North Mountain Park in Ashland is a wonderful escape anytime, but during the pandemic it has been an important mental health retreat for many people. Pre-Covid the park provided educational programs for children and adults relating to natural science, cultural history, gardening, nature crafts and sustainability.
With recent staffing cuts, the natural areas of North Mountain Park are much in need of protection and preservation. Many species of birds and animals call the park home year-round, while others depend on it as a seasonal home, including bald eagles, owls, great blue heron, several hawk and falcon species, salmon, river otters, and many, many other less visible wildlife.
This is a message from our friends at Ashland Parks and Recreation:
As spring arrives and new growth begins in full around Ashland’s parks, Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission needs your help to keep our parks healthy and beautiful. Get involved, show community pride, and have fun – all at the same time. Here are some great ways to get involved with your parks:
Work Parties
Volunteers are needed to join in on semi-regular “work parties.” No experience necessary! Volunteers meet at a park in Ashland for two hours of maintenance to keep our parks functional and beautiful. Refreshments and tools are provided. Numbers are limited to allow for physical distancing. Join the email list and be notified of upcoming work parties.
North Mountain Park Restoration Work Parties
Starting April 15th, join staff and other volunteers on Thursdays from 9 to 11 am at North Mountain Park in restoration work. Battle invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs, and help care for this wonderful park. Tools and friendly training provided. Drop-ins welcome, check the front porch of the Nature Center for info on where the work will be happening that day.
Nature Center Gardeners
Gardeners are always needed at the North Mountain Park Nature Center Demonstration Gardens. Have fun gardening in a group on Wednesday mornings in the spring through the fall, or come out on your own. Tools and friendly training provided. Meetings begin in mid-March.
Invasive Species Removal
Volunteers are needed to help eradicate invasive plants from our park land. You can make a difference in restoring our parks and protecting our native plants and animals by lending a hand. Volunteer solo or join a small group and help us remove Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry and more. No experience necessary, and training and tools provided.
Get more information on any of these opportunities, or to fill out a volunteer application and get started, please visit www.ashland.or.us/volunteer. To learn more about volunteering in parks or to have any of your questions answered, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Sulaiman Shelton at 541.552.2264 or email: Sulaiman********@**hland.or.us.
