Outside Features
Think you can't plan a dance performance online, without partner interaction?
A group of local Acro Fusion dancers prove you can
Local dance instructor Lindsi Kay first founded her youth Acro Fusion program in 2015. After COVID-19 closures, Kay was forced to put long anticipated performances on hold for an unexpected—and challenging—three months.
By Cayla Clark
Aug 5, 2020
Outside Features dance performance Bend dance Bend acro Central Oregon dance
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The newest addition to the International Dark-Sky Association's Dark Sky Places Program
Want a place to see the night sky, unsullied by the light pollution of the city? Sunriver may be it.
By Nicole Vulcan
Aug 5, 2020
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Natural World
Bend Forest School now open for kids' exploration
Start 'em out young and not only will your life be blessed, but that adorable child of yours will go on into life knowing what the joy of learning is about — and especially with Nature. That's the goal of Rae Alberg and her team of instructors operating the Bend Forest School at — and all around — the Sunriver Nature Center, through a cooperative agreement with the Children's Forest of Central Oregon.
By Jim Anderson
Aug 5, 2020
Natural World
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New access point for people arriving via motor vehicle
Sisters' Peterson Ridge trail system has a new access point for people arriving via motor vehicle. Those who've visited the trails probably remember the drill: Get to the trailhead early, or risk wandering the residential streets of Sisters looking for parking.
By Nicole Vulcan
Jul 29, 2020
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Natural World
Observing the cycle of life among butterflies and wasps and birds
Just about everyone who reads, watches or listens to nature stories is familiar with the plight of monarch butterflies in the western U.S. Their numbers have dropped from millions to thousands in the last 20 years for a variety of reasons—mostly wrapped around habitat and their food plant, milkweed.
By Jim Anderson
Jul 29, 2020
Natural World
Outside Features
New state guidelines require masks outside when physical distancing is not possible. So what's the real risk?
As the summer goes on and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage in the U.S., many people are spending more time outside. Some locations offer plenty of solitude and distancing—but at busy local places like the Deschutes River Trail or Smith Rock State Park, it's very possible to be within someone else's 6-foot physical bubble.
By Miina McCown
Jul 22, 2020
Outside Features
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The Deschutes is essential to our economic functioning
The Deschutes River blesses people with endless hours of float-oriented fun over the summer—so the least we can do is help keep it clean! Beyond its opportunity for a variety of recreational activities, the Deschutes is a major part of Central Oregon's economy.
By Cayla Clark
Jul 22, 2020
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Natural World
Like it or not, everyone who uses water is unknowingly depending on the dam-building talents of our North American Beaver
No matter how you look at the history of the Pacific Northwest, one native animal stands out in making Oregon what it is today: the North American Beaver. Yes, the same one we see on our state flag.
By Jim Anderson
Jul 15, 2020
Natural World
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A new film from Teton Gravity Research
The newest film from Teton Gravity Research is directed by Jeremy Grant and captures the love-at-first-site experience of mountain biking. From the producers of "UnReal" and the director of "Where The Trail Ends" comes "Accomplice," an homage to all the crazy adventures and crazier comrades that come from a life lived in pursuit of the next awesome ride.
By Laurel Brauns
Jul 15, 2020
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Natural World
Invading "murder wasp" spells trouble
The Xerces Society, one of the leading worldwide insect conservation organizations, put on a four-hour Bumble Bee Atlas webinar a couple of weeks back. Right in the middle of it, the presenter, Professor Rich Hatfield, paused in his recitation on bumblebees and placed the illustration at right of the Asian giant wasp on the screen, saying:
By Jim Anderson
Jul 8, 2020
Natural World
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Let the summer zip line fun begin
Standing at the lip of a ski run at the start of the season, about to plunge downward, always elicits a little tug in my belly. What if I forget how to do it?
By Nicole Vulcan
Jul 8, 2020
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Outside Features
A fun and beautiful excursion just outside of Redmond
Redmond is near so many great trails that are practically begging you to come hike on them. For quick trips just outside of town, there are trails at the Crooked River Grasslands and the always-popular Smith Rock—but one gem remains a favorite getaway trip: Gray Butte, located just northeast of Terrebonne.
By Isaac Biehl
Jul 1, 2020
Outside Features
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Geared toward those looking to explore outdoor options beyond Central Oregon
Yes, coronavirus is still among us. But no, that doesn't mean the trails and lakes of Central Oregon are any less busy this time of year.
By Nicole Vulcan
Jul 1, 2020
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