Redwood Exploration and Medicine Making
Join Herbalist and Wellness Educator Frances O’Halloran of LoveJoy Botanicals for an afternoon of redwood exploration at Yakona Nature Preserve.
Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) represent ancient wisdom and are known as the wisdom keepers. Their medicine offers grounding presence, stability and the sacredness of community. Our exploration will begin with a short redwood meditation, followed by sampling a ‘bouquet’ of redwood remedies, ethically harvesting the redwood tips, and then crafting a fresh redwood remedy of your choice. Recipes and suggestions included.
details:
Registration required.
Ages 16+ (if accompanied by an adult).
Event is free; donations are welcome.
No experience necessary. All materials will be provided.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
this class is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.
artist bio
Frances O’Halloran is an herbalist, wildcrafter, mother, medicine maker, passionate kitchen witch, teacher, reiki master, gardener, baker, and certified yoga instructor. She has been working, playing, crafting, and meditating with plants for over two decades. Her lifelong passion for optimal health, gardening, and crafting, along with a dream of living a more herbally abundant and creative life, led her to create LoveJoy Botanicals. She finds fulfillment in sharing her herbal creations and assisting people in reconnecting with the healing powers of the plant ‘queendom’.
Since 1999 Frances has been living, learning, loving and teaching the herbal way. She feels blessed and grateful to have this connection and calling that is sweetly healing and fulfilling. It is her honor and pleasure to share her knowledge and wisdom with others.
Nature Journaling for All
No need to feel like an artist to join this adventure in nature journaling! We’ll discuss the basics of how to approach nature journaling, and how to personalize the process. The emphasis of this class will be on cultivating a relationship with the natural world through reflection, writing, creative movement, engaging activities, and community discussion. This class is geared toward those of all ages and levels of exposure to nature journaling.
details:
Registration required.
Ages 10+ (if accompanied by an adult)
Event is free; donations are welcome.
No experience necessary. All materials will be provided.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
artist bio
Juniper has been a teacher in a variety of capacities for over nine years now. Her background is in herbalism, education, Jungian psychology, mythic studies, and is working on accreditation for sylvotherapy (Forest therapy). She has a Masters in Curriculum and Design from Portland State and is a certified Forest Educator with the CedarSong Way. She has studied under Colette Gardiner, and partners with the Rewild Program of Portland, OR. She loves stinging nettles, storytelling and taking naps with the trees.
Interpretive Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
details:
Registration required..
Event is free; donations are welcome.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
Conversations in Yakona
Does Nature Have a Purpose? Exploring Our Relationship to the Land.
Join us for a community conversation about the role of nature in our lives. This conversation, presented in partnership with Oregon Humanities, is an opportunity to reflect on our ideas and experiences derived from our engagement with the natural world. We will explore our attitudes and assumptions about the purpose of the environment in our lives and consider how those attitudes and assumptions shape our perception of environmental issues and policies.
This conversation will be facilitated by Ruby McConnell. To learn more, visit her website at www.rubymcconnell.com.
This event will be the inaugural Conversations in Yakona. Our new program will host gatherings of community members led by a facilitator in discussions that are thought-provoking, inspire reflection, and nurture a deepened understanding of our place in the natural world. We invite you to join us for this first event and hope you’ll be on the lookout for upcoming Conversations in Yakona.
details:
Registration required
Event is free; donations are welcome.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Nature Mandalas
Sacred Geometry & Mandala Creation: A Journey Through Geometry and Nature
Explore the ancient art of mandalas and sacred geometry in this hands-on workshop. You’ll begin by learning the principles behind sacred geometry, including the powerful Flower of Life pattern. Using compasses, you’ll draw this intricate design as a foundation for your own unique creation.
With your Flower of Life as a guide, you'll then move into the creative process, incorporating natural shapes, symbols, and elements into your personal mandala. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and those familiar with art, offering a space to connect with geometry, nature, and your own inner creativity.
By the end of the session, you'll leave with a beautifully designed mandala that reflects both ancient wisdom and your own personal vision.
Details:
Registration required.
Ages 12+ (if accompanied by adult).
Event is free; donations are welcome.
All materials will be provided.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
this class is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.
artist bio
Rena Ekmanis is a multi-media artist and illustrator living on the majestic Oregon Coast. Rena’s art expresses her love and fascination with the natural wonders of this earth. A majority of her work is about the ocean and marine life, especially endangered species. She creates art that seeks to bring awareness to the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and natural environments. Rena earned a BFA in Drawing from California College of the Arts and a graduate certificate in Science Illustration from California State University at Monterey Bay.
Visit Rena’s website: www.renatureart.com
Interpretive Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
details:
Registration required.
Event is free; donations are welcome.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Eco Printing
Ignite your creativity and connect with nature through botanical printing! In this hands-on workshop, Yakona’s Arts & Engagement Manager, Rena Olson, will teach you how to make botanical prints by transferring the natural pigments found in plants directly onto fabric. Explore the beauty of leaves, flowers, and other organic materials, while also discovering the art of using a natural "dye blanket" to create colorful backgrounds. Whether you're new to eco printing or looking to expand your skills, this class offers a unique opportunity to work with the natural world to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
details:
Registration required.
