Help Us Preserve Kitson Hot Springs

HELP US PRESERVE HISTORIC KITSON HOT SPRINGS to establish a center for environmental education and sustainability and to create a beautiful gathering place!

Deep in the mossy forests of Oregon, there is a special place known as Kitson Springs. It is a secluded 157-acre property hidden in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains near the town of Oakridge. The land is comprised of forested hillsides, peaceful meadows, and a campground, with the lovely Hills Creek running through it. Geothermally heated water flows out of an old bathhouse foundation, cascading into the emerald pools of the creek below.

Friends Of Kitson Springs is a non-profit group of environmental and community activists with strong ties to this region, and we have come together to try to save Kitson Springs from logging and commercial exploitation. The City of Oakridge, working with Friends Of Kitson Springs, has been offered a special opportunity to purchase the property from its current owners, the Boy Scouts of America. THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME CHANCE TO PROTECT KITSON SPRINGS, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. Please make a donation today!

Our goals are to preserve the land as habitat for a myriad of native species, to provide environmental education opportunities, to learn more about the history of the site, and to create an inspiring and rejuvenating gathering place that will be culturally enriching for the local community and visitors alike.

We think this expansive property has great potential for a variety of beneficial uses:

● The hot springs themselves, when rebuilt, will provide a therapeutically enjoyable experience for our community members as well as visitors.

● Between the forest, creek and meadows, recreational opportunities abound, like camping, hiking, swimming, tree climbing, fishing, and disc golf.

● A multitude of classes and workshops, such as sustainable skills and technology to increase disaster resilience, and ecologically sound forest management practices to reduce wildfire risk

● A museum space and/or interpretive signs to showcase place-based history

● Outdoor education programs for local schools

● Upgrading the existing campsites would increase accessibility for educational and recreational use.

● Collaborating on projects with local craftspeople and small businesses to support the regional economy

● Hosting events that would benefit critical environmental and social justice causes

● Kitson Springs could be a spectacular venue for local festivals and celebrations, which would strengthen our community's solidarity and resilience and improve the quality of life in our small town.

Many of us feel overwhelmed when confronting the numerous problems facing our country today. HOWEVER, WE KNOW THAT TAKING ACTION TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES ON THE LOCAL LEVEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEY TO HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE PEOPLE AROUND US. We believe that cultivating strong, cohesive communities and maintaining healthy forests will best prepare us for our future. The strength of the Oakridge-Westfir community is visible when we come together for a cause. By supporting the Kitson Springs' purchase, you ensure this area supports locals instead of a large corporation or individual.

Kitson Springs could be a model of conscientious stewardship, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation and kindness that characterizes the Oakridge community and Lane County.

YET, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

We are trying to raise $25,000 by July 1st in order to secure the remainder of a down payment, which will give us time to apply for grants and to appeal for further donations for the full purchase price. Please make a donation today, and spread the word by sharing this web page!

If you have questions or would like more information, our website is

www.kitsonsprings.org.

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Thank you for your support,

FRIENDS OF KITSON SPRINGS

James Cleavenger

Michael Donnelly

Jim Flynn

Mick Garvin

Lorin Lindner

Holly Olson

Hazel Robin

Elsa Palmer

[Working in cooperation with the Oakridge City Council, Friends of Kitson Springs is finalizing its nonprofit status and is currently able to provide tax deductions under the fiscal umbrella of the League of Wilderness Defenders.]