VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES…
CONTACT Volunteer Coordinator Lori Ainsworth by email or call 541.552.2264/office and 541.499.8798/text
Earn school community service hours volunteering with Ashland Parks & Recreation!
Lithia Park Host, June - August
Ages 16 & up
Volunteers needed to “Host” an informational table at the front of Lithia Park, handing out brochures and answering Park-related questions. June through August, two-hour shifts, various times and days. Earn community service hours while helping visitors enjoy Lithia Park!
Ashland World Music Festival, May 19
Ages 14 & up
Volunteers needed for the Ashland World Music Festival, a free musical event held at the Lithia Park Bandshell on Saturday, May 19 from noon-6pm. Various shifts available 10am through 7pm. Spend the day listening to great music and earn community service hours at the same time!
Summer Youth Conservation Corps
Incoming 8th-12th graders
Earn 25 community service hours in four days during our summer Youth Conservation Corps. You will be working on Ashland trails, in parks and along creeks. Session 1: June 11-14 Session 2: June 25-28 Session 3: July 9-12 Apply online.
Park Clean-ups
Middle & High School Students
Earn school community service hours removing invasive species and helping keep our parks herbicide free. Sign up to be notified of Saturday morning clean-ups. Gloves, tools, snacks provided. Clean-ups are two hours long.
Student and Senior Projects
We have ideas to help you complete a middle school or high school student project at our Nature Center or in our Parks.
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES…
Silent Disco in the Park!
Silent Movement is back for its 3rd summer of Silent Disco’s in the Park! Featuring local DJ’s spinning an assortment of funky beats, these “silent” events are fun for all ages. A $5 donation gets you a pair of wireless headphones to roam freely from the Butler Bandshell (where you can dance to the DJs), to the playground and even the Plaza and beyond. Bring a can of food for the Ashland Emergency Food Bank and get in the express check-out line. In addition to fundraising for the Ashland Parks Foundation, proceeds will help fund youth DJ workshops and build interactive art installations being featured monthly at the events. Come see what all the buzz is about every First Friday* from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Silent Disco’s new venue: the Butler Bandshell. More info at silent-movement.org.
(*June’s event will be held on the second Friday, June 8.)
AGES All ages welcome
DAYS Fridays
DATES May 4, Jun 8, Jul 6, Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct5
TIME 5-11pm
PLACE Butler Bandshell in Lithia Park
COST $5 donation for a pair of wireless headphones
Daniel Meyer Pool – OPENS JUNE 14
The pool season is almost here and Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission invites you to the Daniel Meyer Pool this summer! The pool will reopen on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Check out all of our swim programs, including information on swim lessons, and view the calendar for the 2018 season at ashland.or.us/Swim.
Swimming in Imagination with Stories Alive
Join us on Saturday, June 16 for our OPENING EVENT with Stories Alive from 1:30 to 8 p.m.! Stories Alive will lead activities to make boats to use in the pool and a fun story writing and performance workshop that will make your imagination come alive. This event is for ages 5 to 11. Regular admission charges apply.
If you can’t make it to the tropical islands this summer, then come and join us for “Island Night: An Aloha State of Mind,” on Saturday, July 21, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Daniel Meyer Pool! Enjoy Hawaiian music and dancing and fun activities for all ages! Admission is only $2 per person.
Daniel Meyer Pool, an outdoor facility located in Hunter Park at 1705 Homes Ave, will be open through early September, 2018. The pool offers rec swim, lap swim, water fitness classes, swim lessons for all ages, swim camps and much more. View complete information at ashland.or.us/Swim. The pool can be reached directly, after June 14, at 541.488.0313.
42nd Annual Fourth of July Run
APRC will present the 42nd Annual 4th of July Run on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 which is a fundraiser for the Ashland and Phoenix High School cross country teams.
This annual run is steeped in tradition dating back to 1976! Two runs are offered, a 2-mile fun run for all ages and a 10K that attracts local competitors as well as running talent from other regions in the U.S. Both races start at 7:45 a.m., are chip-timed and the routes are scenic and on closed roadways.
Registration is ONLY available online. Registration opens Tuesday, April 17 at ashland.or.us/JulyRun. Register early to save money! T-shirts are available for $10 and must be ordered by Friday, June 8.
Horseback Riding
Call APRC at 541.488.5340 to register.
