MEDFORD, Ore. – Renew your connection with nature with a series of free, guided educational hikes at Upper and Lower Table Rocks. Offered by The Nature Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management Medford District during April and May weekends, these hikes are led by specialists from around the region who will help you find, interpret and enjoy the parts of nature that are special to you.
There’s no better way to learn about the Table Rocks’ diverse flora and fauna and rich cultural and geologic history, or to express your love for nature through art and music.
Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for the 2.5- to 3-mile roundtrip hike up to about 800 feet in elevation. The trails are a moderate grade. Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks since hikes to the top may last 3 to 4 hours. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead; there is no drinking water available on site. Due to limited parking at the trailheads, carpooling is encouraged. To help protect this special place, dogs and vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
All hikes are free to the public but reservations are required as space is limited. Information about the hikes and online reservations are available at https://tinyurl.com/TableRocksHikes2023. Registration for April hikes opens March 24; May hikes open for registration on April 17. For additional information, contact the BLM Medford District at 541.618.2200, M-F, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. or The Nature Conservancy at 541-708-4990.
The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management have protected and managed the Table Rocks for more than 40 years. These remnants of ancient lava flows host showy wildflower displays and a variety of habitats, providing a spectacular outdoor classroom that showcases our valley’s natural and cultural history. Join us as we renew with nature at the Table Rocks.
April 8, Upper Table Rock, 9:30 a.m. Spring Blooms & Stories Abound: Discover the colorful wildflowers that bring the Table Rocks to life each spring with Liz Landreth, aka “The Flower Floozy” and Oregon Master Naturalist for the Cascade-Siskiyou region.
Learn to identify some of the stunning spring wildflowers and hear some ethnobotanical and nature stories along the trail. Limited to 15 individuals. https://wildflowers-hike1-2023.eventbrite.com.
Sat., April 15, Lower Table Rock, 10:00 a.m. Mighty Oaks: Join Rich Fairbanks, local oak fancier, Chris Adlam, OSU Fire Ecologist and birder/botanist, and Molly Morison, Preserves Manager with The Nature Conservancy and explore a remarkable diversity of oak habitats including savannas, woodlands and shrublands, and see examples of recent climate resilient restoration work. Oaks of all shapes and sizes are vital to the lives of wildlife, other plants, and people. These Klamath-Siskiyou Oak Network partners have found 100+ reasons to love oaks – learn why you should too! https://mighty-oaks-2023.eventbrite.com
April 16, Upper Table Rock, 9:00 a.m. Celebrate Nature!: Join Chamise Kramer, Public Affairs Specialist for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and BLM Environmental Education Specialist Molly Allen on a general information hike suitable for the whole family. Topics will include wildflower identification, ethnobotany, geology, wildlife, ecology and cultural history of the Table Rocks. https://family-hike-2023.eventbrite.com.