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Hold the date! Join us on Sunday, July 12 for an afternoon filled with fun for the whole family! Come and support the Crest. It will be an afternoon of […]
The CREST in the News!
CREST Fest Review:
This year’s Crest Fest was, once again, a wonderful success. With music by Ashland’s own Pozitronics, Creekside Strings, M’Gilvry Allen, and Blue Lighting, the barnyard was alive with dancing and harmony. Delicious pulled-pork sandwiches with sides were provided by David Jimenez and lasagna, salad, cookies and beverages by Carol Dyer for performers and volunteers. Supported by an able team of Willow-Witt Ranch Hands for prep/setup, The Crest’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Madi Ross inspired a crew of more than a dozen volunteers to provide parking guidance, setup, dish washing, serving beers, wine, cookies and lemonade, silent auction, Crest Merchandise, and cleanup.
One highlight of the day was presentation of a giant check for $50,000 to support Summer Outdoor Nature Day Camp scholarships by AllCare Health. AllCare CEO Max Janasik, Director of Community Engagement, Jennifer Gustafson, and Community Engagement Specialist Monica Gutierrez handed the check over to a delegation of Crest Summer Campers and their friends, welcomed by The Crest Board Chair, Carrie Vath, and Board Members Anna McCreedy, Michael Parker, Suzanne Willow, and Jill Smedstad, as well as sponsors and supporters Vance Beach, Executive Director of Black Alliance for Social Empowerment, Lisa Dunagan, President of Ashland Rotary Club, Brian Dunagan, of DEI Engineering, Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham, Phoenix Mayor Al Muelhoefer, Sate Representative Pam Marsh, Gray Family Foundation Executive Director Nancy Bales, Bob Given of the Elizabeth Maughan Foundation, Ashland Living Publisher Anita Bicskei, and Medford Police Department Community Liaison Lilia Caballero.
Crest Fest was featured on KOBI’s 11:00 News: https://youtu.be/UWrgCplstHM and in follow-up coverage in Ashland.news: https://ashland.news/willow-witts-summer-camp-fundraiser-lands-a-big-gift/ .
Crest Fest was sponsored by DEI Engineering, 2 Hearts 4 Feet, Heart Full Catering, Ashland Food Coop, Ashland Ace Hardware, Home Runner Studio, Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, Elemental Homeopathy, Rogue Valley Financial, Skylark Senior Living, The Forest Burial Ground, Willow-Witt Ranch, Alternative Energy Systems, Jefferson Public Radio, and Ashland’s Own Shop’n Kart.
Lorie Deller of DaydreamsFacepainting.com, KSWild, Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Siskiyou Crest Coalition Moth Project, and cartoon artist Curt Evans offered additional enhancements to the day.
Dr. Michael Parker led a huge band of almost 50 nature enthusiasts on an informative hike to the Turtle Pond to greet Willow-Witt’s population of rare Western Pond Turtles, and almost everyone got to hug the baby goats, Jax and Java!
Ashland Food Co-op Change for Good!
CASH REGISTER ROUND UP at Ashland Food Co-op for The Crest.
Next month, for the entire month of August, when you shop at Ashland Food Coop, remember to Round Up at the cash register. You can round up to the nearest dollar, plus add $1, $5 or any amount you choose, when checking out at Ashland Food Coop in August. Last month, Coop shoppers contributed over $7,000 to Pollinator Project Rogue Valley, so this is a great way to support Summer Camp Scholarships at The Crest! Tell your friends!
Turtle Trot 2026: Our Biggest Race Yet!
What an incredible day! Thank you to everyone who joined us this June for the 2026 Turtle Trot at Willow-Witt Ranch! Thanks to our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and cheering supporters!
More than 100 participants hit the trails, making this our largest Turtle Trot to date. From seasoned runners tackling the 10K to families enjoying the 5K together, the ranch was filled with energy, encouragement, and a shared appreciation for the beautiful landscapes of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
Of course, an event like this wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers and staff. From preparing the trails and setting up before sunrise to getting everyone checked in, directing runners, and cleaning up at the end of the day, their dedication made the event run smoothly from start to finish.
The Turtle Trot is more than a race, it’s a celebration of community and our shared commitment to connecting people with nature. Every registration helps support The Crest at Willow-Witt Ranch’s environmental education programs, making it possible for more children and families to experience the wonder of the outdoors through field trips, summer camps and community events.
A special shoutout goes to Eva, who not only won the Women’s 5K but also set a NEW course record with an incredible time of 21:48!
To everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, or simply came out to cheer: thank you. Your support helps ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn, explore, and build lasting connections with the natural world.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you on the trails again next year!
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POSTPONED DUE TO SMOKE Join us for an evening of wonder as we explore the fascinating world of moths! Using light and sheet setups, we’ll attract and observe these nocturnal […] |
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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 […]
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