At Ashland Food Co-op, our commitment to community and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. This September, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our Change for Good partner, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (Friends of CSNM). This dedicated organization works tirelessly to protect, restore, and conserve the natural beauty of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument through service, advocacy, and education.

Stewardship in Action: Restoring Riparian Areas

One of the key initiatives Friends of CSNM has been involved in is the restoration of riparian areas within the Monument. By using low-tech, process-based restoration techniques, the Friends are contributing to the re-establishment of beaver populations—an essential step in maintaining healthy ecosystems. On June 1, 2024, Friends of CSNM hosted its first-ever Beaver Scavenger Hunt, an innovative event where fifty volunteers scoured creeks and streams throughout the Monument in search of beaver signs. The data collected during this event will play a crucial role in guiding future restoration efforts. Learn more about this project here.

Education and Engagement: Hike & Learn

Friends of CSNM is also dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Monument through education. This fall, they’re offering two exciting Hike & Learn events in collaboration with local non-profits. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or someone looking to deepen your connection to the natural world, these events are a fantastic way to engage with the Monument:

• Birding in the Monument in partnership with Klamath Bird Observatory.
• Thinking Like an Ecosystem for Bottom-Up Change with The Understory Initiative.

These hikes offer a unique opportunity to learn from experts while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. For more information and to sign up, visit the Friends of CSNM website.

Support Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

Throughout September, every time you shop at Ashland Food Co-op, you can support the vital work of Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument through our Change for Good program. Your contributions will help fund their ongoing efforts to protect this unique and valuable ecosystem.

Join us in celebrating and supporting Frikends of CSNM this month. Together, we can make a difference for our local environment and ensure that the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument remains a treasure for generations to come.

Stop by the Co-op and get to know more about Friends of CSNM in person on Wednesday, September 4th from 10:00am - 2:00pm and Wednesday, September 18th from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

Learn more about Friends of Cascase-Siskiyou National Monument online!

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