Hike and Learn
Hike and Learns are designed to connect you more fully to the wonder and value of the biodiversity within the Monument. They are co-created with local scientists, historians, artists, writers, and more. They consist of a Friday evening lecture followed by a Saturday hike in the Monument. You are welcome to attend just Friday or just Saturday or both days. All events are free of charge.
See below for a list of our upcoming Hike and Learns. We hope you can join us!
Plumbing the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Friday Talk: april 26th, 6:00-7:30 PM - Register here
Saturday Hike: april 27th, 9:00-2:00 PM - Register Here
Learn about water diversion, dams, and ditches in the Monument!
The quote, "Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting over" has been attributed to Mark Twain and frames the controversy over western water policies. Euro-American settlement of the west cannot be separated from the moving of water from sources to distant mines, farms, and cities. While California is the most plumbed of all states, Oregon has a fair share of dams, ditches, and water diversions -- including in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
Western water development went into high gear with the 1902 passage of the Newlands Reclamation Act. Under the act, the Bureau of Reclamation began development of projects all over the west, including the Rogue Basin Project. This project saw water storage on both sides of the Cascade Crest and deliverance of a secure supply of water to the orchards and towns in the Rogue Valley. Many projects also include flood control and hydroelectric power generation. This presentation will look at the overall history of western water development up to the current removal of dams on the Klamath River. On our hike, we will explore some of these structures in person in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, including locations such as Hyatt Lake
John Schuyler is a retired forester who received a B.S. in forestry from the University of California at Berkeley. During his 32-year career with the USDA Forest Service, he worked on national forests in Oregon, California, and Arizona -- working in timber management, recreation, minerals, planning, and administration.
The Friday Night Lecture will take place at the SOU Science Building in room 161 from 6:00 to 7:30pm.
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.
For those who attended Jad D’Allura’s Friday Night Talk on Volcanoes, you can find a copy of his presentation below:
PARTICIPANT REVIEWS
"I loved the lecture before the hike."
"To see drawings and pictures [helped] to understand what I saw during the hike."
"It was nice having everyone contribute some knowledge on the hike."
"Beautiful area!"
Gallery of previous Hike and Learns. Check out our blog for write-ups and photos of the previous Hike and Learns!
LEAVE NO TRACE
Principles of Outdoor Ethics
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors