September Change for Good: Siskiyou Field Institute
This month, your Change for Good donations support Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI), an organization that helps people connect with one of the most biodiverse regions in North America: the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion.
Their mission
To increase understanding of and connection to this incredible region through education, scientific research, and public engagement.
For more than 20 years, SFI has been inspiring people of all ages to learn from nature, not just about it. From youth programs and outdoor school to hands-on workshops and conservation projects, their work brings science and wonder to life in the great outdoors.
SFI just launched its Fall and Winter Adventure Learning Programs, and they’re full of amazing opportunities to experience the natural world. Here’s what’s coming up:
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Geology of Mt. Shasta on September 18 and 20
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Fall Mushrooms of the Cascades on October 5
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The Magic of Nature Journaling on October 12
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Guided Forest Therapy on October 19
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Botanical Inks on October 25
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Fall Mushrooms of the Siskiyous on November 2
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Trees to Know: Native Conifer Identification on November 15
If you’re curious about conifers, love the idea of nature journaling, or want to learn the science behind Mt. Shasta, these classes are for you. See all the details here.
When you give to Change for Good this month, you help support SFI’s youth programs, Outdoor School, and conservation work:
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Outdoor School gives 5th and 6th graders an unforgettable experience in place-based education. Students learn about fire ecology, watershed health, and local plants and animals while staying in yurts or bell tents in the beautiful Illinois River Valley.
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Day Programs bring science to life for K-12 students through nature hikes, ropes courses, and interactive field classes.
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Conservation efforts at SFI make their campus a model for sustainability and regenerative development. The land is protected by a conservation easement and is home to rare plant communities, wetlands, and healthy riparian zones.
When you round up at the register, you’re helping to keep these programs strong for future generations.
Thank you for supporting education, conservation, and the incredible natural heritage of our region! Learn more about Siskiyou Field Institute at thesfi.org.
More Co-op News
Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive
How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.
2018 Board Election Results
The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.
Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.
Thank you for voting!
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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes
By Barry Haynes, Store Manager
Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.
Beat the Heat
When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update
By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair
Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:
Riding off into the Sunset
By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager
Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President
Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.
Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks
Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.

Be a Zero Waste Hero in Four Easy Steps
By Stephanie Koerella, Education Coordinator
Reducing our waste has continued to be of greater concern for Rogue Valley residents, especially since January, when options for recycling became even more limited. While the Ashland Food Co-op is ramping up our efforts to reduce waste as a business, there is a lot that our community can do at home to help the cause.
On the Road to Sustainability
By Laura Pfister, Media Coordinator
Forty six years ago, a group of families formed a buying club to access sustainable, local organic food as an alternative to modern industrial agriculture. This humble foundation of social and environmental responsibility started the Ashland Food Co-op and has shaped every decision we’ve ever made. It’s how, over four decades later, that a small buying club became a 30 million dollar, 17,500 square foot Certified Organic Retailer diverting 82% of their discards from the landfill.
Staff Picks: Earth Friendly Products
In celebration of Sustainability Month in April, we asked our Sustainability Committee to share their favorite eco-friendly product.