Description: Learn about the birds, the bees, the flowers and the trees with botanist, naturalist, and SOLC Stewardship Director, Kristi Mergenthaler, on this beautiful property east of Ashland for a grassland ecology walk. The City of Ashland’s Imperatrice property, in the Cascade Mountain Foothills, is a stunning 876-acre property with lovely flowers, rare plants, and glorious views of the southern Bear Creek Valley, and a rare breeding colony of Grasshopper Sparrows.

This is a joint outing with the Rushmore Society. Although the society is membership based, all are welcome to join this hike. "The Rushmore Society is a real life social network of very busy people in search of Adventure, Connection and Play to Do More and Live More." Learn more about their weekly events, outings and membership program at: rushmoresociety.com.

Guides: Kristi Mergenthaler
Focus: Grassland ecology, fun and adventure!
Limit: 20
Meeting Location: Luna Cafe near Ashland's south Interstate exit 14 to carpool.
Difficulty: Moderately challenging, steep uphill on rough trails up to 5 miles. Due to weed seeds and ticks, long pants advised. No bathrooms on hike. A bathroom is available at carpool location.

RSVP on Rushmore Society’s Facebook page

For more info or help with registration call 541.482.3069 or email info@landconserve.org.