Join The Understory Initiative (TUI) and the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument at the Sampson Creek Preserve in Ashland for a volunteer seed cleaning event where you’ll help ensure seeds are ready for grow-outs, habitat restoration, or long-term storage. Work alongside fellow plant nerds using basic tools to break up seed pods, remove chaff, and separate viable seeds. The event is relaxed, with options to work sitting or standing in a comfortable, climate-controlled space. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm for conservation and enjoy the company!

Kathryn Prive, Executive Director of TUI, grew up in Minnesota but has called the West Coast home since 2003. She has a M.S. in population genetics and ecological restoration from Oregon State University and a B.S in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon. Kathryn has expertise in partnership coordination, population genetics, ecological restoration, and botany. She is passionate about native plant community restoration and seed production.

As a founder, Kathryn’s role at The Understory Initiative is to guide program development and foster greater support for herbaceous plant community restoration in Oregon.

The Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument’s mission is to support the protection, restoration and conservation of the Monument through service, advocacy and education. Our Hike and Learn programs are designed to introduce the public to different topics and locations within the Monument. Hike and Learns are co-created with local scientists, historians, artists, students, and more.