodlands with meadows. It is only open to the public during special events, work parties, and youth education programs. So, come and take advantage of this special opportunity and explore the trails at your own pace, attend a guided hike, bring a picnic lunch or thermos of tea to enjoy by the river, or all three.

To limit crowding on the trails, registration is free and required for hikes or self-guided exploration for the day. Guided hike participants are welcome to explore the property before or after their hike slot.

More information, coming soon…

Registration Opens

Wednesday, May 21, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Explore Cobra Lily Springs, our new preserve on Eight Dollar Mountain with Botanist and Stewardship Director, Kristi Mergenthaler, and meet some lovely plants only known in the Illinois Valley. We will visit cobra lily wetlands, or fens, and pine woodland, and discuss our long term plans for this exceptional place.

Date and Time

Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Ray's Food Place, 110 Deer Creek Road, Selma, OR 97538 (Carpool to Cobra Lily Springs)

Focus

Flowers, Cobra Lily Springs

Guide

Kristi Mergenthaler, Botanist and Stewardship Director, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate, Low Speed, Hiking Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain, Elevation Gain of 200 Feet

Visitors will be walking cross-county on uneven and sometimes wet ground for less than one and a half miles.

Bathroom

None (Except Ray's Food Place)

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Registration Opens

Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 a.m. (Click Here to Register)

Description

Enjoy the beauty of one of the newest properties associated with Vesper Meadow's Education Program! Breath deep with a movement and meditation practice in the dense forest before crossing into the expansive meadow to help remove invasive yellow star thistle. This hike is in coordination with Vesper Meadows’s Healing Landscapes. "As we heal the land, the land heals us."

Date and Time

Saturday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Buck Prairie II Dog Friendly Snow Park, 39296 Dead Indian Memorial Road, Ashland, OR 97520

Focus

Healing Landscapes, Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve

Guide

Vesper Meadow Education Program Staff

Hiker Limit

15 Hikers

Difficulty

Moderate, Low Speed, Hiking Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will be removing invasive yellow star thistle.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

Cobra Lily Springs. Come discover something wonderful with us. FINAL time TBA.

Registration opens online and one month before each hike date.