Each spring, patches of blue begin to appear across the meadows at Rogue River Preserve. At first glance, Camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is easy to appreciate simply for its beauty. But these flowers tell a much larger story. One about ecology, culture, and the long relationship between people and this landscape.
If you have ever seen a Pacific Fisher (Pekania pennanti) in the wild, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. These elusive members of the weasel family den high up in old growth conifers and are mainly crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Standing at about the size of a large house cat, the Fishers’ diet consists mostly of small mammals and birds.
Finally, after a century of fire suppression, finally, a healing 32-acre managed grassland burn returned to the Rogue River Preserve on October 18, 2025. But it took some perseverance to make it happen. We are tremendously grateful for the professional crew from Grayback Forestry Inc. who conducted the burn and for all the preserve’s neighbors who provided input.
On our first visit to Eight Dollar Mountain near Cave Junction, we were greeted by the red brilliance of blooming Vollmer’s lily, the strange beauty of carnivorous cobra-lilies, and the flash of dragonflies and butterflies. From this colorful wetland, the view stretched south to the sparkling Illinois River. Now, this remarkable 71-acre site is permanently protected as Southern Oregon Land Conservancy’s newest preserve: Cobra-lily Springs.
Despite threats that exist at the Rogue River Preserve, a rare snake persists. While Peter and Colin were surveying this special property, they uncovered a rare reptile, a juvenile Common Kingsnake. Read more about the Common Kingsnake as well as some of the other reptile species spotted at the Rogue River Preserve from Peter Kleinhenz's report
Join SOLC Land Steward, Wyatt Stein, for a mushroom hike in Ashland!
Consider lending a hand for our beautiful wildlife at the Rogue River Preserve! Our wonderful team of volunteers will be returning to remove old farm and barbed wire fencing for good to reduce harm to local birds and mammals.
Nature Talks on YouTube
Enjoy recordings of our past Nature Talks. Each event has multiple presenters. From our local national trails, to new SOLC conserved lands, to special species, to tracking animals in the snow - you’ll gain knowledge to impress all your friends.
Each spring, patches of blue begin to appear across the meadows at Rogue River Preserve. At first glance, Camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is easy to appreciate simply for its beauty. But these flowers tell a much larger story. One about ecology, culture, and the long relationship between people and this landscape.
As it is in our nature to protect all fairies, it is no surprise to discover Fairy Longhorn Moths canoodling on an alpine strawberry flower at Sharon Fen Preserve. Fairy Longhorn Moths are micromoths in the order Lepidoptera and the family Adelidae. Known for their VERY long thread-like antennae, which shimmer brightly in the sun.
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84 Fourth Street (office)
PO Box 954
Ashland, OR 97520
info@landconserve.org
541.482.3069
