The Deschutes Land Trust has a packed calendar for the summer season. From simple wildflower hikes to osteology and outdoor yoga, there’s lots to enjoy among the beauty of Central Oregon this spring. After putting many of its hikes and walks on hold through late May, it’s exciting to see a wide variety of events […]
Megan Burton
A journalist and sometime historian with Midwest roots, Megan found home in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not covering local stories, you’ll find her outside—running trails, scrambling rocks, or trying something new that usually requires a helmet.
Explore New Heights and Get Ready to Move Mountains
As the weather gets warmer and the snow season winds down, climbers are ready to tackle the towering scenes at Smith Rock State Park. If you are new to rock climbing (like me!), it may be a relief to find that there are plenty of guided tours, clinics and classes throughout the region. She Moves […]
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American violence has been on the rise in the U.S. since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stop Asian American Pacific Islander Hate, a coalition that tracks reports of violence and harassment against the AAPI community across the nation, reported a steady increase in the number of hate incidents since March 2020. The month […]
A Backyard Escape for Restless Bendites
For many marginalized groups, accessing the great outdoors is not as easy as it should be. According to a 2019 Outdoor Participation Report published by the Outdoor Industry Association, over 70% of outdoor participants were Caucasian and less than 50% were women. AdvenutreUs Women’s mission aims to break the barriers that prevent women and people […]
Earth Day Celebrations for All Earth Dwellers
The Environmental Center’s annual Earth Day Fair & Parade is once again canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that has not slowed all plans. Instead of its traditional event, the local nonprofit has planned several smaller events throughout the entire week. The annual parade that features costumed locals dressed as plants, animals and even mythical […]
Five Buttes, One Day, All Four Seasons
Cascade Relays kicked off a new event in late March, encouraging locals and visitors alike to take on five of the biggest buttes in Central Oregon. Runners, walkers and hikers are answering the call to get some miles and elevation under their belts. Two of those hikers, David Carne and Kenny Conklin, took on the […]
FootZone Offering Virtual Training Group for Runners
By now, most of us are pros at adapting to the changes that COVID has left in its wake, and our local FootZone is no different. For those who are excited about the many races that are being offered this year, training is crucial to safe and PR-busting runs. FootZone is bringing one of its […]
Mountain Biking Race Series Brings the Mudslinging, Chain-Breaking Fun
Getting on your bike is a great way to stay fit, active and soak up the beauty that Central Oregon has to offer. If you are looking for a little more adventure with your wheels, the Oregon XC Series Mountain Bike Races are packing in the dust, mud and fun. The series kicked off in […]
Outdoor Lovers, Join Together Against Climate Change
From reduced snowpack, disappearing glaciers and raging wildfires, you don’t have to look far to see the ongoing effects of climate change in our region. For those who love to spend time in the great outdoors and hope to keep doing so, there are actions we can take to preserve the lifestyle we love. Protect […]
Get Out There, Get Moving, Do Good
Looking for a little challenge to get up and moving this spring? Oregon Adaptive Sports is keeping its annual Ski For All fundraising campaign alive with a 24-day challenge for the entire community. Normally held as a one-day skiing or boarding extravaganza, this year’s event will look a little different. From now until March 28, […]

