Whychus Creek at Willow Springs Preserve. Photo: Kris Kristovich.
Whychus Creek at Willow Springs Preserve. Photo: Kris Kristovich.
If you leave tracks, turn back
This winter as you head out to Whychus Canyon Preserve for a hike, we ask that you help us keep our trails in great shape by checking conditions before you hike. Read on for a current trail update.
3 Steps for tracking wildlife in the snow
Just because winter is here doesn't mean you need to hibernate. Winter tracking can get you outside in that fresh-fallen snow.
10 quick facts about salmon
How many species of Pacific salmon are there? Which species of salmon is the largest? Brush up on your salmon knowledge before January's Nature Night!
Salmon in the Deschutes with Don Ratliff
Retired fisheries biologist Don Ratliff presented our January Nature Night on Salmon in the Deschutes. Enjoy slides from his presentation and find his suggested resources to learn more about salmon, steelhead and the Deschutes River.
A closer look at snowflakes
If you have ever grappled with graupel or had a stellar view of a few stellars, you'll want to read this blog post about snow!
Five fun facts about lichen
Lichens are unique for a variety of reasons, and some are considered to be the oldest living organisms on the planet.
Lichens -- The extreme fungi with Daphne Stone
Lichenologist Daphne Stone presented our February Nature Night on Lichens -- The extreme fungi. Enjoy slides from her presentation and find her suggested resources to learn more about lichens in the Pacific Northwest.
Trees to know in Central Oregon
Central Oregon has a diverse array of native trees and shrubs. Here are a few common ones found at Land Trust protected lands.
Hiking with your dog
Spring is in the air—thank goodness! As you get ready to head out to your favorite Land Trust Preserve for an early spring hike with your furry friend, we offer this reminder about the importance of keeping dogs on leash and keeping wildlife safe.
Butterflies of Summer
A butterfly flitting about in a meadow or forest is a sure sign of summer in Central Oregon. The longer, warmer days bring these colorful creatures out in the meadows of Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, the woodlands of the Metolius Preserve, and the juniper covered slopes of Whychus Canyon Preserve. Here are a few to watch for this summer.
March Nature Night: Cougar Conservation in the 21st Century
Biologist Rick Hopkins presented our March Nature Night on Cougar Conservation in the 21st Century. Enjoy the slides from his presentation.
A stellar spring for wildlife at the Preserves
Wildlife is on the move at Land Trust Preserves. Here are some of our favorite sightings from this spring and late winter.
Envisioning the future of Rimrock Ranch
Back in 2006, the Land Trust proudly announced the conservation of a beautiful piece of land on Whychus Creek called Rimrock Ranch. Its owners, Bob and Gayle Baker, had just signed an agreement with the Land Trust to protect their land forever.
The life and times of Stella the steelhead
The Land Trust is thrilled to announce that we’ve had our first adult steelhead return to Camp Polk Meadow Preserve! Biologists found the radio-tagged adult female at the end of March in the portion of Whychus Creek that runs through the Preserve. She is the first adult steelhead to return to the meadow in 52 years!
Voices for Whychus Creek
The support of our members is vital to the Campaign's success. Long-time member MA Willson shares why she supports the Campaign for Whychus Creek.
Upper Deschutes: The Forgotten Miles
Brad Chalfant comments on the current state of the upper Deschutes River and encourages the community to attend an upcoming presentation on May 2nd.
Wildflower watching
I have a problem. I’ll admit it. Come wildflower season, I can’t help but need to know what is blooming where. I seek out answers near and far, peppering Land Trust volunteers and staff any time they are out and about with, “What’s blooming?”
Spring is for the birds
As spring comes to Central Oregon we all feel the itch to get outside and soak in the warmth of the sun and the green of new leaves. Migrating birds are also enticed to return to Central Oregon each spring. Here are a few places to watch and learn the art of birding.
The importance of meadows
Learn why meadows are so important to the health of Whychus Creek and the fish and wildlife that live in and along the creek.
Monarchs and Milkweed
Monarch butterfly populations have been dwindling across the Americas. Here's what the Land Trust is doing to bring them back to Central Oregon.