The Deschutes Land Trust announced today its winter Nature Nights series. From fungi in the forest to the history of trees to wolves and wildlife in Warm Springs, the Land Trust is offering free, monthly presentations on nature-related topics given by experts in their field. Presentations include:
January 25: Fungi in the Forest
7-8:30pm, Tower Theatre, Bend
Central Oregon is home to a broad range of fungi. Many of them play an important role in forest health and are adapted to our fire-dependent region. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Oregon State University Extension Service regional fire specialist Ariel Cowan to learn all about fungi including fascinating fungal communication networks and how these inhabitants can even help our forests recover from fire. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online.
February 21: A History of Trees—Fire, Old-Growth, and Forest Restoration in Central Oregon
7-8:30pm, Tower Theatre, Bend
The magnificent ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests of Central Oregon provide wildlife habitat, clean water, and outstanding outdoor experiences for many people. But these forests are changing rapidly and may not provide the same benefits in the years to come. Join the Deschutes Land Trust, Dr. James Johnston, and Dr. Andrew Merschel of Oregon State University as they share the results of ongoing tree ring research that describes 500 years of change in forests of Central Oregon. They’ll show how they look at old-growth trees as living time capsules that document fire, insect attacks, and birth and death. Learn about the future of Central Oregon’s old-growth forests as they face the challenges of climate change and fire. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.
March 22: Wild Horses, Wolves, and Other Wildlife of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
7-8:30pm, Tower Theatre, Bend
The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is a vast (640,000 acres) and diverse landscape that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Austin L. Smith, Jr., the General Manager of the Branch of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, to take a closer look at wildlife and wildlife management on the Warm Springs Reservation. Smith will discuss the dynamics of managing populations of wildlife including wild horses, wolves, and the reintroduction efforts around bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Learn more about these animals and others as they adapt to climate change, wildfire risk, and the shift of predators within their habitats. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.
Nature Nights are free, but a ticket is required. Please register online.
Learn more: