Common Ground: What Unites Central Oregon's Diverse Community

Many people in Bend approaching middle age, like myself, have opened up about their desire to change careers. I went through that experience last year. Spending hours in the Bend library, I completed my real estate training courses, earned my license, joined RE/MAX Key Properties and began a new chapter as a ranch broker in Central Oregon.

Starting from scratch, my primary goal was to immerse myself in the farm and ranch real estate community — connecting with folks from all walks of life. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting old-school ranchers, developers, conservationists, residential realtors, cattlemen, young families, regenerative farmers and small business owners, both new and established. Initially, I expected each person’s perspective to be shaped exclusively by their unique background. What surprised me was the deep commonality I discovered amongst people.

Whether you’re a Central Oregon native, a recent transplant with a remote job or a fourth-generation cattle farmer, there’s a shared reason for remaining here. What unites us is a collective sense of sacrifice and intentionality. There are plenty of other places to settle down with lower costs of living and greater economic opportunities, yet we’ve all chosen to stay. The reasons are as diverse as the people who call this place home, but one common thread stands out: Most people I’ve met want the same things — a thriving community, a healthy environment and abundant streams and rivers.

This shared vision extends beyond mere words. I’ve witnessed ranchers implementing sustainable grazing practices, developers incorporating green spaces into their projects and newcomers eagerly participating in local conservation efforts. Local initiatives like the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and The Environmental Center have brought together unlikely allies, fostering collaboration between traditional agricultural interests and environmental advocates. Most of us hope to leave Central Oregon better than we found it, and that’s something worth celebrating.

One concrete way to contribute to this shared vision is by supporting the Deschutes Land Trust, one of the first organizations I reached out to in my new role. This organization serves as a bridge between different community members, from traditional landowners to environmental enthusiasts. Whether you’re a landowner who wants to become a better steward of your land or an outdoor enthusiast passionate about preserving natural spaces, volunteering with or supporting the Deschutes Land Trust is a powerful way to give back to the beautiful environment that unites us all.

Through my experiences here, I’ve learned that despite our different backgrounds and approaches, we share a deep connection to this land and a commitment to its future. Sometimes, we need to pause and focus on what connects us, rather than what divides us. Living in Central Oregon is indeed a privilege, and we are incredibly fortunate to call this remarkable place home.

From farmers markets to conservation projects, from affordable housing initiatives to watershed restoration efforts, the spirit of cooperation runs deep in Central Oregon. By recognizing these common values and working together, we can ensure Central Oregon remains a special place for generations to come.

This article appears in The Source Weekly January 16, 2025.