On Saturday, July 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SOLC Landmark and Life donors are invited to explore a very special location, the Vesper Meadow Preserve. Members who give $500 or more each year, or who are conservation easement donors, have the opportunity to tour the land and learn more about this unique property. There is also a “no hike” option at noon for people with limited mobility.

When you drive into the mountains up Dead Indian Memorial Road from Ashland, there is a vista much beloved—the winding road begins to straighten as it reaches a plateau, Howard Prairie, and suddenly, on the left, a stunning view of Mt. McLoughlin over rich green prairie. This is the place. A place where the very rare Oregon Vesper Sparrow, in the process of being petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, still breeds in the grasslands. A place where the critically threatened Klamath Mardon skipper butterfly visits its host plant, a native bunchgrass. A place where camas bloom in vibrant profusion and Sandhill Cranes raise young.

Not long ago, a local community members, Cory Ross and Greg Conway, decided to purchase this 324-acre property for conservation. And then they did. Recently, Cory and Greg signed a conservation easement held by SOLC that allows thoughtful residential and educational use, but restricts subdivision, clearcutting, and destruction of the prairie. We have been working with Cory, Greg, Vesper Meadow Education Program Creator Jeanine Moy, and other partners to finalize a management plan to help enhance and care for the land into the future.

This is also a place where the community is invited to celebrate art, Indigenous ways of knowing, community science, and human-powered habitat restoration during special events. We would love to share it with you.

In order to accommodate social distancing and safety, we are planning staggered, small-group self-guided tours throughout the day. Groups of eight will arrive at the scheduled times below and meet at the picnic tables. After a brief greeting and orientation, with interpretive hike materials in hand, guests are welcome to explore two half-mile loop trails and discover some of the magic of the Vesper Meadow Preserve. For those interested in learning about the property, but not able to hike, we have created a “no hike” option at noon.

Saturday, July 11, 2020 Options:

• 10 a.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 10:30 a.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 11 a.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 11:30 a.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 12 p.m. – 1 group of 8 people – NO HIKE OPTION – Special presentation

• 12:30 p.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 1 p.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 1:30 p.m. – 1 group of 8 people

• 2 p.m. – 1 group of 8 people

In addition to other COVID-19 safety measures, participants will be required to bring and wear masks. Because of limited capacity, we encourage Landmark and Life donors to register early for the start time of their choice. The RSVP deadline is Monday, July 6. We will send a confirmation with directions to those who RSVP. Call us at 541-482-3069 or email info@landconserve.org if you have any questions or need assistance.

Register by Monday, July 6

If you are interested in becoming a Landmark Member or need to check your membership status, contact Kelly Gonzales at 541-482-3069 Ext 104 or email her for more information. Membership information can be found here.

Waiting List:
Folks on the waiting list often get invited to the hike, so please add your name if the hike is full.

Banner image: Aspen trees and hikers at Vesper Meadow Preserve photo by Linda Thomas.