Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative

06/01/2026

Learn here from local fire science students how smoke can affect your health. Are you at higher risk of smoke exposure? Check out resources to support clean air in your community here https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires

06/01/2026

Did you see smoke this spring? Our partners have been hard at work over the last 15 years to make the Ashland watershed more resilient to wildfire and to improve safety for firefighters and the whole Ashland community. Ecological thinning and prescribed fire can reduce wildfire severity by 70% and improve the health of big old legacy trees. Thanks to the Oregonian for covering this important story of success!

https://www.oregonlive.com/wildfires/2026/05/a-powerful-partnership-aims-to-save-an-oregon-city-from-wildfire-decision-makers-are-taking-notes.html?outputType=amp

Lomakatsi Restoration Project U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Ashland Fire & Rescue City of Ashland Oregon The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

Tribal fire crews use controlled burns and forest thinning techniques passed down for centuries, proving that "good fire" can help stop devastating wildfires before they start.

05/29/2026

Check out this website made by local high school students!
Four students from NVHS put together a flyer and a website to educate their community about fire preparedness.
https://sites.google.com/trsdstudents.org/fireprecautionshomehardening/home
Check it out!

05/28/2026

Does your family have a Go-Bag prepared in case of emergency?

Before fire season begins, it is always a good idea to have a go-bag, know your evacuation plan, connect with local resources, and know your evacuation zones.
Some of our local high school students have prepared materials to educate their friends, family, and community on fire safety and preparation.
What's in your go bag?

05/28/2026

Are you and your family prepared for wildfire season? Check out these student-made resources to learn how you can be ready and safe living in a fire-prone environment!

05/27/2026

High school students in Josephine County have been working toward summer by creating resources for their community to be prepared for fire season! Check out some of these flyers made by North Valley students who posts materials like this on their Instagram page

05/26/2026

Check out our impressive high school students from Grants Pass providing a defensible space assessment, public education pamphlets, and fuel reduction work for a local business! Way to go stoods!👏🔥🌲

North Valley High School students from Fire Science Class came to pay us a visit and inspect our building to make sure we are safe from potential wild fires. They did an amazing job. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

04/30/2026

Got plans for the weekend? Join us Saturday May 2 for Sparking Action!
🔥 Watch live fire science demonstrations
🚒 Meet firefighters and Smokey Bear
🛠 Build a free DIY air filter
🎒 Start a go-bag
🌿 Learn from student-led restoration and fuel reduction projects
💃 Enjoy a performance by Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre at 12 PM
🎬 Attend a screening of Embers of Awakening and hear from youth panelists
🎨 Meet teen artists at the For Love of Nature exhibition reception

Come learn practical tools, connect with neighbors, and explore ways we can care for one another during wildfire season.

Learn more at ScienceWorksMuseum.org/Sparking-Action
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Ashland Fire & Rescue
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
Rogue Climate
Sustainability at SOU
Anima Mundi Productions
City of Ashland Oregon
Rogue Food Unites - RFU

04/28/2026

Indigenous fire carriers were the original stewards of Southern Oregon forests. The forests we love today evolved alongside the people who lived here for thousands of years. We are so inspired and excited to see this movement of Indigenous leadership and knowledge growing across the region. Big thanks to OPB for highlighting this important story, and to Siskiyou Field Institute and Jackson County Extension - Oregon State University for their contributions!

Read more here: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/26/indigenous-leaders-carrying-fire/

Want to learn more about Indigenous use of fire? Come to Sparking Action! - a community wildfire preparedness event at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum on Saturday, 10-6pm. Free and open to all ages!

The fire scars in Oregon forests tell a story, and it’s a familiar one to Indigenous communities.

04/27/2026

Wildfire preparedness can feel overwhelming — but it can also be empowering, creative, and community-driven.

Join us for the 3rd annual Sparking Action! community wildfire preparedness event on Saturday, May 2 from 10 AM to 6 PM at ScienceWorks. Admission is free for the day.

Presented by Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative and community partners, this all-ages event brings together fire science, art, culture, and practical preparedness tools in one welcoming space.

This year, youth voices are at the heart of the event — highlighting how young people are already helping build a more resilient future.

As Jennifer Payne, Education Program Director at SOFRC, shares:
“Wildfire preparedness works best when it reaches everyone, and art, cultural performance, and Indigenous knowledge are how we extend that invitation. These elements are essential tools for building the trust and connection that make true community resilience possible.”

Throughout the day you can:
🔥 Watch live fire science demonstrations
🚒 Meet firefighters and Smokey Bear
🛠 Build a free DIY air filter
🎒 Start a go-bag
🌿 Learn from student-led restoration and fuel reduction projects
💃 Enjoy a performance by Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre at 12 PM
🎬 Attend a screening of Embers of Awakening and hear from youth panelists
🎨 Meet teen artists at the For Love of Nature exhibition reception

Come learn practical tools, connect with neighbors, and explore ways we can care for one another during wildfire season.

Learn more at ScienceWorksMuseum.org/Sparking-Action

Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative
Ashland Fire & Rescue
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
Rogue Climate
Sustainability at SOU
Anima Mundi Productions
City of Ashland Oregon
Rogue Food Unites - RFU