Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

details:

• Registration required

• Event is free; donations are welcome.

• Carpooling will be necessary for the 3-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.

Help improve animal habitat at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center by building habitat mounds. These woody debris structures keep carbon out of the atmosphere while providing shelter for small animals. We'll be hauling branches by hand for short distances and walking on uneven ground, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Open to anyone over the age of 18. You may join us for only one day or for both days.

Mindfulness & Macro Photography

This mindful macro photography experience invites participants to slow down and see Yakona’s living landscape up close. We’ll wander forest trails and edges, with opportunities to closely observe and photograph mosses, lichens, fungi, and other plant life, as well as any wildlife we may encounter. Rather than focusing on technique or instruction, this gathering centers on presence: noticing light, texture, form, and the quiet relationships unfolding at ground level.

This experience is designed for photographers of all experience levels who are comfortable working independently and are interested in deepening their relationship with place through attentive seeing. Rather than an instructional workshop, this gathering offers time, access, and shared presence.

Note: Our exploration will take place along well-established trails with hilly terrain and sustained grades of up to 12%. Those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, or balance concerns will find this experience difficult.

details:

• Guide: Rena Olson

• Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve

• Ages: Adults and youth ages 16+ (youth must be accompanied by a participating adult)

• Please bring: Drinking water, snacks or lunch, any necessary medications (including EpiPens), and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.

• Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.

• Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.

• Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.

• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.

• Pets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.

• Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.

• Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.

• Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

• Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.

• Cost: This event is offered at no cost through grant funding and community support. Donations are always appreciated.

this class is full. register to be placed on the waitlist.

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.

• Carpooling will be necessary for the 3-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.

• Participants bring: drinking water/snacks, necessary medications (including EpiPens, if applicable)

• Mosquitos reside at Yakona - bring insect repellent, if desired

• Event is free; donations are welcome

this hike is full. register to be placed on our waitlist.

Wild Impressions of autumn: Botanical Monoprints in Watercolor

In this hands-on experience at Yakona, participants will explore monoprinting with watercolor paint using leaves, stems, and other botanical materials as both subject and tool. Drawing inspiration from Yakona’s living landscape, we’ll experiment with layering color, texture, and organic forms, pressing plants onto paper to create one-of-a-kind prints that reflect close observation and a sense of place. The class emphasizes curiosity and play over precision, inviting participants to slow down, engage with the natural world, and respond intuitively to what emerges on the page. All materials are provided. Participants will leave with a variety of frame-worthy art, including a large print, handmade card, gift bag, and bookmarks.

Note: This class includes a short nature walk on uneven terrain.

details:

• Instructors: Carly Kay & Rena Olson

• Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve

• Ages: Adults and youth ages 16+ (youth must be accompanied by a participating adult)

• Yakona provides: All class materials are provided. Please bring interesting plants from home, if desired.

• Please bring: Drinking water, snacks or lunch, any necessary medications (including EpiPens), and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

• Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.

• Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.

• Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.

• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.

• Pets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.

• Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.

• Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.

• Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

• Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.

• Cost: This event is offered at no cost through grant funding and community support. Donations are always appreciated.

this class is full. register to be placed on the waitlist.

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

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.

Most of us know about the physical and emotional benefits of spending time outdoors. But did you know that getting outside can assist in grieving and processing loss? In this conversation, we’ll discuss how our connections to nature provide context and understanding around grieving. Can a deeper connection with nature and the outdoors provide additional value and perspective? 

“Grieving in Nature” will be facilitated by Adam Sawyer. Adam is an outdoor and travel writer, photographer, published author, guide, and public speaker based in the Northwest. Nature has been a critical component in helping him process the grief from the sudden and tragic loss of his partner and home in 2022. His weekly Substack newsletter, Collecting Sunsets, covers a broad set of topics including grief, addiction and recovery, travel, life, love, and the healing powers of nature. 

Yakona’s Conversation in Yakona series hosts 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. 

“Grieving in Nature” is limited to 15 participants on a first come basis and will take place in an open air, outdoor pavilion. We will walk about 100 feet on a sloped gravel path, then climb three steps with no handrail, to reach the pavilion. Participants will be sitting on wooden benches for about 1 ½ hours. A light snack and beverage will be provided. The nearest restrooms are about a ¼ mile walk or drive away. If mobility issues are a concern, please contact us and we will discuss the space with you in more detail. 

