In a normal year we would be throwing a big barn party at Vesper Meadow with your good company - but instead, we are providing some virtual fun in return for your support of our programs.
October 15th also marks the launch of our online "silent" auction featuring locally made gifts, art, wild-crafted tea and honey from Vesper Meadow, local lodgings, experiential outings and more! Bidding closes October 19th at 5pm.
Our goal is to raise $8,000 to support:
Providing distance learning resources for local K-12 teachers to engage students in science and land stewardship;
Developing programming together with members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to engage Tribal youth on their ancestral lands here in Southwest Oregon;
Planning and implement the restoration of native species habitat while developing native seed resources and economic opportunities for local farmers.
Plus, 10% of all funds raised will go toward the Alameda Fire Relief Fund.
What's for auction?
Every auction item here was donated by a local maker, educator, or member of our community - big thanks to everyone that make this possible!
Experiential hikes and trips - mushroom hunting with mycologist John Villella, native food tasting with our very own Brian Geier, fly-fishing with Rogue Spey (Stuart Warren), birding with Klamath Bird Observatory's Shannon Rio, Rogue River rafting with Butch Merusi
Art by Sarah F. Burns, Matt Witt Photography, Jeanine Moy, Natalie Sahnow Ghelfie, Nathan Trimble, Lee French, Jacklily Floral, Maggie Graham, Susan Roudebush, Melody Friend
Lodging from Greensprings Inn and Mountain Cabins, Kathryn and Sean Prive, Squawking Hawk Acres
Gift certificates from Cocorico Restaurant, Shop N' Kart, Market of Choice, Medford Food Coop, The Northwest Nature Shop, Therputics in Motion, Family Massage Center
Gift bags from REI Coop Medford, Bee Girl Organization, Kasey Rolih
What are you waiting for, go check out the Catalog! (Or see the items listed at the bottom of this page)
More About Us
Vesper Meadow Education Program was created in 2018 to inspire a culture of land stewardship and nature connection, at a beautiful preserve in the Cascade-Siskiyou mountains. We work with restoration practitioners, tribes, local K-12 and college institutions, small businesses, artists, and scientists to bring a vibrant approach to all of our programs.
In 2020, we joined forces with The Understory Initiative, a non-profit with a science-based approach to restoring ecosystems and habitats, relying on native seeds and partnerships with landowners, farmers across Southwest Oregon.
In this time of unprecedented global change, we know that we can't protect the landscape and its inhabitants through good scientific research alone. We need to reach out, make connections, and help each other learn about what comprises a healthy ecosystem. Then we need to do the hard work of replanting, rebuilding and restoring the land.
Want to directly support the Vesper Meadow Education Program?
Make a tax-deductible donation via our website here.