You don’t have to be fearless to ride a horse! Your introductory lesson will help you learn basics to communicate and guide a horse. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes with a small heel. A certified protective helmet will be provided.
WHO: For ages 6 and older who are interested in discovering the enjoyment of horseback riding.
WHAT: Hour-long private lesson in an indoor arena to learn how to groom, saddle, guide and communicate with a horse.
TO REGISTER:
Step 1: Call APRC at 541-488-5340 to register & pay for your private lesson and receive your scheduling code.
Step 2: Use your scheduling code to set up an appointment on the Roxy Rose Ranch website.
AGES 6 & up
DAY/TIME Weekdays from 10-12 and 3:30-8:30 and Saturdays from 9-2:30. Scheduling is completed by the participant.
PLACE Roxy Rose Ranch (2978 North Foothill Road, Medford, OR 97504)
COST $45 for for a one-hour private lesson (continuing lessons can be scheduled with instructor)
Demonstration Garden Tours
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Soak up the sights and sounds of summer while learning about the gardens at North Mountain Park with volunteer docents and master gardeners. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Garden and history lovers.
WHAT: Get a tour of the herb, heirloom, butterfly and reptile gardens at NMP.
INSTRUCTOR: Led by a NMP expert garden volunteer.
AGES 10 & up
DAY 2nd Wednesday of each month
DATE May 9 | Jun 13 | Jul 11 | Aug 8
TIME 9:30-10:30am
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST FREE | donations to NMP always welcome
Preschool Puppet Theater
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Join puppets Brenda Bear and friends as they discover the wonders of our natural world. Snacks and a hands-on craft activity will follow. Reservations are guaranteed only until 10:30am. Please arrive early, as space and parking are limited (no late seating). Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the program. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Preschoolers and their parents.
WHAT: A brief lesson will lead into a fun puppet performance, playtime, snack and craft.
INSTRUCTOR: Anna Edmonson is a New York City-trained actor/dancer/singer and has been a performing artist since age 6!
AGES 3-5
DAY 2nd Friday of each month
DATE May 11 | Jun 8 | Jul 13 | Aug 10
TIME 10:30-11:45am
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $6 per child
Pony Wonders
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Kids will enjoy pony grooming, nature walks, storytelling and internally reflective crafts in the presence of our pony professor, Trixie! Children should arrive with closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, sack lunch, hat and sunscreen. The class fee includes a copy of ‘’The Smallest Horse,’’ which is a story written about Trixie the class “pony professor.” Students may take just one class or all three. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Kids who love animals.
WHAT: Children will learn how to sense their surroundings through guided interactions in a non-riding pony program.
INSTRUCTOR: Chrissy Hoffman is a lifelong horsewoman who has taught for 25 years. She uses the EAGLA certified equine-assisted learning model. Jenni Lieber is a farmer and teacher who has also worked as a Waldorf camp counselor.
AGES 6-8
DAY 3rd Fridays
DATE May 18 | Jun 15 | Jul 20
TIME 9am-1pm
PLACE NMP
COST $50 per class
Summer Saturday Morning Bird Walks
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Enjoy an opportunity to see and hear a variety of birds that spend the summer in the Rogue Valley on this easy walk through NMP. Binoculars and field guides will be available for check-out. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Both novice and expert birders would enjoy this walk.
WHAT: Stroll through North Mountain Park for a chance to see and hear a variety of bird species.
INSTRUCTOR: Led by local birding experts from the Rogue Valley.
AGES All ages
DAY 3rd Saturday each month
DATE May 19 | Jun 16 | Jul 21 | Aug 18
TIME 8-9am
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST FREE | donations to NMP always welcome
Clay Soil Support Group And Problem-Solving
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Walk away with tangible suggestions to help your soil grow into rich, dark earth. Those who don’t have clay soil but who have questions about creating healthy soil are also welcome. Bring samples of your soil. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: A home gardener seeking soil savvy.
WHAT: Learn how to grow healthy soil – even if you have heavy clay!
INSTRUCTOR: Rhianna Simes, M.S. Ed. worked for 10 years with the OSU Extension Service, including 3 years coordinating the Master Gardener Program. She holds Masters Degrees in Education and Botany. She is also the founder and managing director of Verdant Phoenix, LLC.
