We are ready for a great new year!
A note from Executive Director, Paul Sheldon
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!
7th Annual Turtle Trot 5K, 10K, Fun Run and Brunch!
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.
Ashland Food Co-op Change for Good!
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!
Volunteer with The Crest!
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.
