Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Rod Bonacker for a restoration tour of Willow Springs Preserve. Explore the variety of natural structures that have been added to Whychus Creek to improve creek conditions, including some inspired by nature’s ultimate engineer, the beaver. Learn about the regional effort to restore salmon and steelhead in Central Oregon and find out what’s next in this multi-year project to improve habitat for fish and wildlife and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

• 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

  Snacks, water, closed toe shoes, long pants. 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 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.