Ages 18+
Event is free; donations are welcome.
No experience necessary. All materials will be provided.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
this class is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.
artist bio
Rena Olson is a versatile artisan whose creative journey spans photography, glass fusing, jewelry making, and eco-conscious crafts. Starting as a professional photographer, she captures nature's beauty and documents conservation efforts from the sky, using her work to raise awareness for environmental causes. Her passion for craftsmanship extends to creating organic bath & body products, artisanal candles, and textiles dyed through sustainable methods, such as botanical dyes and eco-printing. Rena's art is a seamless blend of nature, beauty, and purpose, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and her deep connection to the earth. Through each medium, she tells stories that are both timeless and personally meaningful.
Intuitive Approach to Plant Knowledge
Learning the language of plants doesn't have to be difficult or intimidating. Identifying plants typically came first through intuitive perception, and naming came later based on the plants' properties.
This class moves away from an academic approach to classification and introduces the idea that the plants themselves can serve as our guides. Through mindful practices of stillness and whole-body listening, we will engage both the mind and body in a different way of learning about the properties of plants and trees, as well as their names and phenologies. Participants will leave with an intuitive approach and common mnemonics to help build a more intimate relationship with their environment.
details:
Registration required.
Ages 18+
Event is free; donations are welcome.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
artist bio
Juniper has been a teacher in a variety of capacities for over nine years now. Her background is in herbalism, education, Jungian psychology, mythic studies, and is working on accreditation for sylvotherapy (Forest therapy). She has a Masters in Curriculum and Design from Portland State and is a certified Forest Educator with the CedarSong Way. She has studied under Colette Gardiner, and partners with the Rewild Program of Portland, OR. She loves stinging nettles, storytelling and taking naps with the trees.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Stitching With Leaves
Stitching with Leaves: Using Nature in Embroidery and Collage
Students will learn basic embroidery techniques and use stitching and collage to create art pieces that include leaves and other finds from nature. Piecing together leaves and other found objects allows participants to explore their familiar ecosystem in an unfamiliar way and gain more intimate knowledge of the natural elements that surround us in our daily lives.
Details:
Registration required.
Ages 6+ (if accompanied by adult).
Event is free; donations are welcome.
No experience necessary. All materials will be provided.
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
artist bio
Emma Gleeman is a scientist and artist who uses fiber and multimedia art to explore topics of memory, place attachment, and human relationship with nature. She recently completed a Master’s in Geography and Geospatial Science at Oregon State University working with Latinx and migrant youth to explore the reality of living in a coastal hazard zone using storytelling, nature journaling, and photography. She is a 2024-2025 Art-Sci Fellow at the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts.
Interpretive Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
details:
Registration required.
Event is free; donations are welcome.
Carpooling will be necessary for the 2-mile drive into Yakona. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but be aware we'll be driving on logging roads, so decent ground clearance is recommended for passenger cars.
Fall Colors and migratory birds at Yakona Nature Preserve
The fall colors will be at their peak! Join Yakona staff for a stroll in the crisp autumnal air while seeking out migratory birds. Bring binoculars to witness avian wonders in the many habitats we will explore, ranging from river wetlands to treetops. This moderate 3-3.5 mile hike is offered rain or shine, although heavy winds will cancel.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
this hike is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.
Group Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
This hike is full. Please register if you would like to be put on our waitlist.
Wild Spruce Medicine Making
Join Herbalist + Wellness Educator Frances O’Halloran of LoveJoy Botanicals for an afternoon of Sitka spruce exploration at Yakona Nature Preserve. In this journey, expect to be immersed in the beauty of ancient evergreen trees, specifically the Picea sitchensis/Sitka spruce. Spruce is one of the predominant evergreens on the coast and offers heart-expanding beauty and deep medicine. Our exploration begins with a short spruce meditation, followed by sampling a ‘bouquet’ of spruce remedies, ethically harvesting the spruce boughs, and crafting a fresh spruce remedy of your choice. Recipes and suggestions will be shared. As a bonus, Rena Olson, Yakona’s Art & Engagement Manager, will lead a captivating discovery walk, offering insights into the area's dominant coniferous trees and the rich history of Yakona.
DETAILS:
Class size is limited to 15 people
No experience necessary. All materials will be provided
Event is free; donations are welcome
Workshop will be held at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center
this class is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.
Eco Printing Workshop
Experience the magic of eco printing; a process of making direct contact botanical prints from the natural pigments found in plants.
During this workshop, participants will explore the alchemy of fire, water, and plant materials to create unique botanical prints on fiber. The unpredictable, often surprising result is what makes the process of eco printing so exciting. Prepare to be wowed by Mother Nature’s magic!
