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August Change for Good Partner: Rogue River Watershed Council
At Ashland Food Co-op, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. Each month, our Change for Good program partners with a local organization to support their mission and amplify their impact. For August, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Rogue River Watershed Council (RRWC).
Who is the Rogue River Watershed Council?
The Rogue River Watershed Council is committed to enhancing the resilience of the Rogue River watersheds through ecological restoration and community engagement. Their mission is to protect and restore the natural ecosystems of the Rogue River, ensuring that both the environment and local communities can thrive amidst the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Current and Upcoming Projects
RRWC is actively involved in several exciting projects aimed at improving water quality, restoring habitats, and ensuring sustainable resource management. Here are a few key initiatives:
Bear Creek River Mile 19 Active construction is underway along the Greenway between Lynn Newbry Park and Wranglers Arena in Talent. This project, which continues until mid-September, focuses on protecting infrastructure, safeguarding drinking water, and restoring fish and wildlife habitats. To learn more about this project, including radio interviews, videos, and greenway accessibility notices, visit the RRWC website.
Little Butte Creek River Mile 16.7 RRWC is collaborating with a private landowner to enhance water quality, improve fish passage, and restore fish and wildlife habitats. Key actions include the placement of large wood structures, recovery of the native riparian forest, and upgrades to irrigation infrastructure. A significant instream action this summer involves installing an irrigation system that eliminates the need for push-up dams, which have historically impeded fish passage and disrupted Chinook Salmon spawning.
Rogue Drinking Water Partnership In addition to their restoration projects, RRWC is a key partner in the Rogue Drinking Water Partnership, an initiative that brings together local drinking water providers and organizations to protect drinking and source water. This past May, during National Drinking Water Week, RRWC partnered with local coffee shops to distribute coffee sleeves highlighting the partnership’s work, raising awareness about the importance of protecting our water resources.
How You Can Support RRWC
As part of our Change for Good program, every time you shop at Ashland Food Co-op this August, you have the opportunity to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, with the extra amount going directly to support RRWC’s vital work. Your contributions will help fund their ongoing and future projects, ensuring the health and sustainability of the Rogue River watersheds for generations to come.
To learn more about the Rogue River Watershed Council, their projects, and how you can get involved, visit their website.
Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and community. Thank you for supporting Ashland Food Co-op and our Change for Good partner, Rogue River Watershed Council!
More Co-op News
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A Visit with Rolling Hills
Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.
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A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
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A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
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March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
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February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
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January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
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Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
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Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:
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10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
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Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
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From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
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November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.
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End of year wrap-up on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
Hi there. I hope this finds you well. It’s me, Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management (SEM) intern for the Ashland Food Co-op. The global and local crises have only devolved into further chaos since we last spoke. As we sit with the reality of coworkers, neighbors, and friends who’ve lost their homes and businesses to the recent fires, and thousands more across the nation losing their loved ones to COVID-19, I imagine many are feeling frozen and powerless to help those that are suffering.
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SNAP in the Co-op Kitchen and Thanksgiving
Use your SNAP EBT benefits for all Co-op Kitchen items through November 20th, 2020!
Recognizing the difficulties in food preparation for families who lost their homes in the local wildfires, the State of Oregon has expanded SNAP benefits to be used for hot foods, like made-to-order and hot bar meals from the Co-op Kitchen, through November 20.
And starting on November 16, you can get an early taste of Thanksgiving as the Co-op Kitchen hot bar rolls out the full Thanksgiving spread.