Nature Sketching, Willow Springs Preserve

Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.
Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.

Do you want to deepen and expand your interactions with nature? Wish you had a way to remember all of the wonderful things you discover when you’re out exploring? Keeping a nature journal is a great way to do both! Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kathleen Riopelle to learn and practice tips and techniques for keeping a nature journal. Learn how to closely observe the natural world and quickly capture both the essence and details of your surroundings to help with identification and create memories to enjoy forever. No journaling experience needed. 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 1-2 mile hike on old roads and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the Willow Springs Preserve entrance and follow dirt access roads. We will also 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

    Journal/sketchbook, pencils, pens, colored pencils, or watercolors, snacks/dinner, water, closed toe shoes, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    The Deschutes Land Trust acquired and protected the 130 acre Willow Springs Preserve in 2017. The Preserve includes one mile of Whychus Creek, creekside meadows, aspen and cottonwood stands, and rimrock cliffs. The Preserve is located outside of Sisters, Oregon and is home to a host of wildlife species including salmon and steelhead, mule deer, rocky mountain elk, raptors, and numerous songbirds.

  • 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.