From First Friday art shows in its A Street office to Rogue River hiking and rafting, the Siskiyou Wildlands Center has an active year ahead

By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news

A wide and wild variety of events are planned in coming days, weeks and months by the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center.

Happening now is KS Wild’s first book club, featuring Dana R. Fisher’s “Saving Ourselves.” Fisher argues that there is a realistic path forward for climate action — but only through mass mobilization. The goal through four club meetings, which began Jan. 16 and end Feb. 27, is to “build hope and community as we explore the themes and deeper messages together.” Registration is required. For more information visit the website listed at the end of this story.

This Friday, KS Wild and Rogue Riverkeeper invite people attending Ashland’s First Friday Art Walk to see an exhibit by Lindy Kehoe, “Spirits of the Siskiyous” from 5 to 7 p.m. at KS Wild’s office at the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, 452 A St. “See the work of our latest artist while snacking and sipping with members and supporters in the community.”

Cards for Conservation

A special offering that ends Feb. 28 is the chance to buy Cards for Conservation. The limited-edition greeting cards are by wildlife photographer Dan Elster, founder of Big Picture Greetings and a KS Wild supporter. The specially created set of cards feature iconic wild animals native to the Klamath Sisikyou bioregion.

Cards for Conservation will support KS Wild’s efforts to “foster thriving ecosystems.” Elster will give 20% of sales back to KS Wild. The cards can be used as gifts for wildlife advocates and friends. All orders will be shipped the third week of March (shipping fees apply) and printed in the United States on FSC-certified paper.

Set for Wednesday, Feb. 19 is a program, “State of the Bioregion — A Virtual Annual Report From the Director.” KS Wild Executive Director Michael Dotson will share insights on recent successes and upcoming challenges with public lands conservation in the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion during the administration of President Donald Trump and ways people can make a difference for the forests, waters and wildlife of the bioregion. The program will run from 6 to 7 p.m.

Trivia Night

Planned for Friday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. is a Trivia Night at the group office. Participants will be challenged on how well they know the flora and fauna of the Klamath Siskiyou bioregion. KS Wild asks potential contestants: “Do you have a trove of natural history, geology, wildlife and water facts stowed away? Come put it to use during our trivia night at the KS Wild office.” Teams of four or fewer people are wanted to “show us what ya got.” Prizes awarded to winners.

The First Friday Art Show on March 7 will be “Adaption for Survival — Carnivores of the Plant World,” featuring artwork by Paula Fong, from 5 to 7 p.m. Again, viewers are urged to meet and converse with friends and others at the KS Wild office.

Natural history walk

Spring will be celebrated March 15 with a natural history walk, “Denman Wildlife Refuge: Floodplain Exploration Along Little Butte Creek,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the walk the functions and threats to floodplains, water quality concerns in Little Butte Creek and the Rogue River will be discussed. Also offered will be some basic birding and botany. The walk will include information about oak woodland habitat and chaparral along with views of Upper Table Rock.

Upcoming on April 4 for the month’s First Friday Art Show is “Wear the Forest,” botanical print by Shanna Rose, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the KS Wild office.

Raft-supported hike of Rogue River Trail

Although not scheduled until May, people interested in participating in a five-day, four-night raft supported hike along the Rogue River Trail from May 16 to 20 are urged to make reservations as soon as possible because of limited capacity.

The guided raft-supported hike is regarded as “the most comfortable way to experience the Rogue River Trail.” Participants will hike with a daypack while rafts shuttle their gear along the 40-mile trail. Guides from ARTA River Trips will provide meals along the trail and at camp along with sleeping bags and what are promised to be “glorious, decadent chairs.” A KS Wild naturalist will participate to help participants get a better understanding of the area.

Further off is a Rogue Riverkeeper Whitewater Rafting Fundraiser Trip along the Wild and Scenic Rogue from Sept. 12 to 15.  It will be an opportunity to spend four days and three nights whitewater rafting and camping along the Rogue River. The trip is being offered as a change for floating, relaxing, swimming and hiking along the river and some of its side canyons.

For information on all of the events, visit the KS Wild website.

Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.