Birding and Sense of Place, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore the nature of Central Oregon! Photo: Rick Dingus.
Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore the nature of Central Oregon! Photo: Rick Dingus.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Ben Ward for a hybrid bird walk at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve to explore a local birding hot spot and the concept of sense of place. Watch for warblers in the willows and woodpeckers working the pine groves, as Ben guides you through a reflection on deepening your sense of place and viewing yourself as inseparable from the natural world. Guided prompts will include time for both written reflection and group participation. All birding levels are welcome. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

Face masks: Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, face masks are no longer required indoors or outside. Individuals who wish to wear a face mask may do so.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~2 mile hike. Portions will be on a gravel trail and through a grassy meadow.

    Route: This hike will start at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve kiosk, follow a gravel trail, and then venture off-trail into the meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Binoculars (if you have them), journal/paper and writing utensil, small chair or mat to sit on, snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is a 152 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. The Preserve was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2000. The Preserve contains approximately 1.4 miles of Whychus Creek, wetlands, meadows, aspen groves and ponderosa pine stands. It is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species and is one of Central Oregon's birding hot spots. The Preserve also has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.