Kick off the New Year with a blissful 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. Please only register for one of the options listed below. Thank you.
Self-Guided Explorations
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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.
Winter Wonder Nature Journaling with Myco Schroeder
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Myco Schroeder, Education and Engagement Specialist, for a winter wonder walk and nature journaling. As we explore the preserve, we will explore the winter wildlife with binoculars, looking both near and far. We will take a pause to cover fundamental nature journaling strategies using words, pictures, and numbers to describe what we observe. After more exploration, we will practice different nature journaling activities that spark curiosity and wonder. No writing or art experience is necessary. Please bring a notebook or journal and a pencil, as well as a portable camp chair if you do not want to sit on the ground.
Hey Bud Winter Plant Walk with Kristi Mergenthaler
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join Kristi Mergenthaler, Stewardship Director, and learn how to identify plants during the winter using clues like buds, twigs, fruits, and stalks. We will explore the native plants of the floodplain forest while walking slowly. Please bring a hand lens or borrow one from us and make sure to bundle up with extra warm layers.
