The Crest

Winter Footprints
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Willow-Witt Ranch, Willow-Witt Ranch, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Join us for a fun and educational hike at Willow-Witt Ranch on March 15th from 2-4 PM!

This family-friendly event is open to all ages and will focus on winter tracking, which involves discovering the hidden stories of wildlife through the tracks they leave behind in the snow and mud.

Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or a first-time explorer, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for winter. Dress warmly and bring your curiosity as we explore and search for the wild footprints left behind by our local critters!
This is a free event sponsored by The Crest. Please sign up here.
If you would like to support The Crest with a donation, please feel free to donate here.

2026 Spring Equinox Tour and Celebration
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Forest Conservation Burial Ground, Willow-Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon, 97520
Join us at The Forest Conservation Burial Ground to celebrate the Spring Equinox on Sunday, March 22nd from 2:00-4:00pm.
2:00pm: Guided tour through the burial ground exploring the land’s story, conservation projects, and connected cycles of earth, life, and death. This is an opportunity to learn, walk gently, and experience the peace held by the land. Please RSVP for this portion of the event here.
3:00pm: Gather around the fire for a community celebration and reflection circle; a time to share words, presence, and gratitude for the changing seasons.
Bring layers, a blanket, and a warm drink to stay cozy. Please check weather and driving conditions ahead of time. All are welcome!
This is a Forest Conservation Burial Ground event supported by The CREST.

Reflections of Poetry Inspired by the Natural World: An Expressive Writing Workshop
2026-05-17 13:30 - 16:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
Join The CREST at Willow-Witt Ranch on Sunday, May 17, from 1:30 to 4:00 PM at Willow-Witt Ranch for a peaceful afternoon of nature journaling in collaboration with Elisa Friedlander, LMFT, founder of Ink To Insight, LLC. www.inktoinsight.com

Memorial Day Open House
2026-05-25 11:00 - 14:00 | The Forest Conservation Burial Ground, Willow-Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon, 97520
This Memorial Day you’re invited to The Forest to celebrate your ancestors, loved ones, or dearly departed, whether they’re buried here or not. Bring a lunch, walk the trails, and spend some time remembering those who have gone before.
Curious about The Forest? We’ll be leading a guided tour of the cemetery at 10am (please RSVP here ahead of time), and staff will be on site to visit and provide guidance from 11am – 2pm. Water and picnic tables available.
This is a Forest Conservation Burial Ground event supported by The CREST.

Turtle Trot 10k, 5k and Fun Run!
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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 heart (and breakfast)! Choose the 5K or 10K on rolling singletrack through meadows, wetlands, oak woodlands, and native conifer forest, or bring the whole family for a joyful Fun Run for all ages.
Learn more and register here!

Nature Day Camp Starts: 1st of 7 Sessions
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-19 15:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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 explore the quiet forests, hiking trails, and turtle pond at the 445-acre property.
Click here for more information.

Overnight Farm and Forest Adventure Camp Starts
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-19 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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.
Click here for more information.

2026 CREST Fest
2026-07-12 14:00 - 18:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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 good music, dancing, great food and wonderful people. More information to follow.
CREST Fest

Moth Night with Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
2026-07-17 19:00 - 23:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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 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!
Sign-up and Learn More Here:

Petals & Pollinators: Creating Eco-art
2026-07-19 10:30 - 15:00 | The CREST, 658 Shale City Road, Ashland, 97520
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. We will have plenty of time under the tent’s shade to learn creative techniques for developing bold realistic sketches in dynamic compositions with subjects that are busy buzzing from flower to flower!
If you would like a copy of Zebith’s The Insect Artist, it can be purchased with cash at the event (retail price $27.99).
Learn more here.
