Education Center Debuts along Deer Creek

The Deer Creek Ranch that Western Rivers Conservancy purchased in January 2006 will open its doors this summer as an education center and field research station, home to the Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI).

The 870-acre property and existing ranch house provide access to rare plant communities, serpentine geology and two salmon-bearing streams, Deer Creek and Squaw Creek. Deer Creek is a major tributary to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River, a scenic centerpiece to the biologically rich Klamath-Siskiyou region.

"This marks the beginning of what will become a hub of environmental education and awareness in the Klamath-Siskiyou region," said Phil Wallin, Western Rivers Conservancy's President. "The property includes stretches of Deer and Squaw Creeks that will be conserved forever, which is great news for the health of the Illinois River as a whole."

"The Deer Creek center is the ideal home for the Siskiyou Field Institute and Southern Oregon University," said Sue Parish, Director of the SFI. Southern Oregon University and Humboldt State University will utilize the center for field research and coursework.

This summer, the center will offer courses for the general public including Salmon Snorkeling, Exploring the Forest Canopy, Lichen Dyeing and Siskiyou Photography. Visit the Siskiyou Field Institute website for more information.