Summer is in the air in Central Oregon and flowers are blossoming! Merino wool layers and puffy jackets are being replaced by shorts and blouses; big insulated boots replaced by sandals and Birkenstocks. Summer sports such as biking and hiking are defrosting and the transition from winter to summer is almost complete. A lot of […]
Outside
Posted inOutside
Bend Woman Pursues Gold on U.S. Women’s Kayak Polo Team
Local co-ed kayak polo team is recruiting new members
Anyone looking for outdoor adventure is sure to find it on a kayak polo team. Al Kolenda is on the U.S. Women’s National Kayak Polo Team — a squad of eight elite athletes from across the country gearing up for the Pan American Championships in Edmonton, Canada, this August. Kolenda says to qualify for the […]
Posted inOutside
Community Bike Rides for youth and adults
Blazin Saddles is leading free rides on Saturdays
It’s time to pull that bicycle from your garage and hop in the saddle. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which direction to ride. Blazin Saddles bike shop is partnering with Sisters Park & Recreation District for a series of community rides. Anyone can join. The idea is to meet new people with similar interests […]
Posted inOutside
Icon of the Sage: The Greater Sage-Grouse
The Adopt-a-Lek program celebrates its 20th season of sage-grouse counts
It’s an early spring morning, pre-dawn. The air is still, not a breath of wind stirs the sagebrush. The waning moon is a bright sliver in the eastern sky, but soon to be obscured by the dawn’s early light. The thermometer reads 25 degrees Fahrenheit but it feels colder in the morning darkness. I’ve been […]
Posted inOutside
Bend Bike Festival Rides in with Community, Sustainability and Fun
The inaugural festival features gear swap, local vendors and clinics at The Pavilion
Bike lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will gather for the inaugural Bend Bike Festival taking place on April 25-27. The main festivities, including the popular gear swap, happen Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-4pm at The Pavilion in Bend. The festival builds on the long-standing Bend Bike Swap, a major fundraiser for Bend Endurance Academy, […]
Posted inOutside
Five Colorful Birds to View this Spring
Don’t miss these stunning birds during spring migration
Some birds are showier, more colorful and arguably prettier than others. And while experienced birders get excited about all sorts of gray-coated, similar-sounding, hard-to-identify birds — the avian equivalent of deep tracks — others might prefer to focus on the greatest hits. For those folks, it’s time to look to the trees and the sky, […]
Posted inOutside
Run Into Spring: The Salmon Run Returns for its 37th Year
Shake off winter and sprint into spring with a beloved Bend running tradition
Spring has officially arrived in Central Oregon — and with it, race season. One of Bend’s longest-running traditions, the 37th annual Salmon Run, kicks off the season with scenic routes, community spirit and a good cause. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply soaking up the spring sunshine, the Salmon Run is a chance to […]
Posted inOutside
Photographing Desert Wildlife
A guide to thoughtful wildlife photography in eastern Oregon’s high desert
Eastern Oregon’s high desert is a land of striking contrasts — sunbaked plateaus meet rugged rimrock, deep canyons surround rushing rivers and green meadows and marshes thrive next to miles of sagebrush. It’s a place of untamed beauty, where wildlife moves with the seasonal rhythms of the land. Capturing compelling images here requires more than […]
Posted inOutside
Grow, Create, Inspire: Home and Garden Workshops This Spring
From floral centerpieces to embroidered art,
discover ways to craft and grow this spring
Spring is the perfect time to try something new and get creative. Whether you’re interested in gardening, crafting or hands-on DIY projects, these upcoming workshops and events offer a great way to learn and embrace spring while adding creativity to your home and garden. The Cottage Craft Club Bring a craft, in-progress project or garments […]
Posted inOutside
Wildfire Wise, Wildlife Friendly: Smart Landscaping
With thoughtful planning, Central Oregonians can safeguard their properties and nurture vital wildlife habitats.
Central Oregonians today are navigating a difficult balance between home fire protection and local wildlife habitats. Stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife were why many of us relocated to this unique area. Those who love insects and birds take it further by planting and retaining wildlife-nurturing native shrubs and wildflowers. Research shows native plants support significantly […]