INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS

Wildflowers & Pollinators Walk

Join the FCSNM and Pollinator Project Rogue Valley for a casual group hike to learn what's blooming, buzzing, and chirping this spring.

Sunday, June 8th from 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Sign up HERE

Hobart Bluff is a beloved hiking spot in the Monument - relatively easy terrain, flora and fauna to delight any visitor, all within an hour's drive of Ashland. This2.5-mile out-and-back trail is popular for enjoying wildflowers, birding, hiking, and running. Join Kathy Kellerman with Pollinator Project Rogue Valley on a casual group hike to learn what's blooming, buzzing, and chirping this Spring. We'll walk for 1.5 hours, enjoy lunch with views of Ashland, Pilot Rock, and Mt. McLoughlin, and then return. The trail is mostly flat with a fairly steep last 1/2 mile - but the views are worth it.

Bring your wildflower, pollinator, and bird guides, and lunch and plenty of water. Wear layers and sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Unfortunately, dogs will not be able to join us.

Kathy Kellerman was born and raised in Missouri, Kathy recently spent a quarter-century in California working in habitat restoration and native plant propagation. She has a Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Washington University in St. Louis and a BS in Biology from Reed College. Happy to have recently moved to a homestead in the Rogue River area, she has plunged into permaculture, land stewardship, and managing her riparian and woodland acres for ecological diversity and vitality. She feels fortunate to connect with PPRV and FofCSNM and their partners to further support ecological restoration and preservation in this vibrant Southern Oregon community.

Dissolving the Green Blur: Hike to Lost Creek Falls with plant ID and more

Join us on a waterfall hike while learning to identify flora and increasing connection with place on a hike to Lost Creek Falls.

Saturday, June 14th from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sign up HERE

Join Summer Interpretive Ranger, Jay Ryan, as he leads us on a plant ID walk to Lost Creek Falls to help us understand all this green stuff around us! We will identify native plants and wildflowers in bloom. We will also discuss access opportunities to the CSNM, and take an introspective approach on how we can increase our connection to green spaces.

The hike is two easy miles. The road is gravel but doesn't require a high clearance vehicle.

Forest Therapy

Sunday, June 22nd from 9:00 - 3:00 PM

Sign up HERE

A guided forest therapy session is a slow, mindful exploration of nature designed to reconnect with oneself, others, and the environment through all our senses. Participants are invited to slow down, tune into their surroundings, and engage in various sensory activities like slowly walking, meditating, and mindful observation. The goal is to cultivate a sense of presence and connection with the natural world, which can lead to stress reduction, improved mood, and increased well-being.

Here's a more detailed look at what to expect:

Introduction and Setting the Intention: The session begins with a brief explanation of Forest Therapy and its benefits, along with an opportunity to set personal intentions for the experience.

Guided Walk and Sensory Engagement: Participants are guided on a gentle slow, mindful walk through the forest, with invitations to notice the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of the surroundings.

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: There may be moments for guided meditation or mindful breathing exercises to help participants deepen their connection with nature and their own bodies.

Reflections and Sharing: Participants may be invited to share their observations and reflections with the group, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Relaxation and Stillness: The session may include moments of quiet contemplation, allowing participants to rest, relax, and connect.

Concluding Reflections: The session may end with a period of reflection on the experience and its impact, providing an opportunity to integrate the learnings.

Dawn Cogliser, MSN, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, CHC is a Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Healing Mama Wellness. Dawn is also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, a Certified EcoNIRA teacher, and founder of EcoRECOVERY for people in recovery from addiction.She is certified in both wilderness first aid/CPR and wilderness mental health first aid and is a registered Guide in Oregon and Redwood National Park. Dawn is an outdoors enthusiast crediting nature immersion as part of her personal healing journey. She knows first-hand how nature connection improves both physical and mental health. Dawn enjoys guiding both community and private groups and takes pride in creating inclusive events for people with most disabilities.

Her motto is “Nature is for every BODY!”

Dawn believes when we raise the health and wellness of just one person, we raise the health and wellness of the community as a whole.

Kayak Tours

Saturday, June 21st & Saturday June 28th

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sign up HERE

Join Bureau of Land Management Rangers as they guide free kayaking tours on Hyatt Lake in the heart of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The tours will take place from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on June 21 and 28. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in kayaking and exploring the unique ecology of Hyatt Lake, as well as its importance to local communities. Each tour allows for 10 participants with no prior kayaking experience necessary, and you won’t need to bring any special equipment—just sun protection and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet! Participants must be aged 12 and up. Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy the beauty of nature while learning something new!

Participants don’t need to bring any special equipment of their own.

Participants must be aged 12 and up.

No prior experience with kayaking is necessary.

For any questions, please email jduwe@blm.gov

This program is a collaboration between the Medford District Bureau of Land Management and the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Previous Hikes

Buck Rock Tunnel Archaeological Tour

May 31st

Join the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Bureau of Land Management and Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology for a guided history hike at the Buck Rock Tunnel on Saturday, May 31st! Southern Oregon University’s Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project has spent years investigating Buck Rock Tunnel, the original Oregon and California Railroad route through the Siskiyou mountains. The tunnel and surrounding railroad grade were under construction between 1883-1884 by Chinese railroad workers. The project is a collaboration between the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology (SOULA) and the BLM, and is part of the larger multi-agency research project that is investigating Chinese immigrant sites from across the state.

Nature Journaling

May 18th

This engaging workshop will not only enhance your artistic skills but also deepen your connection with the natural world. Through guided exercises, you'll learn to observe and capture the beauty of nature with precision and creativity. Journaling alongside your drawings fosters mindfulness, boosts memory, and enriches your appreciation of the environment. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this session offers a perfect blend of relaxation and education. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful and creative way!

Snowshoe Hikes with the BLM

December 21st, January 11th, February 8th

Embark on a winter adventure! Join BLM interpretive rangers on a snowshoe hike through the enchanting conifer forest at Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Suitable for ages 12 and up, these Saturday excursions offer a unique opportunity to explore the biodiversity of a stunning winter landscape. Rangers will interpret winter adaptations of plants and animals, animal tracks and signs, the basics of snow science, and the environment that hides beneath the snow. Lace up your boots and join us for an unforgettable journey into nature! Snowshoes and poles are provided free-of-cost by the BLM.