AGES 15 & up
DAY Tuesday or | Saturday
DATE May 22 | Aug 25
TIME 5:30-7:30pm | 10am-Noon
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $25 per class
Beginning Pickleball
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Students will learn the basic skills and strategies to play this new and popular game! You will learn proper techniques. All equipment provided.
WHO: Anyone who enjoys the outdoors, new sports and socializing with others. Played by kids, teens, adults and grandparents.
WHAT: Learn basic skills to be able to compete.
INSTRUCTOR: Joel Heller is a long-time teacher of pickleball and has won gold medals in singles and doubles at the Oregon Senior Games the last two years.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 8-80
DAY & TIME Wednesday, May 23: 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday, Jun 21: 9-10:45am
PLACE Lithia Park Tennis Courts
COST $20/session
Intermediate Pickleball
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Improve your game! Players who want to raise their level of play, strategies, shots and drills.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 8-80
DAY & TIME Friday, May 25: 5-7pm
Thursday, June 21: 11am-1pm
PLACE Lithia Park Tennis Courts
COST $20/session
Creating Pollinator Habitats
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
This course will include a slide presentation, a hands-on native seed cleaning demonstration and a walk outside to look at native plants on the North Mountain Park grounds. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Adults who want to increase native pollinator habitat in their garden or on their land.
WHAT: Learn about native pollinator plants and plant propagation techniques.
INSTRUCTOR: Suzie Savoie is co-owner of Klamath- Siskiyou Native Seeds and serves as the Conservation Chair for the Siskiyou Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon.
AGES 12 & up
DAY Saturday
DATE May 26
TIME 9am-Noon
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $10
Backyard Fruit 101
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Gardeners will learn about the challenges and keys to success for growing various types of fruit at home. The focus will be on fruit trees, but basics about berries and citrus will also be covered as well as organic and alternative techniques. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Both novice and experienced gardeners will gain insights in this class.
WHAT: Learn and share some of the tricks of home fruit cultivation.
INSTRUCTOR: Joel Heller has decades of experience growing fruit and has been teaching Master Gardeners as well as classes at the NMP Nature Center for the past 5 years.
AGES 14 & up
DAY Thursday
DATE May 31
TIME 6:30-8pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $15
Ukulele U
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Fun to play and easy to learn. Students will learn all the basics to get started with the ukulele.
WHO: People 12 & up who want to play and sing songs with friends and family.
WHAT: Students will learn the basics: tuning, chords in multiple positions, reading ukulele tab, cool ukulele strumming and finger-picking techniques for any music style.
INSTRUCTOR: Mich Lewis is a local singer-songwriter who has helped Rogue Valley students of all ages reach their music goals since 1998. Learn more at moontreemusic.com.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 12 & up
DAY Mondays
DATE Session 1: Jun 4-25
Session 2: Jul 30-Aug 27 (No class Aug 20)
TIME 5:30-6:30pm
PLACE Senior Center
COST $50 (4 lessons)
Eat It, Sip It, Plant It, Learn All About It – The Mint Family
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Explore, with all of your senses, the plant families that impact our lives. With tasty relatives like lavender, oregano, sage and more, drink and eat your way to a better botanical understanding and appreciation of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Propagation, care and Oregon natives will also be covered. Bring a treat related to this topic to share. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Beginners and plant nerds are welcome.
WHAT: A botanical and culinary exploration of plants in the Mint family (Lamiaceae).
INSTRUCTOR: Rhianna Simes, M.S. Ed. worked for 10 years with the OSU Extension Service, including 3 years coordinating the Master Gardener Program. She holds Masters Degrees in Education and Botany. She is also the founder and managing director of Verdant Phoenix, LLC.
AGES 15 & up
DAY Tuesday or | Saturday
DATE Jun 5 | Jun 23
TIME 5:30-7:30pm | 10am-Noon
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $30 per class (includes snacks)
Beyond Organic: Alternatives To Chemical Pesticides
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Become familiar with holistic management tools for your garden and home landscape that will keep you and the environment safe. This is a hands-on class that will provide tangible solutions for everyday horticultural issues, including earwig damage, weeds in the paths and deer browsing. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Home gardeners with an organic focus.
WHAT: Learn how to deal with weeds, insects and other problems in the garden, without the use of chemical pesticides.
