Bees of the Table Rocks

Join me for a hike on Table Rock! *virtually*

From The Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy:

“Signs of Spring” Continues in May [and June] at the Table Rocks

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Medford Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Signs of Spring @ the Table Rocks continues to provide an educational and entertaining way for hikers to enjoy the Upper and Lower Table Rock during this time of social distancing. The sign project features rotating topics on temporary signs along the trails to highlight the variety and uniqueness of nature found at the Table Rocks.

Signs about bees and other pollinators will be displayed during May [and June] with material provided by Sarah Red-Laird, founder and executive director of the Bee Girl organization. The signs will include links to videos with more information about bees and pollination. Field biologist Frank Lospalluto will lend his expertise for another series of signs about Table Rocks birds and their habitats. Frank has led field trips for the Klamath Bird Observatory, Rogue Valley Audubon Society, and Southern Oregon Land Conservancy.

“We couldn’t have created Signs of Springs without our past volunteer hike leaders who generously modified their in-person hikes in this creative way,” said Molly Morison, TNC’s SW Oregon preserves manager. “The signs project also gave us the chance to involve new volunteers who let us use their poetry for the April signs.”

Additionally, the Agents of Discovery smartphone application for kids is yet another way young hikers can experience nature at the Table Rocks. The app contains missions and challenges to encourage them to engage and interact with their environment as they hike along the trails. Watch for the poster announcing the app’s launch on the bulletin boards at the trailheads. The app, which can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play, has several features that make exploring fun, easy, and educational. Users assume the exciting role of a secret agent on a mission as they gain new insights into the natural world.

Hikers should wear face masks when physical distance cannot be maintained. Please hike responsibly!