Nature Sketching, 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.

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.

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

    Journal/sketchbook, pencils, pens, colored pencils, or watercolors, 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.