Photo: Land Trust

May is National Historic Preservation Month

Apr 30, 2018 by Deschutes Land Trust
Celebrate with historic tours at Land Trust Preserves. Visit one of the oldest structures in Deschutes County, walk wagon roads, or learn about the natural history of the area.

Questions? Contact our team!

Do you have questions, kudos, or other feedback? Let us know: info@deschuteslandtrust.org

Did you know your Land Trust Preserves also protect historical sites? Camp Polk Meadow is home to one of the oldest structures in Deschutes County, and the historic Santiam Wagon Road runs through Whychus Canyon Preserve. Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month this May by joining us for one or more of our historic tours:

  • May 3rd: History + Geology Walk Wander through the Meadow of Willow Springs Preserve and learn about its underlying geology. Then, dig into the Preserve's history, including its relationship to the Santiam Wagon Road and those that lived at nearby Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. 

  • May 5th: Hindman History Wander Explore the starring role that Camp Polk played in the history of Central Oregon as one of the original stopping places on the Santiam Wagon Road. Admire the craftsmanship of the Hindman barn (one of Deschutes County's oldest structures), and imagine what living in the Hindman house would have been like with a descendant of the Hindman family. 

  • May 17th: History Wander Enjoy a short stroll to learn about one of our flagship Preserves--Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Explore the human history of the meadow, including both Native American and pioneer use. Then, learn about the history of the mountains that surround the meadow while you stroll along a gravel path through pine forest and sage meadow.

  • May 23rd: Santiam Wagon Road Walk Walk back in time to explore the 150-year old Santiam Wagon Road at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Imagine traveling west in a wagon train to transport wool from Eastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley, or east to graze livestock on the grasses of the desert. Explore the site of an early homestead and the signs and symbols still visible along the trail today, helping to tell the story of travel and commerce in the high desert. 

  • May 30th: Santiam Wagon Road Walk Walk back in time to explore the 150-year old Santiam Wagon Road at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Imagine traveling west in a wagon train to transport wool from Eastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley, or east to graze livestock on the grasses of the desert. Explore the site of an early homestead and the signs and symbols still visible along the trail today, helping to tell the story of travel and commerce in the high desert.