In Central Oregon we are fortunate to have so many beautiful natural areas to explore. Sometimes, though, we forget that you don’t necessarily have to venture deep into the mountains to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Grab your family, step outside your door, and discover some of the best #NatureNearby YOU!
Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, Sisters
From creek to forest to grassy meadow, this little Preserve is teeming with life. See if you can spot:
- A Western tanager
- The Hindman barn
- Milkweed plants for monarch butterflies
- A mule deer
- Rabbitbrush
Indian Ford Meadow Preserve, Sisters
Stunning mountain views and sweeping meadows make this Preserve one of a kind. See if you can spot:
- A Steller’s jay
- Mt. Jefferson
- A lupine
- A bald eagle
- A ponderosa pine
Metolius Preserve, Camp Sherman
Towering pines, burbling creeks, and amazing fall colors. Wander over to the Metolius Preserve to see if you can spot:
- A Western larch tree
- Lake Creek
- A mariposa lily
- A Western tiger swallowtail
- A red-tailed hawk
Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters
Rugged canyons, panoramic views of the Cascade mountains, and wildflowers galore. Wander over to Whychus Canyon Preserve to see if you can spot:
- An osprey
- Whychus Creek
- A Scarlet gilia
- The Three Sisters
- Gold stars
Paulina Creek Preserve, La Pine
Sign up for a guided Land Trust tour of this Preserve and explore our volcanic history, wet meadows, and pine forests. See if you can spot:
- A pronghorn antelope
- A sand lily
- Paulina Peak
- Common yarrow
- A Western toad
Priday Ranch, Madras
Sign up for a guided Land Trust tour of this property and take in steep canyons, plateaus, and wide open spaces. See if you can spot:
- A Western fence lizard
- An arrowleaf balsamroot
- Oregon swallowtail butterfly
- A killdeer
- Mountain alder
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