New Trail Built
When Mike Uhtoff was spearheading the fundraising drive to preserve the land now known as Siskiyou Mountain Park, he probably never imagined that one day a trail there would be named after him - but it happened. The Mike Uhtoff Trail was recently completed to commemorate the devoted local naturalist, teacher, and businessman who died early last year.
The Mike Uhtoff Trail is a loop, approximately a half-mile long, connecting with the White Rabbit Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail. The trails are part of the Creek to Crest trail system, running through the Siskiyou Mountain Park from the top of Park Street.
The Trail, which is designated for hikers only, features some giant boulders and a canopy of mature conifers providing shade on much of the trail. Jeff McFarland, Central Division Manager for the Ashland Parks Department and Manager of the Oredson-Todd Woods and the Siskiyou Mountain Park, had identified this area in the Siskiyou Mountain Park as an excellent location for a trail three years ago. Soon after Mike died, the City Parks Commission approved naming the trail in commemoration of Mike’s efforts to protect natural areas in and around Ashland.
In 1991, Mike, then President of the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, organized the efforts to help the City of Ashland buy 110 acres which now make up part of the 271-acre Siskiyou Mountain Preserve. The parcel was purchased by the City and the entire park was permanently protected in its natural state through a conservation easement held by the Land Conservancy.
Mike died at age 70 in February of 2009. Since 1985, he had been the owner of the Northwest Nature Shop in Ashland, a popular local gathering spot for children, along with his wife Kathy who survives him. He was a beloved figure in the community, inspiring countless children to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature in our area. He was also an important figure in protecting the Oredson-Todd Woods and in the creation of the North Mountain Park Nature Center.
Two youth crews from the Job Council worked on the project, along with crew boss Christie Lawson and project supervisor Jeff McFarland of Ashland Parks Department. Funding for the project came to the Job Corps from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds given to the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps for the Oregon Youth Employment Initiative.
Two crewmembers, aged 16 to 21, were involved from the beginning of this trail project, learning how to design, lay out, and build a trail -- transferable skills which could help them in the future in pursuing outdoor work in such areas as fire fighting, landscaping, and biology. Along with practical skills, the participants also learned work ethics.
Working for the Job Council provided the local youngsters with work experience and job references. The crews worked 30-32 hours a week and earned minimum wage. During the first 3 months, the participants worked with the crew. For their last month, they are working in an internship project. Both Medford and Ashland Parks Departments are providing internships now that the trail project is completed.
The Mike Uhtoff Trail is another opportunity for everyone to discover and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors. Mike would have approved.
Ashland Daily Tidings (3/24/2010): New Trail a Tribute to Late Ashlander
Photo Credit: Ashland Parks Dept.
