Trek to the Fen at Sharon Fen Preserve

Description

Spring on spongy soils at the Sharon Fen Preserve! This hike with Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, will include an expansive view of a unique landform, a brief history of the geologic history, and discussions about the general ecology of this particular type of wetland. With favorable conditions, there is also an opportunity to see infrastructure from decades past and to test the load bearing qualities of floating mats of moss.

Due to fire restrictions, we will not drive on the road to the fen, but we will hike it! Expect a long day of walking, with 1,300 feet of elevation gain to access the fen and a roundtrip hike of 6 miles that is considered moderate-to-hard in difficulty. Please keep in mind that this hike is more intensive than any of our other hikes. It is only recommended for those who are comfortable with long hikes that take a full day. If you are not sure if this hike is the best fit for you, then please call Rebekah at 541-482-3069 (Ext 112) to chat more.

Date and Time

Saturday, September 13, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Location

Rite Aid Parking Lot, 2341 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520

(Carpooling Required for Sharon Fen Preserve Due to Road Conditions)

Focus

General Ecology

Guide

Rebekah Bergkoetter, Stewardship Manager, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

Hiker Limit

10 Hikers

Difficulty

Difficult, Low Speed, Hiking Off-Trail, Uneven Terrain

Visitors will be walking on difficult terrain that may require bending and long strides. There will also be an opportunity to walk onto the fen, which is unstable and wet. Expect a long day of walking, with 1,300 feet of elevation gain to access the fen and a roundtrip hike of 6 miles with steep sections and off-trail bush-whacking.

Bathroom

None

Pet Policy

This property is protected to conserve special habitats. Therefore, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Certified Assistance Dogs that have been certified at a training facility by an Assistance Dogs International, Inc. will be the only dogs that are allowed.

If you have any questions, please contact Paige Gerhard, Event and Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-482-3069 (Ext 107) or email [email protected]. You can also visit our website.

Host or Publisher Southern Oregon Land Conservancy