Damian Fagan

Damian Fagan is a freelance writer, outdoor enthusiast and avid birder. He is the author of several wildflower field guides including "Wildflowers of Oregon" and "Wildflowers of North America." Fagan lives in Bend with his wife, Raven, and a pollinator-friendly garden.
Posted inNews

In Praise of Shorebirds

August marks the southbound shorebird migration through critical habitats across Eastern Oregon—some which are in danger from drought
by Damian Fagan

August is a great month to view shorebirds, which have departed from their nesting grounds and stop in at various Central Oregon watering holes to fuel up for the rest of their journeys to their wintering grounds. “The numerous shallow lakes, wetlands and wet meadows, and even flooded fields in southeastern Oregon are crucial pit […]

Posted inOutside

Disc Golf Flying High in Central Oregon

Upcoming events and soaring interest highlight the scene
by Damian Fagan

One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is the rising interest in disc golf throughout Central Oregon, and quite frankly, the world. The sport checks all the boxes for social distancing, being an outdoor  activity, and provides an easy entry for all ages and abilities. What Steve Bachtel and other members […]

Posted inFood & Drink

S’more Story

Explore classic to creative s’mores on National S’mores Day
by Damian Fagan

A ug. 10 marks #NationalSmoresDay and is the perfect excuse, if you need one, to consume the classic gooey treats. Though s’mores may be the go-to campout treat, they are just as easy to make at home, and without the smoky fire. Before delving into some recipes from the classic to the creative, here’s a […]

Posted inOutside

Rewild and Restore

Worthy Garden Club buys Wintercreek Nursery to play a major role in restoration and rewilding efforts
by Damian Fagan

The sale of the native plant Wintercreek Nursery to the nonprofit Worthy Garden Club this month has many implications for conservation projects throughout the West, as well as for the volunteers and stewards in the art of land restoration. “The purchase of the nursery is something Roger [Worthington] and I discussed before I took this […]

Posted inOutside

Exploring the Upper Deschutes River

The Upper Deschutes offers boaters some stellar scenery, moments of solitude and flatwater floats
by Damian Fagan

For those looking for a different stretch of the Deschutes River to float this summer, instead of the “tube to tube” section through the Old Mill District, there are numerous flatwater options to float your boat. Here are several options to explore reaches of the designated Wild and Scenic Upper Deschutes River, as well as […]

Posted inCulture

Bend’s Pet Parade: Then and Now

Historical looks at this designated Oregon Heritage Tradition
by Damian Fagan

To say that Bend’s Fourth of July Pet Parade has “gone to the dogs” would cast shade on all the other animals in attendance. Since 1924, minus a few years due to WWII (1943) or COVID-19 (2020-2021), dogs have dominated the parade. But over nearly 100 years, participants have also included chickens, goats, goldfish, mule […]

Posted inCulture

Dogs to Show at Redmond Fairgrounds

40th annual Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club dog show slated for July 1 at Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center
by Damian Fagan

Starting July 1, the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center will be dog-centric during the 40th annual Mount Bachelor Kennel Club AKC All Breed Dog Show. This year’s theme  celebrates Independence Day, so expect some patriotic-looking pooches and handlers in the arenas during this three-day event. “At our show, we offer both Conformation, which is […]

Posted inOutside

An Appreciation of Clouds

Watching clouds provides information about the weather, but also inspiration for life
by Damian Fagan

You don’t have to be a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society to enjoy watching clouds sail overhead or to love observing odd atmospheric occurrences. But if you are, you’re probably standing with others “on cloud nine.” In short, clouds are made up of water droplets or ice crystals—the result of water vapor condensing in […]

Posted inOutside

Floating the Deschutes Paddle Trail

The Bend Paddle Trail Alliance seeks conservation through recreation
by Damian Fagan

With the chorus from the Talking Heads’ “Take Me to the River” swirling through my brain, I push off from the riverbank and enter the current of the Deschutes River. Upstream of me is the Tetherow Logjam, an impressive pile-up of logs that requires a mandatory portage. But from the boat launch, where I’ve just […]

Posted inNews

Celebrate National Native Plant Month

Residents and local governments explore adding native plants for wildlife and pollinator habitat
by Damian Fagan

With bipartisan support, the U.S. Senate has proclaimed April to be National Native Plant Month under Senate Resolution 570. The designation “… recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States.” With Earth Day on the horizon, perhaps it’s a good time to review our interest in native plant […]

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