Published June 19, 2026
We’re excited to kick off the 14th Annual Ashland Watershed Youth Ecological Training & Employment Program!
This week, 20 youth ages 16–18 from the Rogue Valley and surrounding rural communities began their four-week paid training experience with a team-building hike through Siskiyou Mountain Park and welcome presentations from Lomakatsi staff.
Throughout the program, participants will explore careers in natural resources, learn about ecology, and gain hands-on field experience in forestry and ecological restoration through collaborative projects with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, City of Ashland, and other partners across southern Oregon.
This week’s projects included removing invasive plant species in the Applegate Lake area and helping maintain the Seven Mile Ridge Trail on the U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
We look forward to following the crew throughout the summer as they build skills, deepen their connection to the land, and contribute to meaningful stewardship projects!
