SOU grad Daniel Collay was formerly operations manager at Willow-Witt Ranch
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
Daniel Collay, who had been serving as a member of the Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, has been hired as the group’s new executive director.
“With a solid foundation in volunteerism and a deep connection to our community, Daniel has been an invaluable member of the Friends board since 2019,” the board said in announcing Collay’s selection. “His commitment to the organization has seen him progress with the board, most recently as chair. Daniel has now assumed the responsibility of leading the organization in his new capacity as executive director.”
In hiring Collay, the Friends board also noted, “We are confident that his leadership, combined with our collective dedication, will bring continued success to our organization.”
Environmental studies graduate
He moved to Ashland in 2012 to attend Southern Oregon University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in outdoor adventure leadership. Collay enjoys working in the outdoors and “has a passion for plants, wildlife and conservation.” He previously served as the operations manager of the Willow-Witt Ranch, located near Grizzly Peak.
Collay replace Collette Streight, who was praised by the board, which said, “Her professionalism, passion and resilience significantly contributed to our organization’s growth and development in the challenging post-pandemic period. We are truly thankful for her dedication and hard work and wish her all the best.”
Summer programs
The Friends board also said a series of summer programs proved successful, noting, “What an extraordinary summer it has been. Our interpretive rangers, Nora Tanel and Emily Cochran, crafted many enriching experiences for the community. From the novel concept of a dog-friendly hike in the monument to a fascinating lesson about decomposers and insects, all while discovering the elusive lost falls, we are thrilled by the expertise and energy they brought to the monument.”
The Friends also said the group’s partnership with The Crest Nature Days Camps “has been a resounding success for the third consecutive year. Together, we have been able to offer Monument Days, bringing kids from across the Rogue Valley to explore the wonders of our biodiverse ecology. Our dedicated rangers, alongside The Crest instructors, led the campers to Hobart Bluff and along the Greensprings Loop, ensuring a safe and education journey. Inquisitive minds observed wildflowers, examined trees, watched lizards, and listened to birds. We are deeply grateful to The Crest for their partnership and look forward to continuing and growing it to ensure the monument is learned about and loved by all.”
Upcoming events
Always eager to move forward, the Friends announced a series of September outings, as follows:
Hike and Learn date change: Birding in the Monument program originally planned for Sept. 20 and 21 has been rescheduled to Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19. It will feature a talk from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and a field trip in the monument from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19. People attending the talk will learn about the Klamath Bird Observatory’s past and present research and conservation efforts in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Saturday hike will be a day of birding in the monument.
Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meet Ashland. During its Week of Welcome Southern Oregon University hosts events for student at the Stevenson Union. Meet Ashland is an opportunity to connect with our community organizations and businesses. The Friends will have information about its programs and opportunities for students and all interested people.
Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., National Public Lands Day. Participants will join with the Friends and Bureau of Land Management to work in small groups planting aspen trees in the Wildcat Campground area at Hyatt Lake. Space is limited so registration is required. In 2022, for example, volunteers removed almost 1,000 feet of unneeded fencing along the Green Springs Mountain Trail that reopened “an important wildlife corridor while improving the trail’s natural aesthetic.”
More to-be announced programs are planned in October and coming months, include a November Hike and Learn and other programs. For details about upcoming events and to stay updated on programs visit the website at cascadesiskiyou.org.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at [email protected].
