The Applegater

4 Spring 2019 Applegater Let our advertisers know that you saw their ad in the Applegater. As Pacifica turns 20, its board is excited for new growth and deeper community engagement. Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous was founded in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with this mission statement: "A unique 400- plus acre natural reserve dedicated to education and to the celebration of the environment, plants, the arts, and community." With an overarching dedication to community well-being, Pacifica's grounds are a de facto park open during daylight hours for hiking, birding, fishing, horseback riding, picnics, disc golf, and an appreciation of magnificent nature. Pacifica is also home to Forestfarm Nursery, where locals can purchase trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and unusual edibles on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 am - 3 pm. In addition to a community gathering spot, Pacifica is a natural classroom for all ages. For over 19 years, we have hosted thousands of children on day trips, combining our "outdoor classroom" with our mobile Caterpillar, and now we have "PODS," an overnight outdoor school program that brings students into deeper relationship with the land. The arts share center stage with nature education as Pacifica expands as a vibrant Applegate Valley arts center. Over the years the quantity of arts and craft classes, concerts, dances, etc., has ebbed and flowed. It is our new board's vision to develop regularly scheduled offerings of community classes, concerts featuring local and touring musicians, a resident theatre company, and an arts guild featuring classes and studios. Anniversary celebration in April Under the guidance of its new board chair, Geri Littlejohn, planning is under way for a 20th Anniversary Celebration on April 20. The celebration will be an opportunity to experience much of what Pacifica has to offer. Wander the trails or take a guided walk. Come early for exceptional bird-watching or come later to check out the new bird and animal logbook near the catch-and-release fishing pond, where over 100 species of birds have been sighted. The Caterpillar mobile schoolrooms will be open for interactive activities for all ages. The low ropes challenge course and climbing wall will be open. Disc golf clinics will introduce players to the game and the course layout. Visitors can also enjoy new stairs, improved trails, interpretive stations, an earth loom, expanded signage, and a pollinator garden—contributions of the recent AmeriCorps team. The fragrant garden recently planted next to the labyrinth should be full of daffodils and spring blooming varietals as days lengthen and temperatures rise. We are also open to new teachers for more offerings that highlight our mission. This family-friendly celebration will be free to the public. In the evening, there will be great music for a great price. During the celebration, we intend to highlight the passion and tenacity of board members, who will be leading some of the activities. We hope to inspire you to add your interests and energies to ours as we rev up to plan regular offerings, special events, and a new membership program with alluring advantages. The celebration schedule and updates will be available on our website at pacificagarden.org or our Facebook page (Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous). More exciting news. Ground was broken for the long-awaited restrooms and showers. We've raised $100,000 for the exterior and are starting a campaign to raise the final $60,000 to finish the interior. A generous backer Pacifica: A rebirth at 20 BY GERI LITTLEJOHN has offered a matching grant of up to $30,000 through April 15. Ready for real restrooms at Pacifica? Please donate through PayPal on our website or mail a check to PO Box 1, Williams, OR 97544 noting "for restrooms." As we turn 20, we invite you to consider Pacifica your "refugium," a place of sanity in a challenging world, a place to deepen your relationship with nature and to be creative and learn, celebrate and share your gifts. Stay tuned for our open "listening sessions" to discover Pacifica, A Garden in the Siskiyous, is located at 14615 Water Gap Road in Williams. more of what you, our community, want and need. Help Pacifica become our community center. What are you passionate about? What would inspire you to become a member to help make community dreams sustainable realities? Come dream, play, and work with us. Bring your ideas, energy, and passion. Come celebrate with us. Get to know us. Support us. Become us. Geri Littlejohn Chair, Board of Directors, Pacifica gerilittlejohn@gmail.com Design of Pacifica's new bathrooms Licensed Bonded Insured Since 1988 The Cleaning Crew, LLC Professional Cleaning Services Natural Products Used TheCleaningCrewOnLine.com Windows, Gutters Pressure Washing Homes • Offices • Rentals

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