The Bear Gulch Preserve, an ecologically significant 142-acre complex of forests, grasslands, canyons and creeks near the Oregon-California border, has been purchased by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC).
“I still find there are people here,” he said, referring to Southern Oregon and far Northern California, “who don’t there is a national monument here, so it seemed important to build public awareness, especially at this time.”
As “Monumental Beauty” reminds us, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, from Pilot Rock and Grizzly Peak to lesser known areas, includes more than 200 species of birds, at least 120 species of butterflies and a rare combination of trees and wildflowers from multiple ecosystems.
The Oregon Senate will soon take up House Bill 3532, which would have the Oregon Geographic Names Board make a list of places with offensive geographic names within three years of the bill’s passage and determine new names in consultation with local governments and tribes.
The OHA has lifted its recreational advisory for Emigrant Lake — but the public should remain cautious with all bodies of water throughout the summer, said Dr. David Farrer, a public health toxicologist with the OHA.
For the downtown area, a formal CFA was not proposed but instead changes to the city’s code inspired by CFAs to accommodate greater density.
A large area in the Ashland watershed is scheduled for a prescribed burn Thursday and Friday, pending a Wednesday afternoon approval from the U.S. Forest Service.
“Both toxins (cylindrospermopsin and microcystins) are a risk to livestock and pets. Those with pets and small livestock should consider providing them bottled or water from an alternate source instead.” — Oregon Health Authority
Recology residential customers needing to get rid of hazardous waste and/or green debris have two free options this weekend.
“With a sense of smell about seven times greater than a bloodhound, bears zero in on the scent of unsecured garbage, dirty grills, bird feeders and pet food left outside.” — Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
The Ashland Independent Film Festival will spotlight homegrown talent Saturday, Feb. 21, during its revived Local Lens Spotlight at the Varsity Theatre. The one-night program features 13 short films by filmmakers from Jackson and Siskiyou counties, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and crew.
Evan Frost, ecologist and conservationist, passed away Dec. 12, 2025.
Ashland concertgoers have a chance to encounter a rare musical treat. Klezmer violinist Zoë Aqua and her Transylvanian String Band will play a house concert of klezmer music Wednesday, Feb. 25, as part of the group’s 12-show tour of the Western United States.
The city fire marshal closed Ashland City Hall after a building code inspection found significant structural concerns. Staff will work remotely pending an engineer’s review.
The Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association will bring some of the countries and customs of Asia together for the Lunar New Year celebration. Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about those cultures while kicking off the Year of the Fire Horse throughout downtown Jacksonville.
Ashland Outdoor School Ashland teacher and local fiddle instructor Robin Bliss-Wagner, critically injured Monday, is in a coma in the intensive care unit of a hospital as of publication time Wednesday. Area residents are working to raise up to $45,000 for his care, as well as to help with ICU and other expenses for his wife, Ruth, and their three sons.
(It’s free)
