Explore Bugs 'n' Stuff with Bugs-R-Us

Have you ever been to one of John Jackson's Bugs-R-Us events?  If you haven't you should go!  His presentations are amazing!  They are not only educational and informative, they are fun, interesting and interactive.  Years ago we attended a workshop about birds.  Our son was only six at the time and he was completely engaged.  We learned about the different types of birds there are and how there are many different types of feathers and John even had real birds nests and some eggs to show us.  That was the coolest part to me, I loved how tiny the hummingbird's nest was, so beautifully, precious.  Ilias, my son, talked about that for days.  We finally made it to another one of his presentations yesterday and I immediatley wondered why we have waited so long to go again. 

Black bear fur.

It was about the Oregon Trail and oh, my goodness was it awesome!  We learned about how really treacherous it was to cross on the Oregon Trail and that since crossing the Columbia River was so dangerous a new trail called the Applegate Trail was built, which just happens to be right where we live.  We learned about all of the animals that were seen along the trail, how they were beneficial to the pioneers crossing from Wyoming here to our beautiful state and how they were utilized.  He also passed around different animal "parts", hides and horns, for us to touch and look at (just please don't lick them, lol, yes, he said that many times  his artifacts come back wet!) and information cards giving us more in depth details about landmarks on the trail.  He ended the presentation with information about places in our area to learn about the wonderful history we have surrounding us in our area and where we can go to learn about it.  My 10 year old son and I are so excited to get out and explore new places here in our own area!

Olivia testing a cowhide for softness.
Would it work as a blankie?

A coyote face.

Elk horns.

Bison horn that is made from matted fur.  Crazy!

If you would like to attend any of John Jackson's FREE Bugs-R-Us presentations he will be all over the Rogue Valley at Jackson County & Josephine County libraries with the subjects of spiders, insects, owls, reptiles, the Oregon Trail and mammals!   If you would like to learn about other subjects he often has presentations for a small fee at City of Medford and City of Central Point's Community Center's.

For more fun for kids check out our FREE For Families, Fun For Kids spotlight pages and Community Event Calendar on our website.  You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest

Summer Lovin' Peaches at Whites Country Farm

When I walk into Whites Country Farm it feels like I'm stepping back in time, like I'm walking into an old country general store or at least what movies like Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie portray.  Fresh vegetables rest in wicker baskets, jars full of dried fruit to buy by the pound, fresh cut flowers from a grower nearby, farm fresh eggs.

Whites Country Farm re-opened last fall with a new owner and while they are they same country store, they have embraced the new while keeping the same charm it has always held. They still have the same philosophy, locally sourcing their products as much as they can; with honey from Flying Bee Farm in Talent, Bread from Rise Up! bakery in Little Applegate Valley, Produce from Dunbar Farms in Medford, and Wandering Roots Farm in Gold Hill to fresh cut flowers from La Mera Gardens in Talent.  They even offer gifts and kitchen gadgets you can pick up; like serving spoons, beautiful hand made aprons, little cars made from recycled  soda cans, and doormats made from recycled flip-flops;  making it a sweet, little, local one-stop shop.  If you were a fan of the past Whites, you won't be disappointed because they still carry the British standards  that they carried before.  They are just expanding their offerings to give us more of a choice when we go in.  With all of this they are going a step further and soon they will be  selling their own farm grown fresh cut flowers, tomatoes and coming in July fresh peaches from their own orchards right behind their store! 

There is nothing like a freshly picked peach, warm from the sun.  When you take a bite, the tangy, sweet juice drips down you chin and you don't even care because that means it's summer.  I'm already thinking of all of the lovely treats I will be making…peach cobbler, peach butter, peach tea, peach margaritas, and on and on and on.

If you would like to get some of Whites Country Farm's fabulous peaches they will be ready on about July 5th or if you just want to check out their cute, little country farm store they are located at 3939 W. Main St, Medford, Oregon 97501.  They will be open from 9am-6pm  every day of the week until the fall!

DON’T FORGET to attend their Grand Re-Opening on Sunday, July 24th they will be having a FREE Car Show, Live Music, a Pancake Breakfast, Pie Eating Contest, Pie Bake-off and lots more down home country fun!

You can follow them on Facebook to keep up with all of their events!

And don't forget to follow What to do in Southern Oregon on  our Website, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for all of our latest adventures and foodie finds!

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