Fw: News Release: BLM to host 40th annual Table Rocks free weekend hike series
Allen, Molly M
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 10:23 AM
To: BLM_OR_MD_ALL <BLM_OR...@blm.gov>
Subject: News Release: BLM to host 40th annual Table Rocks free weekend hike series
Oregon/Washington
Nature Rocks! Join botanist Chamise Kramer and Molly Allen, BLM environmental education specialist, for a family-friendly general information hike on Upper Table Rock. This engaging walk will explore a little bit of everything—wildflowers, ethnobotany, geology, wildlife, ecology, and the rich cultural history of the Table Rocks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, there’s always something new to discover. Bring your curiosity and your sense of adventure!
Sunday, April 12 — Lower Table Rocks — 9:00 AM
Oaks, Fire, and Restoration at Table Rocks: Join Aubrey May, Southwest Oregon Preserve and Forest Manager at The Nature Conservancy, and members of the Klamath-Siskiyou Oak Network, for a guided hike exploring the remarkable oak ecosystems of Table Rocks. Participants will learn how fire, climate, and land management have shaped these landscapes and how collaborative restoration efforts are helping sustain oak woodlands and the wildlife that depend on them. Along the trail, we’ll explore the ecology of oak communities, discuss the impacts of fire suppression and invasive species, and share how regional partners are working together to restore resilient oak habitats through stewardship across public and private lands.
Layers of Time: Discover the ancient story written in stone at Upper Table Rock with Jad D’Allura, Southern Oregon University professor emeritus of geology, and Joni Brazier, U.S. Forest Service soil scientist. On this guided hike to the top of the mesa, you’ll explore the volcanic origins, unique geological formations, and distinctive soils that make the Table Rocks such a fascinating landscape. Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural forces that shaped this iconic feature of the Rogue Valley over millions of years.
Walk on the Wild Side: Join BLM wildlife biologists Eli Rose and Breanna Dimartino for a guided wildlife hike to discover the rich diversity of species that thrive here and explore the variety of habitats that support them—from oak woodlands to open grasslands and seasonal wetlands. Along the way, we’ll become wildlife detectives, searching for clues like tracks, scat, feathers, and nests while learning how animals adapt to the changing seasons of southern Oregon. This hike offers a chance to slow down, observe, and deepen your connection to the wild side of the Table Rocks.
For the Early Birds: Rise and shine for a spring birding adventure at Lower Table Rock! Join local experts Bob Quaccia of the Rogue Valley Audubon Society and Frank Lospalluto of the Klamath Bird Observatory to discover the diverse birdlife on the Table Rocks. Participants will learn bird identification tips, listening skills, and insights into ongoing conservation efforts. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them and be ready to greet the morning chorus. Participation is limited to 20 individuals.
Plants in Motion—Community Stewardship Day: Join BLM botanist Florinda Cardoso for a guided hike exploring the spring bloom at Upper Table Rock and the ways plant communities change over time. We’ll take a closer look at invasive species present on and around the mesa, how we define and think about them, and how they influence long-term ecosystem health. This hike goes beyond observation. Participants will have the opportunity to assist with light stewardship activities focused on reducing invasive plant impacts. No experience is necessary; materials and guidance will be provided.
Camp White: “The Alcatraz of Boot Camps”: Step back into the World War II era with BLM archaeologists Jennifer Sigler and Dakota Slaton as you explore the powerful history of Camp White. During the war, Southern Oregon served as a major training ground for U.S. troops preparing for deployment. Participants will visit the remains of the Camp White “Fortified Zone,” including concrete pillboxes once used for infantry training exercises. Because there is no trail, wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Limited to 15 individuals.
Be Dazzled by Bees: Join BLM wildlife biologist Amanda Huffman and volunteer with the Oregon Bee Atlas and USFS wildlife biologist Izzy Vilella-Arnizaut for an up-close exploration of the buzzing world of native bees. Participants will get a chance to observe these incredible pollinators in action while learning about their behavior, ecology, and importance to the environment. Each participant will be taught the basics of safe catch and release and will have their own net and jar to observe them up close! Space is limited to 15 individuals, so don’t miss your chance to get “bee dazzled!” Limited to 15 individuals.
Uncovering the Botanical Treasures of the Table Rocks: Join BLM botanist Karla Alvarado and Matt Dybala, President of the Siskiyou Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, for a guided botanical exploration where we’ll visit four distinct plant communities and learn the basics of botanical terminology, plant keying, and species identification. Along the way, we’ll discuss the ecological and geological forces that shape this landscape as well as the cultural and ethnobotanical history of the area. This hike offers excellent opportunities to see spring wildflowers, endemic species, and the unique flora of the vernal pools atop the plateau. With a bit of luck, we may encounter the threatened dwarf woolly meadowfoam, found only at the Table Rocks.
Table Rocks After Dark: Exploring Local Bat and Owl Ecology: Explore the nocturnal world of the Table Rocks on this half-mile evening hike with BLM wildlife biologist emeritus Steve Godwin and current BLM wildlife biologist Emma Busk. Learn about the fascinating adaptations and behaviors of local bats, owls, and other night-active creatures during a short pre-hike presentation. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating facts about bats, their behaviors, and their vital role in the ecosystem. The biologists will attempt to lure pygmy, great horned, and screech owls—though no guarantees! Bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes.
Kyle Sullivan
Public Affairs Specialist, BLM-OR/WA
U.S. Department of the Interior
Phone: 541-618-2340
Email: ksullivan@blm.gov
Allen, Molly M
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 11:35 AM
To: SOREEL <sor...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fw: News Release: BLM to host 40th annual Table Rocks free weekend hike series
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