Since 2005, Deschutes Land Trust has been working to conserve and restore a diverse selection of lands in the area. To date, they have protected more than 8,000 acres of prime Central Oregon landscape from commercial development. Five of these stunning areas—Camp Polk Meadow, Indian Ford Meadow, Metolius, Thomas Island, and Whychus Canyon—are community preserves open to the public. Other Land Trust properties are privately held and are only accessible through participation in Deschutes Land Trust events (of which there are many). Here's a choice selection of upcoming (free) events to flex your sense of stewardship:
Star Party, Rimrock Ranch
Situated above Wyhchus Creek with open vistas on all sides, Rimrock Ranch is a prime venue for stargazing. Star party guides provide powerful telescopes and help attendees explore astronomy and identify all those shiny, shimmering dots in the sky. Saturday, Sept. 20
Thomas Preserve Paddle
A seven-acre island in the upper Deschutes accessible only by paddle, Thomas Preserve is an island-home to a crazy diverse mix of dry and wetland plant species, as well as migratory birds and wildlife such as deer and elk. Deschutes Land Trust provides a shuttle and a guide for this float trip/picnic lunch, but this trip is BYOB (bring your own boat). Friday, Sept 26
Spring Creek Planting Party
A get-your-hands-dirty event. Located near Camp Sherman, Spring Creek feeds into the Metolius River. The scenery is gorgeous here, particularly in the fall. Recent restoration work has placed tons of logs into the creek to slow water and create pools to protect fish. Planting native trees and shrubs is the next step and will benefit fish, birds, and wildlife who call this place home. Friday, Oct 10
