Turtle Trot 10k, 5K and Fun Run! The first run starts at 9:00 AM! Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 7th Annual Turtle Trot—a true trail race with […]
Written on February 25, 2026. Posted in At The Ranch.
Wow! This year is already off to a great start with intensive planning for Summer Camp, Winter Trails, Turtle Trot, Crest FEST, Moth Night and more — special thanks to all who contributed to exceeding our goal for the year-end donations in December!
I’m still in awe of our education staff’s having provided learning opportunities for 4% of the school-age children in Jackson County — 1,250 kiddos is a LOT of bus trips in and out of the ranch! Our basic curriculum still looks like, “Kids, this is nature — GO!” — but in truth, huge amounts of careful planning, preparation, training, materials, and supplies create the context for nature-based learning and effective responses to the growth of Nature Deficit Disorder, which affects so many children and families today. Field trips to The CREST at Willow-Witt Ranch, whether through camp, events, schools, community groups, or a family outing, remain a great way to cultivate connection with Nature. Holding a baby goat can be a lifetime peak experience! (see photo of our new Education Coordinator, Bailey Stewart, below!)
I look forward to seeing you at Winter Trails, Turtle Trot, CREST Fest, Moth Night, or a community event!
Bailey earned a degree in Environmental Sustainability with a minor in Art from Western Colorado State University in 2018. While there, she fell in love with the high desert, social justice, and advocating for the environments and the communities that live in them.
Her background spans nutrition education, organic farming, community organizing, and outdoor access work. In Portland, OR she worked managing a program that broke down barriers to outdoor board sports by bringing marginalized youth out to surf, skateboard, and snowboard at no cost.
Bailey is stoked to now be in Southern Oregon as the Education Coordinator for The Crest. She’s excited to dig in the dirt with the youth, frolic, chat about compost, and wonder about trees on the land. When she’s not Cresting, she loves illustrating, dancing, snowboarding, cooking, and enthusiastically picking up new hobbies.
Did you know that there are likely over 1000 species of moths that call the Siskiyou Crest home?
Learn about the fascinating world of moths at the Bellview Grange on Sunday, March 8th. This event is sponsored by The CREST in conjunction with Siskiyou Crest Coalition, and Pollinator Project Rogue Valley.
Put on your tennies and mark your calendars for Saturday, June 6, 2026, our 7th annual Turtle Trot 5K, 10K, Fun Run and Brunch is back for another incredible year of community, sport and delicious food.
There’s truly something for everyone. Tackle the scenic 10K or 5K trail race through meadows, wetlands, and forest, join the fun run, or participate in family-friendly activities like the scavenger hunt. Whether you run, walk, or trot, you’ll be part of a joyful morning at Willow-Witt Ranch where every step you take directly supports youth education, outdoor learning, and community access to the natural world.
And don’t forget — many say the best part comes after the finish line. All registrations include a world-class, made-from-scratch breakfast (with Willow-Witt farm fresh eggs and greens) and the iconic Turtle Trot T-shirt.
This year prices increase May 1st, so sign up early, start some light training, and invite your friends to make a morning of it. We’ll see you there.
Get ready — not this month, but later this year, in AUGUST 2026, The Crest will be Ashland Food Co-op’s designated organization for the monthly cash register round-up at check-out.
Please tell your friends to be ready — of course we’ll remind you in the summer!
As the summer activities wind down at Willow-Witt Ranch, we’re looking for passionate individuals to lend a hand! Whether you’re interested in helping with our garden preparations, assisting with community events, supporting our educational programs, lending a hand in the outdoor school cookhouse, or helping with administrative tasks, we’d love to have you spend time on the land!
Volunteers play a crucial role in making our events and programs a success, and your time and energy help us create meaningful experiences for the community. No matter your capacity, every bit of support is appreciated! If you are interested, please send us a note on our website using the button below.
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Turtle Trot 10k, 5K and Fun Run! The first run starts at 9:00 AM! Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 7th Annual Turtle Trot—a true trail race with […] |
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Nature Day Camp Starts: 1st of 7 Sessions
The Crest is offering weekly summer camp sessions for students ages 6-11. Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for a program immersed in volcanic geology, wetlands, and organic farm. We will […]
Overnight Farm and Forest Adventure Camp Starts
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), […] |
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