For Mother’s Day, enjoy a nature walk

Families looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors have a variety of outside exploration adventures to choose from this spring and summer through the Deschutes Land Trust.

If you don’t have a plan for Mother’s Day, here’s one: The Deschutes Land Trust is leading a free “Mom’s Day Nature Walk” at from 10 a.m. to noon on May 8 at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Central Oregonian Karen Parker, a former park interpreter, will lead the easy hike through the meadow in search of wildflowers, birds, pollinators and more. It’s for kids ages 5 to 12 with their moms.

The Deschutes Land Trust leads free outings all spring and summer to explore different environments and animals of our region. Some are general nature walks and some are themed outings. Here is a sampling of programs, but a full schedule can be found at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/events or call 541-330-0017 for more information.

• June 11, 10 a.m. to noon. “Kids’ Hike.” This includes a scavenger hunt in Skyline Forest. The group will search for things that inhabit the forest and clues that animals leave behind. For kids 5 to 12 with a parent.

• July 23 and July 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Family Butterfly Walk at the Metolius Preserve.” Explore the delicate and beautiful world of butterflies with Sue Anderson.

• July 29, 8 to 10 p.m. “Bat Night at Rimrock Ranch.” Ecologist Tom Rodhouse will set up a bat survey station at a protected private ranch outside of Sisters to provide glimpses of these night creatures. Learn about the bats, their ecology and white-nose syndrome. This is a challenging two-mile hike. Bring a flashlight and blanket.

• Aug. 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m. “Family Water Bugs.” Sherry Berrin will explore the Metolius Preserve’s Lake Creek with a net and bucket in search of water striders, caddis flies and backswimmers. Bring water shoes and be ready to get wet while learning why water bugs are indicators of water quality.

Visit www.deschuteslandtrust .org to register for any trips.

— Anne Aurand, The Bulletin