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 inOutside

Virtual Fencing: A Paradigm Shift to Livestock Management

Ranchers use technology to manage cattle from the comfort of their home
by Damian Fagan

In 1874, Joseph Glidden’s product was proclaimed to be, “lighter than air, stronger than whiskey, and cheaper than dust.” Plains Indians called it, “the Devil’s rope” and homesteaders used it to protect their claims. The “it” is barbed wire. During westward expansion, thousands of miles of barbed-wire fence were put up to either define grazing […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Fungi Festival Celebrates the Culinary Wealth of the Oregon Forests

The 6th annual fungi fest is set to ‘shroom on Oct. 8
by Damian Fagan

Get set to explore the mystical and magical world of mushrooms during the Fungi Festival hosted by the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club on Saturday, Oct. 8. There will be walks and talks, a mushroom ID station staffed by members of the Cascade Mycological Society, children’s activities and a […]

Posted inOutside

Wild and Scenic Film Festival Rolls into Bend

“On Tour” show presented by ONDA on September 30 at the Tower Theatre
by Damian Fagan

Inspiration happens through various formats. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival presented by Oregon Natural Desert Association and sponsored by E2Solar at the Tower Theatre brings inspiration through visual storytelling on Friday, Sept. 30. The short films highlight activists working on environmental issues across the globe. And in the case of “National Parks ‘One Star […]

Posted inOutside

Mariposa Nocturna in Your Backyard

What denizens of the dark roam your backyard at night?
by Damian Fagan

Moths (known in Spanish as polillas or la mariposa nocturna) are the Rodney Dangerfield of the Lepidopteran world—they “don’t get no respect.” These denizens of the dark flit around our neighborhoods and woodlands under the cover of darkness unbeknownst to most of us. The often dark, “hairy” bodies of moths don’t ignite the interest meter […]

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 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

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 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 […]

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