“If you wish your children to think deep thoughts, to know the holiest emotions, take them to the woods and hills, and give them the freedom of the meadows; the hills purify those who walk upon them.”
-Richard Jefferies
When you walk into the Northwest Nature Shop it isn’t unusual to see three generations working together. The term ‘working’ might be a stretch considering the youngest crew are just 3, 7 and 8 years old but their play and energy are a key element to our philosophy and product mix. Our little ones are constant reminders of the importance of being in and learning about the natural world. A lot of research recently has been devoted to the importance of outdoor play. Outdoor play contributes to lower stress levels and more active imaginations, helps children become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others. Also, those who spend time in nature are more likely to become environmental stewards, ensuring such benefits for generations to come. The Northwest Nature Shop strives to encourage children and adults to make a lasting connection with our local forests and natural areas.
The Northwest Nature Shop is a family-owned nature store that helps adults and children learn about nature and science, by offering field guides, hiking and biking trail maps, bird feeding products, educational toys and beautiful nature-inspired gifts for the home and garden.
Join us for our upcoming events:
Favorite Southern Oregon Hikes Presentation
Sunday August 10th 7 pm at the former Headwaters Building 84 4th St., Ashland
Free
A new hiking guide for Southern Oregon features everything from high desert mountains of the southeast to redwood forests of the coast as well as a touch into northern California. Join the Northwest Nature Shop on Sunday August 10th at 7 pm at the former Headwaters Building 84 4th St., Ashland as Oregon authors Art Bernstein and Zach Urness present their brand new book “Hiking Southern Oregon,” which spotlights 100 of the best hikes from Steens Mountain, across the Southern Cascade Range and Siskiyous and all the way to the redwood state parks and Oregon Coast.
Trail Trekkers Nature Camp with Northwest Nature Shop
August 4th -8th 9 am – 2 pm $175
Let’s play and learn in the forest! Explore for elusive insects, beautiful birds, wondrous wildflowers and marvelous mammals. Travel Ashland’s forested trails and discover the forest habitat with binoculars and magnifying glasses, drawing, and sculputre, and a little bit of make-believe and magic! Each day we will hike through a new location such as Lithia Park, White Rabbit Trail Oredson Todd trails or around Ashland Pond. Although we can’t guarantee that campers will go home without some mud on their shoes, Trail Trekkers will go home with smiles and an excitement for the next day’s exploration!