Botanical Bas Relief
Learn how to create elegant botanical plaster reliefs at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Participants will learn how to preserve nature’s inherent beauty and complexity in their own unique botanical bas relief cast. In this workshop, Rena will invite you to look more closely at plants while sharing how to work with clay, create a mold, and use gypsum to make delicate décor for your home.
Art and Ecology of the Pacific Temperate Rainforest Workshop Series
Join us on the south shore of Yaquina Bay to explore the art and ecology of Yakona Nature Preserve. We will combine natural history talks and hands-on sketching workshops. You will develop your own field journal with fun, no-pressure sketching exercises to help you draw what you see. Appropriate for all levels of art experience and ecological training. Involves light to moderate hiking on hilly terrain.
Group Hike
This hike is full. Please register if you would like to be placed on our waiting list.
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Bamboo Flute workshop
Craft a beautiful woodwind instrument from bamboo at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center. In this workshop, Alex Llumiquinga will teach you to create, decorate, and play your very own bamboo flute.
Group Hike
This hike is full. Please register if you would like to be placed on our waiting list.
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
What you need to know:
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This three-mile hike traverses mostly hilly terrain: those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, and balance problems will find this a difficult hike. Many long grades are 12%, and two short ones are nearly 20%.
Registration is required. Please include your full name(s), number in party, and mobile phone number in order to receive text updates in case we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.
Eco Printing Workshop
Experience the magic of eco printing; a process of making direct contact botanical prints from the natural pigments found in plants.
During this workshop, participants will explore the alchemy of fire, water, and plant materials to create unique botanical prints on fiber. The unpredictable, often surprising result is what makes the process of eco printing so exciting. Prepare to be wowed by Mother Nature’s magic!
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Botanical Bas Relief
Learn how to create elegant botanical plaster reliefs at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center.
Participants will learn how to preserve nature’s inherent beauty and complexity in their own unique botanical bas relief cast. In this workshop, Rena will invite you to look more closely at plants while sharing how to work with clay, create a mold, and use gypsum to make delicate décor for your home.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Discovery Walk & Nature Journaling
Who: Homeschool Youth & Families
What: Take a guided walk through Yakona’s forests to observe a variety of ferns, fungi, moss, lichen, trees, and more. Utilizing guided imagery, you will sketch, write, and perform plant and bark rubbings in your nature journals.
Why: A nature journal is a lens that focuses your attention, enriches your experiences, and expands your skills as a naturalist. It is a practice that enhances your observations, curiosity, gratitude, reverence, memory, and joy. It helps you discover, think, and remember.
Where: Yakona Nature Preserve in South Beach, Oregon
DETAILS:
Youth must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Nature journals will be provided
Space is limited. Registration will close early if we reach capacity
This event is free. Donations are welcome
We will hike on established trails. We may experience elevation gain/loss of 250-300 feet multiple times
Event will be canceled/rescheduled in the case of wind
REGISTration is closed for this event.
Group Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet several times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
Discovery Walk & Nature Journaling
Who: Homeschool Youth & Families
What: Take a guided walk through Yakona’s forests to observe a variety of ferns, fungi, moss, lichen, trees, and more. Utilizing guided imagery, you will sketch, write, and perform plant and bark rubbings in your nature journals.
Why: A nature journal is a lens that focuses your attention, enriches your experiences, and expands your skills as a naturalist. It is a practice that enhances your observations, curiosity, gratitude, reverence, memory, and joy. It helps you discover, think, and remember.
Where: Yakona Nature Preserve in South Beach, Oregon
DETAILS:
Youth must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Nature journals will be provided
Space is limited. Registration will close early if we reach capacity
This event is free. Donations are welcome
We will hike on established trails. We may experience elevation gain/loss of 250-300 feet multiple times
REGISTER
Registration closes September 22, 2023. Registration must be completed by an adult. Please list the names of all participants in your message, along with children’s ages.
Docent Orientation
Do you love nature? Are you curious and like to learn? Do you enjoy giving back through service? If so, Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is the place for you!
Yakona docents are a special breed of individuals who love this place. They help with educational programs, public access, and habitat management. They meet bimonthly to learn more about the region, and they help keep Yakona special.
You may download our program descriptions and application here.
Register now for our orientation on September 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Group Hike
Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve. We will hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet several times. We will make multiple stops to discuss points of interest and history. We can expect to be on the trails for about 3 hours.
Youth & Family Fun Days
Explore your connection with nature through art. Join Leeauna and Rena for nature crafting fun at Yakona! Our Friday morning activity is handmade papermaking with botanical inclusions.
Youth & Family Fun Days
Explore your connection with nature through art. Join Leeauna and Rena for nature crafting fun at Yakona! Our Friday morning activity is handmade papermaking with botanical inclusions.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.
Art with Nora Sherwood
Have you ever been curious about how a science illustrator approaches creating illustrations? This workshop will introduce a few tools used by science illustrators like basic observation techniques, measured drawing skills, and a little knowledge of anatomy, and give you the opportunity to work on some of these techniques with guidance and demos by Nora.