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Tag: The Crest Fest

Summer Sundries

Summer is in full swing at Willow-Witt Ranch!

We’re busy harvesting veggies for Crest campers (registration for future sessions still open!), wrangling goat babies, welcoming farm stay guests, and hosting community celebrations of life and love.

Hot tip: it’s usually about 10 degrees cooler up here than it is in the valley. Whenever you need to beat the heat, come on up to enjoy the views, walk the trails, say hi to the goats, or wander in the forest.

We’ll see you soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 26PM
Crest Fest 2026: Come explore the ranch and support the Crest with a fun filled afternoon of music, dancing, great food and wonderful people.

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 7-11PM
Moth Night with Pollinator Project Rogue Valley: A unique, family-friendly opportunity to experience nature after dark and learn about moth diversity. Want to make a night of it? Sleep over in one of the Crest tents.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 10AM-3PM
Rogue Valley Farm Tour: Taste and experience the delicious flavors of the Rogue Valley! Follow the RVFT map to visit unique agricultural destinations throughout Jackson and Josephine counties. We’re one of over 20 locations!

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 10:30AM-3PM
Petals & Pollinators: Creating Eco-Art with Zebith Thalden: Learn about the unique ecosystem of the Southern Cascades with Amanda Huffman, a wildlife biologist with a passion for native bees. Practice creative techniques for developing sketches with subjects that are buzzing from flower to flower!

Who’s Flying

They’re here! It’s that special time of the year when baby goats come tumbling into our lives and remind us just how cute critters can be!

Meet Jax and Java, two rambunctious kids from the “J-Girls,” who will soon be joined by Millie’s brood.

You’re welcome to come visit, but please don’t handle animals without supervision from ranch staff. And remember, horns are not handles!

What’s Blooming

Did you know that each week we harvest two bags of fresh, organic produce for every student attending The Crest’s Nature Day Camps?

This week, students will take home chard, kale, peas, lettuce, garlic scapes, and beets!

…and don’t forget!

You can find a 50% off coupon for BYO-tent camping in the Rogue Flavor Guide.

Book Your Adventure Now

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Camassia, also known as Camas Lily flowers in bloom

The Full Swing of Spring

Tall grass moved by the warming breeze
That carries the scent of evergreens, barnyard, wildflowers, and wetlands. A reminder, as it brushes the surface of skin, that we are here now, alive in this moment.

Like a rising tide, activities and excitement start to swell this time of year.

Just as Willow-Witt Ranch is a small slice within the diverse eco-system of the Cascade-Siskiyou Mountain Range, all who step foot, hoof, or paw on the ranch contribute to the unique feeling of connecting to this land. It is an honor to host community events, quiet getaways, and opportunities to come together. This high elevation ranch is home to many and open to all.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, May 25th 10am – 2pm: Memorial Day Open House at The Forest Conservation Burial Ground

Saturday, June 6th 9 am -12 pm: TURTLE TROT 5k/10k/Fun Run + Brunch

Sunday, July 12th 1 pm-6 pm: The CREST FEST 2026

Sunday, July 19th 10am – 3pm: Rogue Valley Farm Tour

a great grey owl flying across a field

Who’s Flying

The Forest Conservation Burial Ground appears to be home to one, or potentially several, Great Grey Owls. An evening visit is a great time to catch one in flight, or perched on a fence post, scanning the meadow for movement.

In Oregon, their breeding range is scattered from the Siskiyou Mountains in the southwest to the Blue Mountains in the northeast. Annually, this time of year, there are festivals that feature Great Grey Owls; The Ladd Marsh Festival in LaGrande and the Mountain Bird Festival in Ashland.

Great Grey Owls typically nest in coniferous forests, or mixed oak woodlands near meadows. They do not build nests, so will occupy previously used raptor nests or cavities in large trees to lay eggs and raise young. The Burial Ground likely has some wonderful options for them.

