2026 Nature Day Camp

Summer Camp Registration is now open!

Registration is open for our 2026 Nature Day Camp Season!

The Crest offers weekly summer camp sessions for students ages 6-11. Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for a program immersed in volcanic geology, wetlands, and the organic farm. We will explore the quiet forests, hiking trails, and turtle pond at the 445-acre property.

Learn More & Register

Overnight Farm and Forest Adventure Camp

An Adventure Week for Older Campers

Immerse your camper in four days and three nights of hands-on farm life, forest exploration, and joyful camp traditions. Our small-group overnight experience blends farm-to-table cooking (salads, breads, seasonal recipes), animal care (goat hikes, egg collection), nature art and journaling, team-building challenges, and evening programs with stargazing and songs. Kids will learn practical skills—while building confidence, leadership, and a deeper connection to the local landscape and wildlife (pollinator surveys, turtle and bird hikes, BioBlitz opportunities).

Learn More & Register

2025 Nature Day Camp

2026 Crest Fest!

Sunday, July 12th 1pm – 6pm

Join us for another epic afternoon filled with fun for the whole family!

Come and support the Crest with a fun filled afternoon of good music, dancing, great food and wonderful people. Enjoy the entertainment, and explore Willow-Witt Ranch.

All event proceeds support the Crest’s mission to cultivate the integral connection between humans and the natural world.

More information, schedule of events and where to purchase tickets, coming soon!

Learn more here.

Moth Night w/Pollinator Project Rogue Valley

Friday, July 17th
7 pm to 11 pm

Join us for an evening of wonder as we explore the fascinating world of moths with special guest Entomologist Dana Ross!

Using light and sheet setups, we’ll attract and observe these nocturnal pollinators up close.

This family-friendly event is a unique opportunity to connect with nature after dark, learn about moth diversity, participate in moth centered activities and experience the magic of nighttime at Willow-Witt Ranch!

Learn more here.

Petals & Pollinators: Creating Eco-art w/Pollinator Project Rogue Valley

Sunday, July 19th
10:30 am to 3:00 pm

Join us for a day of artistry at Willow-Witt Ranch, with our special guest Zebith Thalden, the author of The Insect Artist! With art materials in hand, we will immerse ourselves in the spray of blossoms in the meadow to honor the diversity of species that these colorful botanicals depend on. We will learn about the scientific connection of this unique ecosystem, located in the Southern Cascades, with Amanda Huffman, a professional wildlife biologist with a passion for native bees.

Register and Learn more here.

Outdoor School at The Crest

Registration is open for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026.

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for

Karma and Pippa

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Crest Community Workshops

The Crest is excited to announce the development of our new Community Workshops Program! We are cultivating a space where community members have the opportunity to guide fun and interesting learning experiences up at Willow-Witt Ranch.

If you’re interested in learning more about the possibilities of hosting a workshop please fill out our class proposal form so that we can co-create together!

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Cultivating the connection between people and nature

The Crest is an educational non-profit organization based at Willow-Witt Ranch, in the mountains of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument east of Ashland, Oregon. Through self-guided tours, public events, school programs, and summer camps, we help visitors of all ages explore their roles and responsibilities in our dynamic local ecosystems.

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Get In Touch

Youth programs

Children learning about goats at summer camp

Children learning about chickens at summer camp

Protecting the crest from erosion with volunteers

YEAR-AROUND LEARNING, FUN
& ADVENTURE

We have a variety of programs for schools, community groups, and families to come and experience The Crest. Whether one night at our campground or summer day camps for school-age children, there’s plenty to explore, learn and enjoy.

Our Programs

Explore Willow-Witt Ranch from home!

Join our Education Coordinator for an interactive, fun and fact-filled journey through the forest, wetland and farm at Willow-Witt Ranch. Meet the birds, try a new recipe, learn from Beatrice (our most famous turtle) and more!

Go On a Virtual Field Trip

THE CREST

Events & activities

Event proceeds at Willow-Witt Ranch go to The Crest to help fund the non-profit organization and its programs. Featuring live music, farm dinners, open barn days and more. Come support a good cause and have a fun family-friendly time!

Youth Programs

Community & Private Events

Educator & Group Events

Wildlife & Habitat Studies

Calendar

See all Events & Activities

SOME HISTORY

About the land

We acknowledge that the Shasta, Upland Takelma, Latgawa and Athabaskan peoples stewarded these lands for millennia. We also acknowledge the intergenerational trauma caused by their forcible removal from their ancestral lands. The people whose ancestors lived on this land are now citizens of The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, or The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

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