March Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

March's Change for Good Partner is

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

local nonprofit Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Protecting and enhancing precious land in the Rogue River region
to benefit our human and natural communities since 1978.

Today, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy continues to fulfill its original mission by connecting people, nature, and communities.

This nationally accredited organization serves as a leader among regional land trusts, through its approach to community involvement and successful conservation track record.

 

New property was added to SOLC's conservation lands 
In 2021 Southern Oregon Land Conservancy was honored to be gifted an iconic landmark of the southern Bear Creek Valley, the Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff. Harry Fisher bequeathed this 55-acre property to SOLC in his will. SOLC's hope is to share this iconic place while also protecting its conservation values. Read more about what makes this scenic place so special, and how you can support its conservation and infrastructure upgrades to safely facilitate stewardship and community engagement well into the future. 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
Photo by Donna Rhee

 

 

Spring Hike Series
SOLC brings back it's hike series with guided visits to newly owned lands and public access favorites. Details will be launched on March 15.

Topics include flowers and ecology of rare Agate Desert vernal pool habitats; history of Jacksonville at the Woodlands; birds and wildflowers of Pompadour Bluff, as well as a few casual hikes to the top; and two Open Lands Day's at Rogue River Preserve with guided hikes for the whole family.

Don't miss out! Registrations open one month before the hike date. 
https://www.landconserve.org/events

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
Photo by Linda Thomas

Volunteer for the Land
Volunteering is a great way to experience the lands SOLC has conserved and make new friends, while performing a vital service that benefits the land and community. Learn more about becoming a volunteer, and upcoming and ongoing opportunities at www.landconserve.org/volunteer.

Stay informed by subscribing to their Volunteer e-list at the bottom of the webpage link above.

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
photo by Linda Thomas

 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy was voted on by our owners in our 2021 election to be a Change for Good Partner.

Through the cumulative register round up donations over the course of this month ~ our shoppers will help support this local nonprofit organization and the work that they are doing in our community.

Change for Good

What is Change for Good?

The AFC Gives committee focuses on ways that the Co-op community can support local organizations and groups doing important work in the Rogue Valley.

2020 was the first year of Change for Good, a register round-up program to benefit a slate of ten organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.

From one cent to 99 cents, it all adds up to feeling good about supporting the community.

More Co-op News

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rogue Valley Mentoring Circle

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:

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.

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. 

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? 

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. 

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.