The Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) has some great programs that community members better understand land management and the resources they're working with. Besides hosting informative, easily-accessible classes, they also support a lively community of people who are deeply committed to the land.

Through several different programs housed at SOREC, you can learn everything from how to can veggies to how to plan a prescribed burn. Learn from experts in the field and find the tools you need to put your plan into action. We've highlighted several great programs below and there are even more available; contact SOREC to learn more. 

The Land Stewards Program is an 11-week field class, covering many different aspects of private land management. It is perfect for landowners who want to know what they can do with their land and how best to do it. The course usually begins in the fall, visiting a new property every week, complete with snacks and expert speakers. See the Land Stewards website for more information.

Our local Master Gardeners are full of knowledge. When they're not holding the best gardening clinics and plant sales in the valley, they're busy out in the garden, experimenting and testing their skills. Check out their website for the latest classes, events, and Master Gardener training.

The goal of the Small Farms program is to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of small farms by employing appropriate scale production and marketing techniques.  The program works toward improving small farm horticultural production and small-scale livestock, poultry, & forage production. Specialty, organic, pasture-raised and niche crop production is emphasized.

The Master Woodland Manager program, run through the SOREC Forestry and Natural Resources Program, is approximately 60 hours of education that helps you learn to “read” your woodland by understanding local ecological factors, such as soil, historic land use, tree and plant species, wildlife, insects, and fire ecology. It gives you the tools to conduct assessments to determine where your woodland is heading as it grows and matures. You will also learn how various management activities will help you meet your long term vision for the property.