OUR STAFF
Mike Oxendine
Executive Director
Mike is an accomplished arborist and urban forester with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to promoting equity and environmental justice in the communities where he works and lives. He advocates for the health and longevity of urban forests, emphasizing the importance of planting diverse and resilient tree species. His work focuses on bridging the gap in access to green spaces, ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to the benefits that trees provide. As the President of Oregon Community Trees and the Executive Director of OURCF, Mike leads initiatives that promote urban forest health and community empowerment.
He has developed innovative programs that prioritize job training, environmental justice, and the use of green infrastructure to address urban challenges. Recognizing the need for collaboration, Mike builds partnerships with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies, to address the unique needs of each community. His leadership and expertise have established him as a respected voice in the field of urban forestry and environmental justice, inspiring others to join the movement for a sustainable and just future.
Alex Relph
Saftey Officer & Technician
Alex is an outdoor enthusiast and plant lover who moved to the Rogue Valley in 2014. Her passion for the outdoors grew during a summer spent on a backcountry trail crew in southern Oregon's remote Wilderness Areas. Since then, she has led trail crews, backpacked 500 miles solo in the Colorado Rockies, worked with local nonprofits on public land stewardship, and enrolled at Southern Oregon University to pursue a BS in Biology. In 2019, Alex discovered arboriculture and began professionally climbing trees, developing a strong commitment to tree health and stewardship. She aspires to be a certified arborist and values the importance of healthy green spaces in both urban and rural areas.
Growing up in San Diego in a low-income household, Alex learned to pursue her ambitions despite limited opportunities. She now lives in Grants Pass with her partner, Lucas, and her teenage sister, Kalani. The three enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, fishing, hunting, backpacking, and mountaineering, with Alex often found climbing trees or hiking trails.
Megan Wagner
Urban Forestry Technician
Megan grew up in the Rogue Valley, developing a love for the outdoors early on. She spent her adolescence fishing for Chinook and rockfish on the Oregon Coast and tracking deer and antelope in Eastern Oregon, continuing her family's hunting and fishing traditions. She enjoys hiking and backpacking with her dog, Remi, and her seasonal activities include pickleball and paddleboarding in summer, and baking sourdough in winter.
During the COVID pandemic, Megan moved to Klamath Falls to explore careers in healthcare and as a personal service worker for children with learning disabilities. After three years, she realized her passion for environmental issues and decided to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Southern Oregon University’s Honors College, where she is also earning certifications in Geospatial Technologies and Environmental Communication. Her commitment to enhancing the ecological health of the Rogue Valley is evident through her work, including clearing backwoods trails in the Siskiyou Mountains and serving as the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator at the university.
As a young woman in the male-dominated angler and environmental fields, Megan has faced challenges of exclusion and preconceived notions about her abilities. These experiences have fueled her determination to advocate for inclusivity in both communities. By embracing her resilience and passion, Megan inspires others to pursue their paths while working toward a healthier, more connected world.
Nathan Morrison
Urban Forestry Technician
Nathan grew up in San Diego, where the ocean and its vibrant ecosystems inspired his love for nature, passion for conservation, and respect for biodiversity. In 2022, Nathan channeled this passion into his work at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, where he contributed to vital conservation efforts by collaborating with experts dedicated to preserving the delicate balance between flora and fauna. Their mentorship helped him focus his path on the vital role of plants in sustaining life.
In 2023, Nathan began at Southern Oregon University to purse a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy. Now dedicated to conserving and expanding the Rogue Valley’s urban canopy, his experiences help him protect and celebrate our planet’s ecosystems, one tree at a time.
Quilaztli Miguel
Marketing Specialist
Quilaztli was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She later moved to Ashland to attend SOU as a transfer student, where she joined the women’s wrestling team. Currently, Quilaztli is completing her B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing.
Quilaztli brings valuable experience to our team, having previously worked as a wildland firefighter with the Oregon Department of Forestry. She has now joined OURCF, taking the next step in her mission to make a positive impact in her community.
