A Big Beaver-Day for National Public Lands Day at Vesper Meadow
Yes…that’s correct, we are celebrating the 30th Anniversay of National Public Lands Day even though Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve is privately held. But why? Firstly, all of our programs are designed to engage a wide and diverse public for the sake of education, community building, and environmental and social justice. And secondly, we believe that the urgent need for restoration across the greater landscape transcends the current land management and ownership.
That is why we partner with Federal, State and County government agencies, Tribes, research institutions, schools, and others to demonstrate community coming together for restoration at the Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve and the surrounding Bureau of Land Management / Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument lands.
So here’s the big opportunity for you all to come together with the community and work across private-public land boundaries! We’ve got a community restoration and celebration event coming up Saturday Sept. 23rd, 2023 - hear all about it on our 15 minutes Jefferson Exchange radio interview:
National Public Lands Day Celebration Promises a Day of Stewardship and Celebration
Rogue Valley, OR – September 23rd, 2023 – Calling all nature enthusiasts and community champions! Join us for a day of fun, stewardship, and celebration as we come together to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday Sept. 23rd, 2023.
National Public Lands Day is an annual event dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of our nation's public lands. It's a time to give back to the natural spaces that enrich our lives and to celebrate the beauty and wonder of these cherished landscapes. This year, our community is coming together for a spectacular celebration that you won't want to miss. All are welcome to participate in this collaborative effort with the Vesper Meadow Education Program, Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Project Beaver, and Medford’s Public Lands Store.
Event Details: Date: Sept. 23rd, 2023 Time: 9:30am - 4pm Join us for a morning of volunteer land stewardship starting at 9:30am until 1:30pm, followed by an afternoon of celebration with food and a live band from 2pm until 4pm.
Location: Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve and locations in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
RSVP required for this free and fun event; event size limited to 120 participants: RSVP here on the Vesper Meadow website, on our events page
The day will kick off with a morning of volunteer land stewardship activities. Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make a positive impact on the lands that make southern Oregon a special place. Then, all volunteers will gather for a BBQ lunch and live band, free raffle and gift bags.
Morning stewardship activities include native seed collection, fence removal, and creek habitat restoration. Volunteer events will primarily take place at the Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve as well as adjacent BLM sites. The Friends of the Cascade-Siskiou National Monument will lead volunteers at Hyatt Prairie Reservoir with the BLM for fence repair to safeguard sensitive habitats from off-highway vehicle damage (see their web event for site-specific event details and separate RSVP).
Event organizer, Jeanine Moy of Vesper Meadow shares, “We are excited to collaborate with local partners to put on this fun event that brings the community together around land stewardship. We encourage volunteers ages 14 and up, and welcome all skill levels to join us in this fulfilling endeavor.”
But the stewardship doesn't stop there! After a rewarding morning of hard work, it's time to gather and celebrate with an afternoon at the Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve, featuring:
● Live Music: Sequoia Rose, a fantastic live band from Mount Shasta that will have you dancing the afternoon away.
● Free Food: Delicious BBQ provided (meat and vegan options).
● Raffle prizes, and participant gifts: All volunteers will receive a T-shirt and gift bag as a token of appreciation, courtesy of the Public Lands Store.
Michael McGary from the Medford Public Lands Store, the event sponsor. "It's a chance for us to come together in a beautiful outdoor setting, show our appreciation for our public lands, and have a fantastic time doing it. We can't wait to see everyone there!"
For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit the events page at VesperMeadow.org
About Vesper Meadow:
The Vesper Meadow Education Program is a community-driven organization dedicated to demonstrating people-powered land restoration and nature connection. Through volunteer efforts, educational programs, and community events, we strive to ensure that these natural spaces are accessible to a diversity of people and thriving for generations to come. National Public Lands Day is just one of the many ways we engage with our community to make a positive impact on our environment.