INSTRUCTOR: Rhianna Simes, M.S. Ed., worked for 10 years with the OSU Extension Service, including 3 years coordinating the Master Gardener Program. She holds Masters Degrees in Education and Botany. She is also the founder and managing director of Verdant Phoenix, LLC.
AGES 15 & up
DAY Thursday
DATE Jun 7
TIME 5:30-7:30pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $25
Friday Night Social—An Adapted Program
Call APRC at 541.488.5340 to register.
Join us every month for an evening of laid-back fun with games, movies, snacks and crafts! This is a chance for a bit of parent or caregiver respite. All participants should be able to cooperate in a group environment. If 1:1 assistance is needed, participant must bring their own attendant (no extra charge). Gluten-free food choices available. APRC Adapted Programs are specifically designed for people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities.
To register, please call the APRC office at 541.488.5340 (online registration is not available).
AGES 15 & up (younger with approval)
DAY Friday
DATES Jun 8 | Jul 20 | Aug 10
TIME 6-8:30pm
COST $10/night
Star Party And Presentation: Summer Constellations
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Learn about mythology, how to locate constellations and some interesting types of objects found within these star patterns. Volunteers will set up telescopes in the NMP gardens to view planets (Saturn and Jupiter), stars and even a Galaxy or two. Feel free to bring your own telescope as well! Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Star gazers of all ages.
WHAT: Enjoy a presentation about summer constellations and view celestial objects with volunteers from the Southern Oregon Skywatchers.
INSTRUCTOR: Daniel Otte is a teacher at Ashland Middle School and an amateur astronomer.
AGES All ages welcome
DAY Saturday
DATE Jun 9
TIME 8:30-10:30pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST FREE
Fermentation for Everyone
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Learn how easy and healthy it is to make fermented foods at home! After a thorough introduction, we will prepare our own “group ferment” for participants to take home. Please bring 2 pounds of fresh vegetables for our project. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Anyone interested in healthy living and making food.
WHAT: Learn the benefits of fermentation and about projects you can make easily and affordably at home.
INSTRUCTOR: K. Ruby Blume is a gardener, beekeeper, homesteader, artist and author with 30+ years of teaching experience.
AGES 16 & up
DAY Saturday
DATE Jun 9
TIME 1-4pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $40
Junior Golf Camp
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
WHO: Youth interested in the game of golf and/or furthering their golf skills
WHAT: Students will learn the basic skills like proper grip, swinging the clubs, chipping, putting and driving the ball.
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Cronin has been the Golf Course Coordinator at Oak Knoll Golf Course for the past 9 years. He has extensive youth coaching experience and has been playing golf at Oak Knoll since 1990.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 8-12
DAYS Monday-Thursday
DATE Session 1: Jun 11-14
Session 2: Jun 25-28
Session 3: Jul 16-19
TIME Mon-Wed 9–10am | Thu 9-11am
PLACE Oak Knoll Golf Course
COST $50 (four lessons)
Adult Tennis Lessons: Beginning Class: Learn The Basics
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Learn tennis basics (stroke, scoring, strategy) in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Loaner racquets available.
WHO: Adults who want to learn or return to tennis after years without playing.
WHAT: Members will be able to participate in the game of tennis, including racquet skills, scoring and strategy.
INSTRUCTOR: Gail Patton, Head Tennis Coach at SOU 1998-2008, AHS Tennis Coach 2012-2014. Received MS-Education from UC Davis and MA in Sport Science from U of O.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 14 & up
DAYS Monday-Thursday
DATE Session 1: Jun 11-14 & 18-21
Session 2: Jul 9-12 & 16-19
TIME 6-7pm
PLACE Hunter Park
COST $90/session (8 classes per session)
Adult Tennis Lessons: Intermediate Class
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Players will build on basic strokes and strategies with drills and game play. Loaner racquets available.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 14 & up
DAYS Monday-Thursday
DATE Session 1: Jun 11-14 & 18-21
Session 2: Jul 9-12 & 16-19
TIME 7-8pm
PLACE Hunter Park
COST $90/session (8 classes per session)
Growing Pollinator Gardens
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Learn all about pollinators, the habitats they thrive in and how we can help support healthy and thriving pollinator populations. Some class time will be devoted to the pollinators we find while visiting the NMP Demonstration Gardens. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Adults and teens interested in learning more about local pollinators.