They have excellent hearing and can locate prey auditory and visually, mostly going for rodents and other small mammals.

The greatest threats to their survival are habitat loss and rodenticides. With a commitment to land conservation and a chemical free way of life, we hope to offer a safe environment for these magnificent creatures to thrive.

Source: Wikipedia

Camassia, also known as Camas Lily flowers in bloom

What’s Blooming

Camassia, also known as Camas Lily, is in full bloom almost a month earlier than expected! This perennial beauty is a delight to see, with its tall stalk and delicate flowers.

Indigenous peoples on this land cultivated, managed, and harvested Camassia for thousands of years. They used controlled burning to improve growing conditions and would harvest bulbs for an important food staple, leaving some aside for replanting. As part of our conservation efforts, we will disseminate some of the bulblets this year.

campground outdoor showers

Your Home Away From Home

exterior view of the 'raven' wall tent

At our campground, you’ll experience comfort and wild beauty while staying completely off-grid; powered by the sun and nourished by our pristine artesian spring water.

Our furnished Wall Tents are designed to make your getaway simple and comfortable:

  • 12 bring-your-own-tent sites (Find a 50% off coupon in the Rogue Flavor Guide)
  • 4-person & 4-person furnished wall tents
  • Small fireplaces to keep you cozy
  • Comfortable beds with linens and warm blankets provided
  • Private decks opening to meadows, forest, and star-studded skies

All guests — whether in a wall tent or your own tent site — enjoy:

  • 👩‍🍳 Fully stocked cookhouse including 2 fireplaces & everything you need to prepare a delicious meal and store your supplies.
  • 🚿 Heated outdoor showers & warm water in the bathhouse
  • 🚻 Gender-neutral bathrooms
  • 📶 WiFi throughout the campground
  • 🌲 Trails through alpine wetlands & forests just steps from your tent

Book Your Adventure Now

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The Crest Fest 2025 flyer

Plan Your Sunday: Crest Fest Is Almost Here!

The season is turning, the meadows are in bloom, and there’s no better way to welcome summer than by gathering together in celebration of land, learning, and connection. Crest Fest 2025 is almost here—join us this Sunday at Willow-Witt Ranch for a full day of music, baby goats, farm fun, and delicious local food, all in support of The Crest’s mission to connect people with the natural world.

Whether you’re a returning camper, a curious neighbor, or just looking for a reason to dance in the grass—this is your invitation to come up the mountain and soak up the fun!

The Crest Fest 2025 flyer

The Crest Fest is this Sunday!

Sunday, June 22 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Willow-Witt Ranch

Celebrate Summer, Music, Nature and Community at Willow-Witt Ranch

Admission
$20 Adults | $10 Youth (ages 6–16) | Free for Kids 5 & under
CREST Summer Campers get in FREE!
Tickets available online or in person at the Music Coop in Ashland

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music, nature, and community joy under the trees at Willow-Witt Ranch! Bring a picnic blanket, your dancing shoes, and your favorite people—we’ve got something for everyone.

Live Music Lineup
2:00 PM – Blueberry Blossoms (Kid-friendly folk & bluegrass)
3:15 PM – Mountaintop Sound (Feel-good jamgrass & harmony)
4:45 PM – Eight Dollar Mountain (High-energy bluegrass & dancing)

Nature Activities & Tours
1:30, 2:45 & 4:15 PM – Turtle Pond Walks (See endangered pond turtles!)
Farm Tours & Goat Hikes
Meet the Baby Goats
Kids’ Crafts & Activities
Catch the Turtle Trot winners on stage—let’s celebrate together!

Delicious Local Food & Drink
Sultan’s Delight – Authentic Turkish eats: gyros, dolmas, baklava & more
Carmen’s Tamales – Fresh, handmade tamales
Beer, wine & refreshing beverages available on site

All proceeds benefit The Crest, supporting our mission to connect youth with the natural world through outdoor education.

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