Photo: Douglass Beall.

2021 Blog Posts

Questions? Contact our team!

Do you have questions, kudos, or other feedback? Let us know: info@deschuteslandtrust.org
Early history of Priday Ranch Early history of Priday Ranch

In honor of historic preservation month, the Land Trust wanted to share some of the cultural history of our newest project, Priday Ranch.

Central Oregon Bike Routes Central Oregon Bike Routes

May is bike month! Celebrate by biking through, along, or around some of our favorite conserved places in Central Oregon.

Little meadows make a big impact Little meadows make a big impact

We talk about meadows a great deal at the Land Trust. Many of our core Preserves protect this important feature on the landscape. But what role do meadows play in nature?

Plant Your Own Climate Victory Garden Plant Your Own Climate Victory Garden

Have you ever wondered what local actions you can take to make an impact on climate change? One great option you can do today is planting your own climate victory garden!

Ten Wildflowers to Watch for this Season Ten Wildflowers to Watch for this Season

Spring is here in all its glory, bringing bright greens, purples, and yellows to our sagebrush desert! One of the best ways to soak in the colors of the season is to explore the diverse world of Central Oregon wildflowers.

Peck's penstemon: A Wildflower Mystery Peck's penstemon: A Wildflower Mystery

Sometimes it’s easy to understand why a species is rare. But sometimes it’s a real mystery why a plant would be found on only 485 square miles of the planet.

Tips for hiking with kids Tips for hiking with kids

For those of you with kids, this week heralds the arrival of summer. Like many Central Oregon parents, one of my favorite outdoor activities is taking some summer hikes with my kids. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to plan a successful hiking trip with your kids—especially the small ones.

Get to know Rika Get to know Rika

The Land Trust is so pleased to welcome Rika Ayotte as our new executive director! To help you get to know her, we asked Rika some fun questions about her connection to nature and the outdoors. Learn more...

Know your Penstemons Know your Penstemons

How did a group of delicate blooms end up with the less than elegant common name of beardtongue? It’s all about the flower. Get to know a few of the most common penstemon species you may see around Central Oregon.

Gopher snake or rattler? Gopher snake or rattler?

Even through a phone, the lady’s fear was palpable. It hit my ear like a wave of icy-cold dread. “There’s a rattlesnake on my patio..."

Surveying Oregon's Native Bees Surveying Oregon's Native Bees

Land Trust outreach manager Jana Hemphill heads out to Camp Polk Meadow Preserve to learn more about surveying Oregon's native bees.