Memorial Day weekend has kicked off the summer and has Central Oregonians anxious to hit the trails. Deschutes Land Trust, an organization that conserves and cares for over 8,750 acres of land in the region, is here to help get those winter legs moving with a variety of outdoor hikes and events.
Take a wildflower walk with hike leader and local native plant enthusiast David Miller through the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. The preserve is home to a variety of flowers, larkspur, sandlilies and more. Participants will walk along the Whychus Creek and explore the native plants, shrubs and sedges that have been used to restore the habitat. This moderate two-mile hike, is a great option for those looking to learn more about the local area. Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Free, but registration is required: www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/hikes/wildflower-walk.
The Environmental Center is hosting an ongoing volunteer series in its Kansas Avenue Learning Garden. Learn more about what goes into growing food by working on garden projects, tasks and helping with maintenance.
The Environmental Center works to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon and every Tuesday through August volunteers have the opportunity to stop by and connect with community members by digging in some dirt! June is sponsored by Deschutes Brewery and Caboost Kombucha to quench workers thirst. Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m., The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave., Bend. Free.
Central Oregon Locavore, a nonprofit dedicated to educating about the social and nutritional value of local food, is seeking more volunteers to help with its Farm Kids Program, an exciting field trip program that gives kids a hands-on experience with working on a farm! After going through an introduction, volunteers get to pick field trips that interest them and work for their schedule. Trip themes include worms and composting, bees, chickens and bugs, farming tools and more. Learn more and sign-up at www.centraloregonlocavore.org/programs/farm-kids.
