Meet our August Change for Good recipient, The Crest at Willow-Witt! This organization is an environmental education nonprofit located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. They believe believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with the natural world. Through outdoor school, summer camps, field trips, volunteer opportunities, and public events, The Crest welcomes thousands of youth and adults to the ranch each year.

Willow-Witt Ranch includes 445 acres nestled in a valley at almost 5000’ elevation, in the central Cascade Range and within the boundaries of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The terrain at Willow-Witt Ranch supports ecologically complex systems, which are enhanced through responsible management practices. 

This nonprofit relies on donations to support youth programs and give community groups the chance to experience the wonders of nature to learn about and feel a connection to the natural world. The Crest at Willow-Witt also works to remove barriers to participation by providing scholarships and transportation assistance so that more students can experience hands-on environmental education.

Their vision includes five main pillars:

• Conservation: “Use our resources wisely as we only have one earth.”
• Reciprocity: “This land has been home to people for over 8000 years. All humans have impacted the land. We strive to return to balance and to follow nature’s teachings.”
• Education: “We respect the land as our teacher.”
• Stewardship: “We strive to cultivate a continuum of care for land, people, relationships, and ways of accessing and learning as our world evolves.”
• Trust: “We follow the principles of reciprocity and respect for the earth and people.  We strive to foster love, compassion, knowledge and care for all people and nature.  We monitor our efforts to remain on this path.”

The diverse landscape and daily work at The Crest offer countless opportunities to explore organic regenerative farming, holistic land management, animal husbandry, restorative forestry, wetland restoration, and archaeological discovery. Whether your visit is for an hour or for a week, their programs encourage schools, community groups, and families to take full advantage of this rich and dynamic outdoor classroom!

For more information, visit www.thecrestatwillowwitt.org