Meadow Wander, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.
Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop to wander through the meadow at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, making new discoveries along the way. Along various stops throughout the meadow, we'll learn more about what makes this place so special. Before moving on to the next site, share your finds and questions with the group in this collaborative exploration. Make connections to biology, geology, history, and more! Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.


COVID-19 Guidelines: We take the health and safety of our volunteers and staff seriously. After careful consideration, we have implemented COVID-19 Walk + Hike Guidelines to promote the health and wellbeing of volunteers and staff. Please read and be ready to adhere to these guidelines so everyone can have a safe experience.

  • Outing Details + Route

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

    Route: This hike will start at the Camp Polk Meadow kiosk, follow a gravel trail, then venture off-trail towards Whychus Creek. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: This hike is moderate with little elevation gain/loss..

  • What to Bring

    Long pants and waterproof footwear recommended. Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. 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 (541-330-0017) 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.