Event is free; donations welcomed.

registration required

yoga in the forest

Join certified yoga instructor Gabrielle McEntee for a peaceful and rejuvenating Yoga in the Forest experience at Yakona.

Surrounded by the soothing sights and sounds of the forest, this gentle, all-levels yoga class offers a meaningful opportunity to ground yourself in nature while connecting with breath, body, and the beauty of the natural world.

event Highlights:

Outdoor Yoga Session
Practice at The Vale, adjacent to the Bartow Art Studio, as Gabrielle guides you through a gentle yoga flow in a serene outdoor setting.

Light Refreshments
Enjoy tea and healthy snacks following the yoga session.

Optional Guided Hike
After yoga, participants are invited to join a short, guided hike along Yakona’s scenic trails. Those who prefer not to hike are welcome to relax at the Bartow Art Studio.

details:

• Instructor: Gabrielle McEntee

• Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve

• Ages: Adults 18+

• Please bring: Drinking water, any necessary medications (including EpiPens), yoga mat, and walking shoes. Optional items to bring include yoga blocks, blanket, and extra clothing layers.

• Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.

• Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.

• Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.

• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.

• Pets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.

• Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.

• Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.

• Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

• Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.

• Suggested donation: $25

We look forward to sharing this restorative morning of movement, mindfulness, and connection with nature.

this class is full. register to be placed on the waitlist.

instructor bio

Gabrielle McEntee, 500-Hour RYT
Born and raised in Newport, Gabrielle McEntee brings over 15 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga to the serene forest setting of Yakona. A long-time local and passionate instructor, Gabrielle was honored to join the fundraising team that helped bring the Bartow Studio to Yakona. She immediately knew that yoga would be a perfect addition to the space—offering people the unique opportunity to enjoy a peaceful hike followed by grounding yoga in the beautiful woods. Her classes are a celebration of nature, movement, and community.

tote-ally botanical

Create colorful, one-of-a-kind botanical prints using leaves and other gathered plant materials. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art of botanical printing using special fabric inks to transfer the textures, shapes, and patterns of plants onto tote bags. We’ll experiment with layering color, composition, and natural forms while learning simple techniques for creating vibrant prints on fabric.

This class invites participants to slow down, observe closely, and co-create with the natural world through a playful and creative process. Each participant will leave with their own hand-printed tote bag inspired by the beauty of the season.

details:

• Instructor: Rena Olson

• Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve

• Ages: Adults and youth ages 16+ (youth must be accompanied by a participating adult)

• Yakona provides: All class materials (unless otherwise noted)

• Please bring: Drinking water, snacks or lunch, any necessary medications (including EpiPens), and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

• Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.

• Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.

• Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.

• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.

• Pets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.

• Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.

• Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.

• Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

• Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.

• Cost: This event is offered at no cost through grant funding and community support. Donations are always appreciated.

nature journaling club

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together!

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.

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.

• Carpooling will be necessary for the 3-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.

• Participants bring: drinking water/snacks, necessary medications (including EpiPens, if applicable)

• Mosquitos reside at Yakona - bring insect repellent, if desired

• Event is free; donations are welcome

this hike is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.

Love nature? Enjoy learning? Want to give back? Join our community of passionate volunteers at Yakona!

Yakona Docents are dedicated individuals who help bring our mission to life—supporting environmental education, public engagement, and land stewardship.

What Do Docents Do?

As a docent, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead or assist with educational and art programs for schools and the public

• Support public access days, guiding visitors and sharing knowledge

• Participate in habitat restoration and preserve maintenance projects

• Attend bimonthly meetings to deepen your understanding of local ecology and history

Why Volunteer at Yakona?

• Be part of a welcoming, nature-loving community

• Make a positive impact on both people and the environment

• Gain new knowledge and skills through ongoing learning

• Help preserve a truly special place for future generations

Resources

Download our program descriptions and application here.

What you need to know:

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.

This 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%.

Hike Difficulty: Moderate

register now

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

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.

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together!

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.

Love nature? Enjoy learning? Want to give back? Join our community of passionate volunteers at Yakona!

