SIGN UP HERE
The Friday presentation will explore how The Understory Initiative’s grassroots approach is actively helping to restore native ecosystems in southern Oregon, including the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Through collaborative projects like the Rogue Native Plant Partnership and the Upper Rogue Oak Initiative, we’ll show how involving local communities and prioritizing their knowledge creates more resilient, thriving landscapes. By thinking like an ecosystem—valuing every part and every voice—we can tackle environmental challenges more effectively.
On Saturday, join The Understory Initiative (TUI) and the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument at the Sampson Creek Preserve in Ashland for a volunteer seed cleaning event where you'll help ensure seeds are ready for grow-outs, habitat restoration, or long-term storage. Work alongside fellow plant nerds using basic tools to break up seed pods, remove chaff, and separate viable seeds. The event is relaxed, with options to work sitting or standing in a comfortable, climate-controlled space. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm for conservation and enjoy the company!
Kathryn Prive, Executive Director of TUI, grew up in Minnesota but has called the West Coast home since 2003. She has a M.S. in population genetics and ecological restoration from Oregon State University and a B.S in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon. Kathryn has expertise in partnership coordination, population genetics, ecological restoration, and botany. She is passionate about native plant community restoration and seed production.
As a founder, Kathryn's role at The Understory Initiative is to guide program development and foster greater support for herbaceous plant community restoration in Oregon.
Unless otherwise noted, talks are held at the Ashland Food Co-op Community Classroom located at 300 N. Pioneer Street in Ashland, OR. The community classroom in NOT in the grocery store. It is in a separate building a block behind the grocery store on 300 N. Pioneer Street. The talk is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and meet your fellow hikers. It is optional and not compulsory before taking the hike.
If you can’t hike the trail you are welcome to attend only the talk! Enjoy the images and participate in the discussion. We believe in making the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument accessible for all people to learn about and appreciate our public lands.
Hikes are held in various locations within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. We kick off the hikes at the Rite Aid parking lot located at 2341 Ashland Street in Ashland at 9AM (unless otherwise noted) and carpool/caravan to the designated spot in the Monument together.
On the day of the hike:
-
Bring plenty of water
-
Bring lunch and snacks
-
Consider bringing additional items such as: hat, sunscreen, walking sticks, camera, binoculars, hand lens, notebook and pen
-
Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing
Be considerate of the group and meet on time at the designated location.
Practice hike ethics and leave no trace. Learn more.
Limited facilities. The only public toilet facilities are located at the Hyatt Lake campground, Hobart Bluff trailhead, Pilot Rock trailhead, Grizzly Peak trailhead, and the Tub Springs Wayside. There are no washroom facilities or pit toilets at most other locations.