Oregon’s cougar population has grown substantially in the last two decades since the use of dogs was banned by voters in 1994 as a means of tracking and hunting the predator. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that there are approximately 6,000 of the predator statewide—some estimate higher counts—and Central Oregon has its […]
Outside
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Rex Shepard’s Cascade Challenge
A thousand miles in 43 days
Rex Shepard isn’t just an ordinary year-round outdoor enthusiast. Even the term extraordinary doesn’t seem to adequately describe him. The 30-year-old Bend native has accomplished more than most dare to dream. A coach at Bend’s Endurance Academy, Shepard pushes himself to the limits of his outdoor endurance and says his goal is to inspire others. […]
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Go Here 2/17-2/24
Mush, Central Oregon! Now is the time to consider booking a ride behind a real dog sled team driven by a professional musher. Oregon Trail of Dreams offers this unique experience at Mt. Bachelor. Standard trips take about an hour and leave from the base of Mt. Bachelor and can accommodate up to four people […]
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Natural World 2/17-2/24
Counting beaks
It was the winter of 1963 that I decided to go on my first official eagle count. National Audubon was starting counts to establish trends in populations, and eagles occupied my life like never before when I was issued my Federal Banding Permit in 1962. I became more aware of eagles because of banding, (finding […]
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BEA’s Kids on the Wall
Three compete at nationals
Youth rock climbers from Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) took their skills to the national level this past weekend, participating in the USA Climbing Youth Bouldering National Championships held in Madison, Wis. Leah Pfeiffer, 14, Brady Pfeiffer, 12, and Mira Capicchioni, 10, all representing the Bend Endurance Academy Climbing Team, competed in the three-day bouldering event […]
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Oceanfront Cinema
Pacific Reef Hotel debuts outdoor theater
The Pacific Reef Hotel in Gold Beach, Oregon, billboards its new oceanfront outdoor theater as state-of-the-art. Viewers might label it using many other superlatives. It is another first for Oregon: the hotel industry’s first oceanfront outdoor theater. The Pacific Reef Adventure Theater is a smart-technology glass screen measuring 33 feet wide and 12 feet high. […]
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Natural World
Robin red breast
The American Robin is one of the most common native birds found throughout Central Oregon and it's usually the first on the list for anyone who develops an interest in birds, whether age six or 96. Robins are everywhere, but there’s more to a robin than meets the eye. The robins seen here in winter […]
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Go Here 2/10-2/17
Bald Eagles and More The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon is offering an array of activities for children and their families this winter. One program is an annual Eagle Watch Celebration at Round Butte Overlook Park in Culver, Feb. 27-28. The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon provides a network of outdoor places and programs dedicated […]
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Smith Rock Love
Mike and Marcia Volk of SmithRock.com
Central Oregon’s majestic Smith Rock State Park is considered to be one of Oregon’s “Seven Wonders” by Travel Oregon, the state agency that promotes tourism. It is also considered to be one of the world’s premiere rock climbing destinations and the number of visitors to the park has grown to approximately 900,000 per year. Most […]
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Go Here 2/3-2/10
We are still in high winter season as we roll into February and the Bend Park and Recreation District is offering a series of classes and outings taking advantage of snow. For those with some cross country ski experience, a Continuing XC Ski course that works on skill development is a good way to experience […]