“I love being able to teach young people about Mother Earth and being in nature. I cannot wait until we start the WATER classes in the Spring!” Martin moved to Ashland this year when he retired from the Army. After being stationed in many different parts of the country he says, “We never felt like we were ever home… until we visited Ashland.” He decided to volunteer at North Mountain Park not long after settling in town, and we are so pleased he did! He’s been an invaluable member of our field trip instructor team, teaching K—2nd grade classes about local Geology. Sharing nature with kids has been a perfect fit for Martin, and we’ve been blessed by his great positivity and constant willingness to help out whenever we need him. Martin enjoys camping, hiking, hunting and travel, and he feels most content when he’s outside. NORTHMOUNTAINPARK.ORG About North Mountain Park & The Nature Center — Hours & Overview North Mountain Park is open sunrise to sunset, year-round. The Nature Center is open Monday—Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The North Mountain Park Nature Center, located next to Bear Creek at 620 N Mountain Ave in Ashland, offers a variety of programs and interpretive exhibits, highlighting local natural and cultural history and sustainable living. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s Demonstration Gardens, nature trails, pavilion, picnic and play areas. Martin Huggins Friend & Volunteer of the Nature Center Become a Volunteer Instructor If you love kids and being outside, you’re qualified to teach with us! We need volunteers to lead outdoor, hands-on lessons to K—5 students. You’ll make a huge impact by teaching only one shift per week. Contact Lori Ainsworth at 541.552.2264 to get involved. (We offer student internships too!) North MouNtaiN Park Nature CeNter For more information, call the Nature Center at 541.488.6606 or visit Spring Garden Kick-off Join the NMP volunteer gardeners on Wednesday, March 21, from 10am to noon for our annual Spring Garden Work Party. We will prepare the soil and clear away the remnants of winter in our beautiful Nature Center Demonstration Gardens. Learn something new or share your talents while making new friends. Orientation, tools, gloves and snacks will be provided. For more information, call 541.488.6606. 5