Trail Talk – December 2018/January 2019

What is a forest park? Jacksonville boasts both a Woodlands and a Forest Park. Portland has a Forest Park also. Ashland’s forest park is along Ashland Creek and is named Lithia Park. Another park there is Oredsen-Todd Woods. Medford maintains Prescott Park on RoxyAnn Peak. Surprisingly, this type of park is often overlooked in urban planning, and most city parks end up in cookie-cutter style with playgrounds and picnic areas, and a band shell thrown in for good measure.

It’s important to realize that a forest park is not just a name, but is a concept, as well. Much as one would expect to play sports in a sports park, one should expect to enjoy the forest in a forest park. What one won’t find in most forest parks or woodlands is extensive development of playgrounds, paved roadways, flush toilets and drinking fountains, or motorized recreation. Many don’t even allow mechanical contrivances like drones buzzing overhead or bicycles and skateboards anywhere but on those few paved roadways.

A few shelters and viewpoints, some thoughtfully placed benches or picnic areas, a footbridge here and there, some vault toilets or Porta-Potties: these are the few structures one might encounter on a day spent in these valued assets. Because, simply put, the focus is the forest itself. The concept of the park is to immerse oneself in the natural environment, to contemplate one’s surroundings, and to be in the present. One would expect to encounter some wildlife, and one should always be aware of “Place” with a capital P.

To live in an area that places such a premium value on open space should never be taken for granted. Accessible public lands are a birthright of a healthy civic mindset. Edward Abbey argued that no society could even be considered civilized without a healthy wilderness. This is why we are enthusiastic about our woodland areas and our forested parklands. This is why we are happy to share these open spaces with folks who practice their outdoor recreation in a variety of ways.

So get out this winter and explore these areas so close to home. Climb Table Rocks and view your valley and surrounding mountains. Climb up through Prescott Park and see Medford from on high. Wander through Lithia Park and its expansive gardens along the rushing waters of Ashland Creek.

And closer to home, visit the Beekman Arboretum and the cemetery and marvel at the pioneer spirit that founded our hometown. Shuffle through the fallen leaves and acorns of the Woodlands above Britt Gardens, hoping to catch a glimpse of Acorn Woodpecker. Sit in wonder at the bench on Shade Creek Trail, below the Pacific yew tree and marvel at Pacific wren as he sings his heart out. Stand in awe, catching your breath, as you look out over Jacksonville and Bear Creek Valley from Twin Peaks Trail. Tunnel through the manzanita bedecked with old man’s beard on Halls of Manzanita Trail. Look for Great Gray Owl as he surveys his territory along Jackson Creek Nature Trail.

This is your world to enjoy. Find yourself inspired.