Updates
Victory for Large Trees Affirmed
On March 29, essential protections for large trees in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington were fully reinstated!
Spring Birdsong in Central Oregon
Listen to some familiar melodies. While simply beautiful to our ears, birdsong has a variety of important and complex functions in communication among different species of birds.
6 Tips for Fully Immersing Yourself in the Central Oregon Springtime
A practical guide to appreciating seasonal changes, deepening your local natural history knowledge, and relishing the longer daylight hours.
It's time to define the future of Deschutes County
What do we want Deschutes County to look like in 20 years? The County is asking for your input on its draft update to the Comprehensive Plan.
Deschutes County moves towards mule deer protections
We’ve got exciting news about Deschutes County’s Wildlife Inventory Update. On May 12, the Deschutes County Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (WA-MD).
Losing migration corridors
Reducing hiding cover to 13% in migration corridors is a drastic loss of habitat. This is only a fraction of the necessary forest cover mule deer need to survive.
Take the survey by May 5: Deschutes County 2040
Take action: Join us in asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife. Take the survey by May 5.
A river ecosystem on the brink
What’s in the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Plan? We need more from the draft plan. Take action by May 1 and ask U.S. Fish and Wildlife for specific and tangible conservation actions.
The disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County?
A wildlife inventory update - time to take action!
Notes from the Field: The Jays
Jays are strikingly beautiful birds with plumage in various shades of blue: azure, cerulean, cobalt, sapphire, and slate
Healthy habitats save wildlife
Our regional identity is connected to our wildlife. They are a hallowed part of what makes this place exceptional and distinct. Now is the time to speak up for Central Oregon’s wild creatures.
Winter Newsletter 2022
Take a look at our winter newsletter for updates on the Crooked River, wildlife habitat across Deschutes County, and what makes up a “Complete Community” here in Central Oregon.
Community calls on elected leaders to help Save Skyline Forest
On a brisk and beautiful morning, we delivered the Save Skyline Forest Community Letter to our elected officials.
FAQ: Save Skyline Forest
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about Skyline Forest and the community campaign to conserve it.
Bull Flat: The Gateway to Skyline Forest
The population on the Bull Flat wildlife area is important not only because it is rare but also because it has been extensively studied over several decades.
Notes from the Field: Frogs
Springtime frog song reminds us of the ubiquity of these otherwise shy amphibians, even here in the high desert of Central Oregon.
Help us pass the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act!
Did you know that Oregon has the highest likelihood of wildlife crashes among west coast states? There’s a bill that would change that. Help us get the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act over the finish line!
Winter road closures keep mule deer safe and healthy
Respecting seasonal road closures protects important habitat that helps Central Oregon’s mule deer population survive the winter.
Defending Habitat in Deschutes National Forest
Two recently released forest service project plans have caught our eye. The Green Ridge Project and the Klone Management Project both seek to weaken protections for mule deer habitat by reducing deer hiding coverage below 30%.
Deschutes County can step up to protect mule deer
Mule deer populations in Deschutes County declined an alarming 56% since 2004. This iconic species needs our help before it's too late.