Fostering healthy relationships with nature and community by creating space to heal and work the land and ourselves through shared learning experiences.
Creating community, connecting people and bringing hands-on opportunities to all ages.
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About Us
-nothing is more important than the way we treat eachother
At DIRT, we believe that positive change sprouts from individual action. Our mission is empowering people to play an active role in understanding and protecting the natural environment in which they live and making a difference through personal development and community involvement.
Our Story
-being present
Our story began with a group of passionate individuals who sought to better connect their community with the planet. The work began by organizing small community events focused on direct involvement through recreation teaching. The focus of these events was environmental education, impact, and sustainability through hands-on activities, like native plant propagation. As the events grew in popularity, they realized the potential to create something bigger and in 2014, DIRT, a 501(c)(3) organization was born.
Leadership
Rocky Rawstern
Son of Judith and Bernard Rawstern. Fortunate husband of Janel Fredericks Rawstern. 6th-gen southern Oregonian & great-great-great grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth Stewart, the folks that brought pears (and watermelon!) to the Rogue Valley in the late 1800’s. Board member DIRT, Air Force Veteran, Jackson County Master Recycler, gardener, Crater High grad, winner of the 2005 Foresight Prize in Communication, photographer and artist as well as the Digital Media Manager, Southern Oregon Subaru and Airport Chevy Buick GMC Cadillac.
Jennifer Horton
Jennifer Horton lives in Eagle Point with her husband and three dogs. She grew up on a ranch in northern Wyoming and spent her youth exploring and playing outside, doing just the things DIRT embraces and teaches! These days she works for the Department of Environmental Quality and still enjoys spending time in nature. Jennifer is excited to be a part of DIRT’s continued growth and the opportunities it provides children to connect with the natural world. She hopes DIRT will inspire more children to pursue a career in STEM.
Allen Smith
Allen Smith, born in Guam while his father was serving in the Air Force, found himself living a full life here in Southern Oregon. He spends his time year-round in the outdoors- from hiking and kayaking, to snowmobiling and hunting. Well traveled from Hawaii to Alaska, flying a rented plane to the coast or to Bend, Allen finds his home and work right here, acting as the Operations Manager at Rogue Compost.
Taneea West Browning
Taneea has been able to harness her love for community and place making while including others in the creative process since 2014. With the support of her community she has been involved in creating responsive and adaptive community engagement through recreational activities with natural resources and makerspaces alike.
I came to know that it wasn't naming the source of wonder that mattered, it was wonder itself.