Yakona Docents are dedicated individuals who help bring our mission to life—supporting environmental education, public engagement, and land stewardship.

What Do Docents Do?

As a docent, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead or assist with educational and art programs for schools and the public

• Support public access days, guiding visitors and sharing knowledge

• Participate in habitat restoration and preserve maintenance projects

• Attend bimonthly meetings to deepen your understanding of local ecology and history

Why Volunteer at Yakona?

• Be part of a welcoming, nature-loving community

• Make a positive impact on both people and the environment

• Gain new knowledge and skills through ongoing learning

• Help preserve a truly special place for future generations

Resources

Download our program descriptions and application here.

What you need to know:

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.

This 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%.

Hike Difficulty: Moderate

register now

Mindfulness & Macro Photography

This mindful macro photography experience invites participants to slow down and see Yakona’s living landscape up close. We’ll wander forest trails and edges, with opportunities to closely observe and photograph mosses, lichens, flowers, fungi, and other plant life, as well as any wildlife we may encounter. Rather than focusing on technique or instruction, this gathering centers on presence: noticing light, texture, form, and the quiet relationships unfolding at ground level.

This experience is designed for photographers of all experience levels who are comfortable working independently and are interested in deepening their relationship with place through attentive seeing. Rather than an instructional workshop, this gathering offers time, access, and shared presence.

Our exploration will take place along well-established trails with hilly terrain and sustained grades of up to 12%. Those with mobility challenges, breathing difficulties, or balance concerns will find this experience difficult.

Sturdy hiking shoes are required. Please bring ample drinking water, snacks, and a packed lunch; we will pause for refreshments along the trail. Participants are encouraged to come prepared for a slow, attentive walk, periods of stillness, and a day immersed in nature.

details:

• Guide: Rena Olson

• Location: Yakona Nature Preserve

• Adults & Youth16+ (if accompanied by adult)

• Participants bring: photography equipment, drinking water, snacks/lunch

• Carpooling is necessary for the 3-mile drive into Yakona

• Event is free; donations are welcome

this class is full. please register to be placed on waitlist.

Help improve animal habitat at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center by building habitat mounds. These woody debris structures keep carbon out of the atmosphere while providing shelter for small animals. We'll be hauling branches by hand for short distances and walking on uneven ground, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Open to anyone over the age of 18. You may join us for only one day or for both days.

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

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.

wild greens: forage to feast

Explore, gather, and savor the bounty of early spring at Yakona. As the forest begins to awaken from winter, an abundant diversity of wild edible and medicinal plants emerge, offering the perfect opportunity to deepen your connection to seasonal offerings.

In this immersive foraging experience, you’ll learn to identify a variety of wild edible and medicinal plants while gaining insight into their nutritional and traditional healing benefits. Together, we’ll harvest what the land offers and prepare a unique wild food dish to share, celebrating the flavors of the day and the place that provides them.

Plants that may be ready for gathering include stinging nettle, plantain, dandelion, chickweed, and evergreen tips.

Foraging will take place along forest trails with hilly terrain and sustained grades of up to 12%. This experience will be challenging for those with mobility limitations, balance concerns, or breathing difficulties. Please register only if you are comfortable participating in a moderate to challenging foraging hike.

details:

• Instructors: Frances O’Halloran & Rena Olson

• Location: Yakona Nature Preserve

• Adults 18+

• Yakona provides: all class materials

• Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite nippers, gloves, and collecting bags or baskets

• Carpooling is necessary for the 3-mile drive into Yakona

• Event is free; donations are welcome

this class is full. 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.

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

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.

Do you enjoy spending slow, thoughtful time observing nature? Would you like to develop your curiosity and connection to the natural world together with other people? Yakona's new Nature Journaling Club will teach you the tools you need to journal and give you time to practice in our beautiful coastal forest.

Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is expected to journal together! You may attend any number of sessions.

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.

Help improve animal habitat at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center by building habitat mounds. These woody debris structures keep carbon out of the atmosphere while providing shelter for small animals. We'll be hauling branches by hand for short distances and walking on uneven ground, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Open to anyone over the age of 18. You may join us for only one day or for both days.

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 3-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 hike is full. please register to be placed on the waiting list.