WHAT: Learn the essentials of growing pollinator habitats and become inspired to be a pollinator champion.
INSTRUCTOR: Kristina Lefever is the Chair of Bee City USA Ashland, President of Pollinator Project Rogue Valley, a Board member of the Jackson County Master Gardeners and a pollinator advocate. This will be her third time presenting this class at NMP.
AGES 12 & up
DAY Saturday
DATE Jun 16
TIME 10am-Noon
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $10
Costa Rica en El Parque Spanish Language Camp
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Students will gain a love for practicing Spanish by discovering nature through interactive learning, art and role play. Students should bring weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle and a snack. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Kids practicing Spanish or those who would like to learn Spanish.
WHAT: A day camp combining nature and the Spanish alphabet, numbers, colors, days, months, useful phrases and a themed vocabulary.
INSTRUCTOR: Jenna Zapata is the Owner/Operator of Bueno Lingo Espanol. She is a Spanish Teacher at Siskiyou School and holds a BA in Spanish, with a Minor in Latin American History. She has 6+ years of experience teaching kids from Pre-K to 8th grade.
AGES 5-8
DAY Monday-Friday
DATE Jun 18-22 or Jul 30-Aug 3
TIME 9am-Noon
PLACE NMP
COST $170 per session
Beginning Golf Camp with Skyhawks Academy
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting and body positioning. Using the SNAG®(Starting New At Golf) system, instruction has been simplified so that young players can make an effective transition onto the golf course. All equipment provided.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 5-9
DAYS Mon-Fri
DATES Jun 18-22
Jul 9-13
TIME 9am-noon
PLACE Garfield Park
COST $125/week
Group Bowling—An Adapted Program
Call APRC at 541.488.5340 to register.
Join your friends at Roxy Ann Lanes for a Sunday evening of bowling, playing in the arcade or just hanging out! Price includes the cost of two games and shoes. Please bring extra money to purchase food (or bring your own food) and funds for the arcade. Pre-register early! Transport space is limited. Sign-up is first come, first served. Waiting list available.
APRC Adapted Programs are specifically designed for people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities.
To register, please call the APRC office at 541.488.5340 (online registration is not available).
AGES 14 & up (younger with approval)
DAY Sunday
DATES Jun 24 | Jul 29 | Aug 19
TIME 5-8pm (Meet at The Grove by 5pm and return by 8pm)
PLACE Roxy Ann Lanes in Medford
COST $15/day
Little Gnomes Nature Day Camp
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Students will celebrate and learn about the plants, creeks, ponds and animals at NMP through games, crafts, stories and a circle time with movement and song. Children should bring a snack, lunch, water bottle, sun hat and sturdy play shoes. 3-year-olds may be permitted with instructor permission. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Preschoolers and kindergarteners
WHAT: A nature day camp inspired by forest schools and Waldorf early childhood education.
INSTRUCTOR: Anouschka and Shannon are teachers with Little Gnomes Nature School, a nature-immersion, early childhood program.
AGES 4-6
DAY Monday-Friday
DATE Jun 25-29 and Jul 23-27 (Take one or both)
TIME 9am-1pm
PLACE NMP
COST $180 per session
Multi-Sport Camp with Skyhawks Academy
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
This multi-sport camp is designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball and Frisbee will be combined into one fun-filled week! Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport along with vital life lessons such as respect and teamwork. Variations of each activity will teach different techniques and understanding of each sport. All equipment provided.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 6-12
DAYS Mon-Fri
DATES Jun 25-29
TIME 9am-Noon
PLACE Garfield Park
COST $125/week
Waste Reduction and Recycling For Families
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Get your family on the same page when it comes to waste reduction and recycling. Feel free to bring a few items you think might be recyclable and get your questions answered! Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: The whole family is invited.
WHAT: Learn the latest about recycling and waste reduction.
INSTRUCTOR: Jamie Rosenthal is a Waste Zero Specialist for Recology, a City Conservation Commissioner and a Jackson County Master Recycler.
AGES All ages
DAY Thursday
DATE June 28
TIME 3:30-5pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST FREE
Medicinal and Edible Plant Walks
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Explore traditional ethnobotanical lore as well as current trends and research regarding edible and medicinal plants. Learn how to identify and sustainably harvest useful plants. Different plants will be discussed on each walk. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Adults and teens who want to learn about natural medicine.
