Hike-and-learn programs, artist receptions, and more are offered
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
A series of programs, including ranger-led hikes and hike-and-learn programs, are being offered this summer by the Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
First up is an Artist-in-Residence Reception, set for 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29. The Friends will co-host a reception for this year’s Medford District Bureau of Land Management Artist-in-Residence Paul Atkinson, who will share his work as an astrophotographer, capturing Monument’s night skies and other public lands across the West. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. To register, visit the Friends website at [email protected].
The Friends will have a booth at the Ashland Fourth of July celebration in Lithia Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In a press release, the Friends urged people enjoying the festivities are urged to “Stop by our booth … We’ll be tabling in Lithia Park with Monument maps, books, and merchandise available in person. It’s a great chance to connect, ask questions, and gear up for your next Monument adventure.”
Planned for Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, is a “Bats of Oregon: Hike & Learn.” The July 11 talk, held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ashland Food Co-Op Community Classroom, 300 N. Pioneer St., Ashland, will introduce attendees to Oregon bat species and their role in local ecosystems. July 12’s field outing, held from 8:30 to 11 p.m., will offer a hands-on use of bat detectors to listen for calls in the Monument. The programs will “explore bat biology, myths, conservation, and ultrasonic detection with BLM biologist Emma Busk.”
Attendees participating in the hikes will meet at the Rite Aid parking lot, 2341 Ashland St., at 9 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) and carpool to the hiking location.
The dates for the program were previously June 27 and 28. To sign up for both programs, visit the Friends website.
As noted in the Friends newsletter, the talks are intended to allow participants to learn, ask questions, and meet other hikers. People can attend both the Friday night programs and Saturday hikes, or just the program or hike. On the day of the hike, participants are reminded to bring water, lunch and snacks, wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing, and consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, walking sticks, binoculars, notebook and pen.
The series of ranger-led hikes will begin with a Sunset Hike on July 6. A Dog-Friendly hike is planned for Sunday, July 13, and an Ethnobotany Hike is set for Sunday, July 27.
Hike & Learn programs will also be offered. Native bees programs are scheduled Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. An astrophotography program is set for Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26. Planned Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9, are Grasshoppers of the Monument hike and learn outings. More information is available on the Friends website.
“So much is happening this time of year. It’s hard to take it all in, let alone get to everything,” notes Friends executive director Daniel Collay. “Thankfully, the longer days of this solstice weekend offer just a bit more daylight for a long hike in the Monument, a swim or paddle at Hyatt Lake, or joining one of the many events and programs hosted by us and our partners.”
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at [email protected].