Join Herbalist + Wellness Educator Frances O’Halloran of LoveJoy Botanicals for an immersive afternoon of evergreen exploration, plant connection, and hands-on medicine making at the beautiful Yakona Nature Preserve.

This gathering is an invitation into sacred space and seasonal attunement, where evergreens serve as ancient allies—offering emotional grounding, immune resilience, and heart-opening support.

What to Expect:

🌲 Guided Evergreen Meditation
Begin with a grounding practice to connect with the energy of evergreens—symbols of resilience and renewal.

🌲 Guided Nature Walk
Walk the forest paths with Rena Olson, Yakona’s Art & Engagement Manager, as she offers insights into the area's dominant coniferous trees and the rich history of Yakona.

🌲 Ethical Wildcrafting
Each participant will gather a small selection of evergreens for personal use—learning respectful and sustainable harvest techniques.

🌲 Tasting + Crafting Evergreen Remedies
Sample a curated ‘bouquet’ of evergreen infusions and elixirs, then craft your own fresh evergreen medicine to take home. Recipes and suggestions for continued use will be provided.

Come to connect, sip, stroll, and create—with deep reverence for the healing power of trees.

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.

• Class includes a 1-1.5 mile hike on our well-established trails. We will experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. Please wear appropriate shoes.

• Carpooling will be necessary for the 3-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.

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 3-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

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.

Join us for a community conversation about the role of relationships in our lives. This conversation, presented in partnership with Oregon Humanities, explores how individual self-care and transformation can be overemphasized to the detriment of our human communities and the rest of the living world. We will discuss how we can work with others to name the qualities and practices that underpin resilience and bring our insights more intentionally to bear in our human relationships and our relationships with our lands, waters, and ecosystems.

Relationships for Resilience will be facilitated by Christina deVillier. Christina joins us from the mountains of Northeast Oregon where she is a writer, a gardener, and the Connections Coordinator for Greater Hells Canyon Council.

This event will be our second Conversation in Yakona. This 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.

This event is limited to 15 participants on a first come basis and will take place in an open air, outdoor pavilion. We will walk about 100 feet on a sloped gravel path, then climb three steps with no handrail, to reach the pavilion. Participants will be sitting on wooden benches for about 1 ½ hours. A light snack and beverage will be provided. The nearest restrooms are about a ¼ mile walk or drive away. If mobility issues are a concern, please contact us and we will discuss the space with you in more detail.

details:

• Registration required.

• Event is free; donations are welcome.

• Carpooling will be necessary for the 3-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.

Join certified yoga instructor Gabrielle McEntee for a peaceful and revitalizing Yoga in the Forest experience on Yakona Nature Preserve’s iconic bridge.

Set amidst the soothing sights and sounds of the forest, this gentle all-levels yoga class offers a unique opportunity to ground yourself in nature, connect with breath and body, and support a great cause.

All proceeds will go toward rebuilding Rick Bartow’s original art studio—his creative sanctuary on generational land.

event highlights:

• Outdoor Yoga Session on the Yakona Bridge
  Stretch, breathe, and flow with guidance from Gabrielle as you take in the beauty and serenity of Yakona.

• Light Refreshments
  Enjoy tea and healthy snacks following the session.

• Optional Guided Hike
  After yoga, take a guided hike through the preserve’s scenic trails—offered for those who wish to extend their time in nature.

What to Bring

• Required: Yoga mat, drinking water.

• Optional: Blocks, blankets, backpack, extra clothing layers.

details:

• Registration required.

• Suggested donation - $25

• Optional Hike: We will hike approximately two miles (with multiple stops) on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250 feet multiple times. We will traverse 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%.

• Carpooling is necessary for the 3-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 event is full. please register to be placed on our waiting list.

Gabrielle McEntee, 500-Hour RYT

Born and raised in Newport, Gabrielle McEntee brings over 15 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga to the serene forest setting of Yakona. A long-time local and passionate instructor, Gabrielle was honored to join the fundraising team that helped bring the Bartow Studio to Yakona. She immediately knew that yoga would be a perfect addition to the space—offering people the unique opportunity to enjoy a peaceful hike followed by grounding yoga in the beautiful woods. Her classes are a celebration of nature, movement, and community.