WHAT: Stroll around NMP to learn more about the abundance of edible and medicinal plants found in the gardens and on the ethnobotanical trail.
INSTRUCTOR: Erin Krenzer is a dispensary herbalist and an experienced educator of medicinal plants.
AGES 12 & up
DAY Sundays
DATE Jul 1 and Aug 26
TIME 11am-12:15pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $8 per class
Children’s Oregon Native American Basketry Workshop
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Young students will learn about Oregon Native American culture and history, native plants and their uses, traditional weaving techniques and Oregon Native American vocabulary. Students will make a tule mat, tule duck decoy, cedar barrettes (older kids) and a cedar bracelet. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Kids and young adults who are curious about Native American weaving.
WHAT: Learn about Native American ethnobotany and traditional weaving.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephanie Craig is a Takelma weaver, enrolled with the Grand Ronde Tribe. She is a 7th generation traditional basket weaver with a BA & MA in Cultural Anthropology, as well as a Tribal ethnobotanist.
AGES 7-15
DAY Saturday
DATE Jul 7
TIME 10am-4pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $100
Oregon Native American Basketry
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Learn about Western Oregon Native American culture and traditional weaving techniques. Students should bring a bottle of water, knife, towel, pen & paper. Students will weave their own basket. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Some sewing, crocheting or weaving experience is helpful but not required.
WHAT: Learn about traditionally-used plants, their harvesting and preparation methods, and Oregon Native American vocabulary.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephanie Craig is a Takelma weaver, enrolled with the Grand Ronde Tribe. She is a 7th generation traditional basket weaver with a BA & MA in Cultural Anthropology, as well as a Tribal ethnobotanist.
AGES 12 & up
DAY Sunday
DATE July 8
TIME 9am-4pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $115
Yoga at North Mountain Park
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Start your week with a flowing vinyasa yoga practice. Students will cultivate focus, strength and flexibility to help start their day with a sense of peace and vitality. Classes will be held outside in the NMP pavilion, providing a view of the natural area with the sounds of nature all around (curtains near the walkways will provide some privacy as well). Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Beginner to intermediate yoga students who are familiar with sun salutations.
WHAT: An invigorating yoga class held outdoors.
INSTRUCTOR: Jen Aguayo has been practicing yoga for more than 25 years and has been a Certified Yoga Teacher since 2007.
AGES 14 & up
DAY Mondays
DATE Jul 9, 16, 23, 30
TIME 8:30-9:30am
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $20 for the four-class series or $8 for drop-ins
Meditating On Nature
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Nature is an amazing, healing focus for meditation. In this program, you’ll learn how to craft a simple meditation practice to support your nervous system and reshape your brain. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Anyone who wants to soothe anxiety and be pro-active in self-care.
WHAT: Practice guided meditation and explore walking meditation outdoors (weather permitting).
INSTRUCTOR: Charlotte Nuessle is a certified yoga therapist. She teaches how to shape the brain and the nervous system.
AGES 18 & up
DAY Tuesday
DATE July 10
TIME 6:30-8:30pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $25
Beginning Women’s Golf
REGISTER online or call the APRC at 541.488.5340.
Novice women golfers wanting to learn the basics of golf in a relaxed and fun environment.
WHO: Women 18 and up wanting to learn the basics of golf.
WHAT: Develop the basic skills to pick up the game of golf. All equipment provided.
INSTRUCTORS: Tom Cronin and volunteers from The Oak Knoll Women’s Golf Association. Tom Cronin has been the Golf Course Coordinator at Oak Knoll Golf Course for the past 9 years. He has extensive youth coaching experience and been playing golf at Oak Knoll since 1990.
Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-5340.
