July Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

July's Change for Good Partner is

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

 

Protecting and enhancing precious land in the Rogue River region

to benefit our human and natural communities since 1978

 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

 

More than 43 years ago, amidst a burgeoning population and rising real estate prices, a grassroots effort of concerned individuals foresaw the need to engage the community in protecting rural lands that were at risk of losing their natural values.

Founded in 1978, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy was created to ensure the natural wealth of the wild and working lands of the Rogue River region endure forever. As the state’s first regional, nonprofit land trust, they began working with local landowners to create conservation easements— a conservation approach to safeguard their lands in perpetuity. What began small has grown into 11,921 acres of protected lands across the Rogue River region.
  
Today, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy continues to fulfill its original mission by connecting people, nature, and communities. Their nationally accredited organization serves as a leader among regional land trusts, through its approach to community involvement and a successful conservation track record.

 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy envisions a vast network of conserved lands spanning the region, connecting people to nature, and enhancing the quality of life for all who live or visit this special corner of the Pacific Northwest.

 

Enjoy Nature Talks on local special plants and animals as well as outdoor education activities at the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy's YouTube page.

Enjoy Nature Talks on local special plants and animals as well as outdoor education activities at the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy's YouTube page.

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
photo by Sisalee Leavitt

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy launched their Upper Bear Creek Watershed Project last year. Many people know how special the Bear Creek watershed is. SOLC is working to help keep it that way.

 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Southern Oregon enjoys a rich legacy of scenic and historic trails. The Pacific Crest Trail, Oregon Trail, and Applegate Trail each play an important role in the state's recreational and historic value. Hosted by Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, enjoy this presentation by Jeff Lalande and William Buck who provide a fascinating oral and visual tapestry, tying together these three trails and what they mean to Southern Oregon.

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
photo by Linda Thomas

This is a tale of a rare bird, a magnificent prairie, an inspiring conservationist, and a community education project. Thanks to Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, 324 more acres on Howard Prairie are permanently conserved.

 

To learn more about this local organization, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to support their work, visit landconserve.org

 

Change for Good Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

 

More Co-op News

March Change for Good: KS Wild

As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.

What is KS Wild?

February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate

As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.

January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program

Hey Co-op community!

As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.

November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites

Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!

Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties. 

Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!

The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!

October Change for Good: Center for Non-Profit Legal Services

This October, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services (CNPLS) for our Change for Good program. All month long, shoppers can round up their purchases to support CNPLS and their mission to provide access to justice.

CNPLS is a non-profit legal aid firm serving low-income and vulnerable community members in Ashland and surrounding areas. Their team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers work to ensure everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.

It's Co-op Month!

OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.

September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund

As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.

August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!

We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.

Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program

Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.

July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project

Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.

Bicycle Benefits

Do you love to bike? Do you love to save money? Do you love the Co-op? Let us tell you about this awesome program at the Ashland Food Co-op! We all know biking is great for the environment and by joining Bicycle Benefits you'll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, all while enjoying some pretty sweet perks.

So, what exactly is Bicycle Benefits? It's a program that rewards cyclists for their pedal power! Here's how it works:

1. Stop by the Co-op and buy your $5 Bicycle Benefits sticker

May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City

Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!