Interested in learning how to combine outdoor writing and sketching with your joy of exploring nature? Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kolby Kirk to learn tips and techniques for keeping a journal while out in nature! We'll check out Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, discuss ways of seeing and recording the landscape, explore reasons for keeping a trail journal, and learn tips for quickly sketching flora/fauna for later identification. No journaling or drawing experience needed. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

• Outing Details + Route

  Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~2 mile hike. Portions will be on gravel trails and through a grassy meadow.

  Route: This hike will start at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve kiosk, follow the gravel trail, and then venture off-trail into the meadow. Terrain will be uneven and wet at times.

  Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

• What to Bring

  Journaling supplies (pen/pencil and something to write/draw on), snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

• About the Property

  Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is a 152 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. The Preserve was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2000. The Preserve contains approximately 1.4 miles of Whychus Creek, wetlands, meadows, aspen groves and ponderosa pine stands. It is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species and is one of Central Oregon's birding hot spots. The Preserve also has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers.

• 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.