2008 Table Rocks Weekend Hike Spring Schedule

The Nature Conservancy and the BLM are offering their annual series of guided, educational walks on the Table Rocks in April and May. This popular weekend hike series promises a spectacular view of the valley, a natural wildflower display, and expert interpretation from specialists on the natural and cultural history of the area. Anyone from the community is welcome to sign up. There is no fee to participate, but reservations are required. To reserve a space on a hike call the BLM Medford District Office at (541) 618-2200. Participation is limited to 30 individuals per hike, unless other wise noted.

Participants should dress for the weather and should bring a lunch and something to drink. There is no drinking water at either Upper or Lower Table Rocks. Restrooms are available at both trailheads. To help protect this special place and its inhabitants, dogs are not allowed on the trail. The hikes range from three to five miles roundtrip along a moderate grade trail, and last three to five hours.

Saturday, April 5 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK

"Ethnobotany is the science of people's relationship with plants." Nancy Turner, Ethnobotanist

Come learn the various uses of the plants on the Table Rocks! Join Donn Todt, ethnobotanist and horticulturist for the Ashland Parks Department, on an exploration of local ethnobotany. Donn has published several articles on regional ethnobotany that have appeared in the Journal of California, Great Basin Anthropology, the Journal of Ethnobiology, and Southern Oregon Heritage Today. Participation will be limited to 25 individuals.

Sunday, April 6 10:00 am

LOWER TABLE ROCK Plants and Pools

Molly Sullivan, Southwest Oregon Stewardship Coordinator with The Nature Conservancy, and Armand Rebischke, a BLM botanist and Native Plant Society member will describe the remarkable features that make this preserve a botanical treasure and take fellow hikers up to the vernal pools to investigate the unique organisms that inhabit them.

Saturday, April 12 1:00 pm

UPPER TABLE ROCK Nature Photography

Join Terry Tuttle, retired forester and professional photographer on a nature photography hike. Wildflowers, landscape, and wildlife photography will be covered. Bring your camera and, if you have one, a light tripod. Terry will be joined by 2 members of the Southern Oregon Photo Association Club as well. For more information, visit www.sopacameraclub.org. Participation will be limited to 24 individuals.

Sunday, April 13 10:00 am

LOWER TABLE ROCK Wildflowers Abound

Barbara Mumblo, Botanist with the U.S. Forest Service, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District and member of the Native Plant Society of Oregon will lead a hike to discover the dazzling array of wildflowers found on the Table Rocks.

Saturday, April 19 10:00am

LOWER TABLE ROCK Spring in Bloom

Marcia Wineteer, Botanist with the BLM, will lead a hike that focuses on the spring wildflowers and native plant communities of the Table Rocks.

Sunday, April 20 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK Fire Ecology

Explore the important role of fire in the Rogue Valley with the BLM’s fire ecologist, Charley Martin. Learn how our landscape has adapted to survive and thrive with fire. Charley will be joined by Jena DeJuilio, BLM's fire effects monitor and Native Plant Society member, to enrich the hike.

Saturday, April 26 8:30 am

LOWER TABLE ROCK For the Early Birds

Harry Fuller, A Klamath Bird Observatory volunteer and experienced field trip leader, will take you to view the spring birds of Table Rocks. Learn identification tips and conservation information. Highlights may include Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Western Bluebirds, California Towhee, and migrating warblers. Buckbrush should be in bloom attracting hummingbirds. Bring binoculars and identification books if you desire. Participation will be limited to 15 individuals.

Sunday, April 27 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK Incredible Insects!

Dr. Peter Schroeder, Associate Professor of Biology and Entomologist at Southern Oregon University will lead a hike to explore and discuss the amazing natural history and ecology of the 6 and 8-legged animals found on and around the Table Rocks.

Saturday, May 3 10:00 am

LOWER TABLE ROCK Legacy of a Landmark

Jeff Lalande, archaeologist and historian for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, will discuss the role of the Table Rocks in the culture and legends of the Takelma Indians, as well as some history of the Table Rock area during the "Indian Wars" of the 1850s.

Sunday, May 4 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK Layers of Time

Bill Elliott, Assistant Professor of Geology at Southern Oregon University, will describe the formation of the Table Rocks and unique geological features observed along a hike to the wildflower-covered top of this ancient lava flow.

Saturday, May 10 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK Wonderful Wildlife

Come learn about life in the wild with Jeff Stephens, Wildlife Biologist for the BLM, on a hike investigating the biology and ecology of animals found on and around the Table Rocks.

Sunday, May 11 10:00 am - Mothers Day

LOWER TABLE ROCK Family Hike

Join Greta Gardiner, a BLM environmental interpreter, on a family hike to the top of the rock! This is a general information hike suitable for all ages. Topics will include plant and flower identification and the cultural history of the area. Bring water, your lunch, and your curiosity!

Saturday, May 17 10:00 am

LOWER TABLE ROCK Living with "Titanakh"

Come discover the unique cultural history, ethnobotany, and general ecology of the Table Rocks with BLM naturalist Leah Schrodt.

Sunday, May 18 10:00 am

UPPER TABLE ROCK Nature Sketching

Join illustrator and naturalist Irene Brady on a nature sketching trip. Get advice from this skilled professional as you recreate the beauty of the Table Rocks. Bring a camera if you wish. If it rains, we'll skip the sketching to explore and enjoy Table Rocks natural history. Bring your sketchpad, drawing tools, waterproof sitter, sack lunch and water bottle. For more information about Irene see www.natureworkspress.com. Participation will be limited to 12 individuals.