River Solitude Where does one find solitude on a nearby river? The Deschutes River, of course, is one answer. Tumalo Creek is another. The Bend Park & Recreation District (BPRD) is offering an adult, full-day, 9-mile Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe paddle tour that will traverse flat water and offer ample opportunities to view wildlife. […]
nature
Posted inOutside
Coyote Summer Safety
Coyotes are back—or always seem to be—in the news. One tried to run off with a small dog out near the Sisters Airport a while back, but the owner's big dog changed the coyote's mind and it dropped the little dog. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has, over the years, really tried […]
Posted inOutside
Go Here
Pine Tree Mill Hike Though reading about the past is fun, it’s always more exciting to discover it in nature. The Pine Tree Mill Hike offers hikers an evening of exploration, combining beautiful trails with fascinating history. Hosted by the Deschutes Land Trust, this hike will explore the Skyline Forest to discuss Bend’s early logging […]
Posted inOutside
The TVs are baaaaack!
One of the most wonderful things I enjoy about writing this column is all the help I get from friends who enjoy the wild things around us as much as I do. The great American writer and illustrator Maurice Sandak used the title, “Where The Wild Things Are” for his delightful 1963 children’s book. This […]
Posted inOutside
Mountain Bikers Seek Changes to 1964 Wilderness Act
Conservationists fear too much is at stake
Thus far, 2016 has been a controversial year for federal public lands, especially in Oregon where the federal government manages more than 50 percent of the state’s geographic area. First, there was the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns. Then, Malheur County residents overwhelmingly voted against creating a possible National […]
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Go Here 3/16-3/23
Sunriver’s Oregon Observatory With Central Oregon’s spring break next week, Sunriver’s Oregon Observatory is offering several programs of interest. For those wanting to take a break from daytime skiing, solar viewing is offered every day from March 19 to Sunday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to solar viewing, evening star […]
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“Hummingbird Highways” at The Belfry
For those who haven’t heard the good news, the first 2016 OSU/Sisters Science Pub lecture will take place at The Belfry in Sisters on March 15. Oregon State University Ornithologist and Associate Professor Matt Betts will be sharing his research on one of the favorite birds of the Sisters Country: hummingbirds. Please pass the news along, […]
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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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What’s In a Name?
The sloth is NOT a slob!
For some reason that I cannot comprehend, someone, somewhere, somehow, back when the sun was a tiny thing, there weren’t no Moon and the Big Dipper was a little drinkin’ cup, got started on using the sloth as a whipping boy for the term, “slob.” I have been accused of using my column for venting […]
Posted inOutside
Go Here 1/21-1/28
Powder-free Pastimes
Mother Nature hasn’t exactly been generous with the snow lately, so if you’re looking for a winter activity that isn’t powder dependent, check out a couple of these local gems. High Desert Museum This 135-acre complex, part wildlife center, part cultural museum can make short work of a no-powder day. Open 10 am – 4 […]