AGES 18 &up
DAY Fridays
DATE July 13, 20 & 27
TIME 6-7pm
PLACE Oak Knoll Golf Course
COST $40 (for all 3 classes)
2nd Annual Pollinator Garden Tour
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Pollinator gardens, overflowing with zinnias, lavender, ceanothus, thyme and Oregon sunshine beautify our City and create habitat for the wildlife we need the most. Hosted by Bee City USA Ashland, the 2nd Annual Pollinator Garden Tour showcases pollinator gardens created by residents of Ashland. On this self-guided tour, host gardeners will welcome guests and answer questions. (Bathrooms will not be available at the tour sites.) Bring a water bottle, hat and walking shoes. Tour books will be available at the NMP Nature Center starting July 9 (early pick up is highly recommended). Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
AGES All ages welcome
TIME 9am-1pm
DAY Sunday
PLACE Throughout Ashland
DATE Jul 15
COST $10 or $15 (after Jul 13)
Eat It, Sip It, Plant It, Learn All About It – The Rose Family
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Explore, with all of your senses, the plant families that impact our lives. With juicy relatives like strawberries, apples, marionberries and more, drink and eat your way to a better botanical understanding and appreciation of the Rose family (Rosaceae). Propagation, care and Oregon natives will also be covered. Bring a treat related to this topic to share. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Beginners and plant nerds are welcome.
WHAT: A botanical and culinary exploration of plants in the Rose family (Rosaceae).
INSTRUCTOR: Rhianna Simes, M.S. Ed. worked for 10 years with the OSU Extension Service, including 3 years coordinating the Master Gardener Program. She holds Masters Degrees in Education and Botany. She is also the founder and managing director of Verdant Phoenix, LLC.
AGES 15 & up
DAY Wednesday or | Saturday
DATE Jul 18 | Jul 28
TIME 5:30-7:30pm | Noon-2pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $30 per class (includes snacks)
Lowdown On Lavender
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Experience a one-hour lecture on all things lavender (with handout) followed by a group harvest and hands-on essential oil distillation session. Each attendee will take home a small bottle of pure essential oil and spray bottle of hydrosol (lavender water) that they helped harvest and distill. Maps and directions will be available at the NMP Nature Center for registrants. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Lavender enthusiasts.
WHAT: An in-depth class covering the history, botany, uses, propagation and culture of lavender.
INSTRUCTOR: John Rinaldi Jr. has a degree in Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University.
AGES 16 & up
DAY Saturday
DATE Jul 21
TIME 9am-Noon
PLACE Lavender Fields Forever in the Applegate Valley
COST $40
Eat It, Sip It, Plant It, Learn All About It – The Bean Family
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Explore, with all of your senses, the plant families that impact our lives. With tasty and helpful relatives like alfalfa, runner beans, favas and more, drink and eat your way to a better botanical understanding and appreciation of the Bean family (Fabaceae). Propagation, care and Oregon natives will also be covered. Bring a treat related to this topic to share. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Beginners and plant nerds are welcome.
WHAT: A botanical and culinary exploration of plants in the Bean family (Fabaceae).
INSTRUCTOR: Rhianna Simes, M.S. Ed. worked for 10 years with the OSU Extension Service, including 3 years coordinating the Master Gardener Program. She holds Masters Degrees in Education and Botany. She is also the founder and managing director of Verdant Phoenix, LLC.
AGES 15 & up
DAY Saturday or | Tuesday
DATE Aug 4 | Aug 14
TIME 10am-Noon | 6-8pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST $30 per class (includes snacks)
Star Party: The Gas Giants
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Learn about features such as rings, moons, planetary phenomenon and the stunning beauty in the night sky. Volunteers will set up telescopes in the NMP gardens to view the moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn, Mars, Jupiter’s cloud bands and more. Feel free to bring your own telescope! Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Star gazers of all ages.
WHAT: Enjoy a presentation about the Gas giants Saturn and Jupiter and view celestial objects with volunteers from the Southern Oregon Skywatchers.
INSTRUCTOR: Daniel Otte is a teacher at Ashland Middle School and an amateur astronomer.
AGES All ages
DAY Saturday
DATE Aug 4
TIME 8:30-10:30pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
COST FREE
Stories Alive Summer Camp
REGISTER online or call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606.
Students will spend the day outside, learning important writing techniques and bringing their stories to life through fun performances. Students should bring a water bottle, lunch, notebook and outdoor clothing. Pre-registration is required at ashland.or.us/register or call the NMP Nature Center at 541-488-6606.
WHO: Kids who enjoy collaborative learning and being outdoors all day.
WHAT: A week-long day camp for creating stories and live performances.
INSTRUCTOR: Craig Lamm has taught students across the country how to craft original stories for more than a decade.
AGES 7-13
DAY Monday-Friday
DATE Aug 6-10
TIME 9am-3pm
PLACE NMP Nature Center
