We teach that highways and interstates are corridors to transport people, goods, and services across vast landscapes and to connect rural areas with dense metropolitan centers. What began in 1916 with the Federal Aid Road Act, a federal infusion of funds to states to upgrade and build better roads, has continued over the subsequent 100 […]
Outside
Entangle: Where Art, Music and Community Intertwine
An upcoming event offers a unique opportunity to experience art in a way that’s both immersive and meaningful. Whether you’re an artist, a supporter of the arts or simply curious, this event promises to be a memorable experience that brings people together in creative ways. The Entangle exhibit, hosted by Invisible Threads, is a two-day […]
The Many and Unique Plants of the Owyhee Canyonlands
Millions of years ago, the Owyhee Canyonlands was a region of intense volcanic and erosional activity. Lava flows oozed across the landscape, and ash exploded from domes and calderas, blanketing the surrounding area. When the ash settled and turned to rock, water and wind later carved the deep, rugged canyons of present day. Though the […]
Central Oregon Gears Up for Annual Heroes on the Run 5K
This September, Central Oregon’s vibrant dog-loving community will come together for a day of fun and fundraising as Street Dog Hero hosts its 5th Annual Heroes on the Run 5K Fun Run at The Athletic Club of Bend. The event, set for Sept. 8, is a celebration of community, movement and the shared love for […]
Gnome-Inspired Fun Awaits at The Little Woody
Labor Day weekend in Bend is about to get a whole lot more whimsical with the return of The Little Woody Festival. This beloved event blends the best of aged beer, cider and whiskey with gnome-inspired costumes, live music, a beer run and interactive games, all while celebrating the community spirit of the Northwest. “The […]
Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuges Battle Suspected Botulism and Bird Flu Outbreak
A combination of botulism and bird flu has led to estimates of thousands of birds dying in the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex this summer. Birds are dying at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in far Northern California. Last week, refuge staff deployed in a boat and collected 500 dead birds from Sump 1A, […]
Mamma Mia Comes to Theater in the Park
Bend’s annual production for Theater in the Park features the magical tale of “Mamma Mia,” a story brimming with love, laughter and friendship. Rachel Robinson, musical theater jack of all trades and director of the play, alongside the cast and crew, have put in six weeks of incredible effort to bring to fruition a local […]
Listening for Bats in the High Desert
On a quiet night in June, about 20 of us volunteers with the OSU-Cascades Audible Bat Project sat on the rim of the Crooked River as it wound its way beneath the towering cliffs of Smith Rock, listening intently for the audible echolocation calls of spotted bats as they hunted for insects. The amazing part […]
How to Get Started Rockhounding
In the bountiful ocean of sagebrush that blankets Oregon’s high desert, rock and mineral treasures await us. But how can we make ourselves worthy of them? And are they really ours for the taking? Rockhounding, the hobby of searching for rocks, is a deeply rooted Oregonian pastime. For decades, boisterous families and feverish old-timers have […]
Exploring Evergreen: Mt. Bachelor’s New Trail for Hikers and Bikers
Last week, I spent a delightful afternoon at Mt. Bachelor exploring the new Evergreen trail, a mixed-used path for hiking and downhill mountain biking. Taking the chairlift up to Pine Marten Lodge, I watched mountain bikers below, feeling a thrill of anticipation. From the lodge, I made my way to the trailhead just west of […]

