Meet The Team
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Taneea Browning
Founder and Executive Director; DIRT was built on the idea that every person can positively impact their surroundings and everyone has something of value to offer, we all are important. We strive to connect our community to the planet and each other, building a supportive *human ecosystem that is regenerative. We specialize in activating underutilized space by creating multi generational experiences free of charge that allow all of us to shine and give back to our community. When my son was very young I heard a wise women give guidance to a group of toddlers, “play nice, and kind, and gentle.” I think that applies to us all.
The Board of Directors
Christie Mackison
Christie Mackison is co-owner with her husband Scott, of Shooting Star Nursery, a 10 acre plant nursery in Central Point specializing in locally grown plants suited for their southern Oregon climate. Landscape design, plants of all sorts, and getting kids outside in the dirt are her passions. She has designed and implemented many local school gardens- from edible, to pollinator and native plants. As well as keeping her kids happy by growing as many edible plants as she can for foraging. Christie is proud to be a board member for D.I.R.T Park to further implement 'dirty' activities and spaces for kids.
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- just as long as he can capture some of these moments in nature on camera. His love for the photography of wildlife and waterfalls ensures both his equipment and memory cards are abundant with shots from all his adventures. 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. Joining the board of directors at DIRT, Allen gets to help the community fall in love with the outdoors in the way he loves it himself.
Rocky Rawster
Rock 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. 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.
The DIRT mission
Creating community, connecting people and bringing hands-on opportunities to all ages.
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The vision
Vision- Fostering healthy relationships with nature and the community and creating space to heal and work the land and ourselves through shared learning experiences.