Workshops will explore meadow

If you're curious about the nature of Camp Polk Meadow, you'll have an opportunity to learn and enjoy good times with local naturalists when the Deschutes Basin Land Trust -- which owns and manages 145 acres of beautiful, protected and diverse habitat along Squaw Creek -- conducts natural history workshops in May and June.

Groups may fill up, so early sign-ups are encouraged.

On May 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jay Bowerman, Sunriver naturalist, amphibian expert and "soggy biologist," will conduct a field workshop on amphibians and aquatic communities of Camp Polk Meadow.

Bowerman's workshop will focus on techniques for taking the pulse of ponds and wetlands in order to acquire baseline information on the natural -- and introduced -- members of the aquatic communities.

This will be a "hands-on" experience, a real opportunity to contribute vital information for the ecological management of the meadows. Participants will conduct a survey that will provide baseline information and will track the health and evolution of Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.

Wear appropriate clothing to be wet, cold, hot and still remain comfortable. Bring plenty of sun screen plus warm gloves, waterproof clothing, and wool hat you can remove when it gets too hot.

Bring your own food, plus water and/or juice. No alcoholic beverages or smoking.

"Amphibians of Washington & Oregon," by W.P. Leonard, and/or "Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia," by C.C. Corkran and Chris Thoms are useful guidebooks.

On May 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jim Anderson will lead a small mammal, reptile and arthropod survey of the meadow. Anderson plans to set a series of live-traps the night before in hopes of catching a spotted skunk and other mammals.

These small skunks have been vanishing from Central Oregon over the years, and may already be extinct in Deschutes County. Camp Polk Meadow has many of the habitat requirements of these mammals.

Bring a sweep (butterfly) net to search for adult and immature insects and spiders.

The group will also visit a rattlesnake den.

The group will also search for lizards and butterflies; bring binoculars. Looking at butterflies through binoculars is far more rewarding than knocking them out of the air with a net.

Bring along field guides to insects, spiders, reptiles and mammals.

On May 28 a local bird enthusiast will lead a group through the rich habitat of Camp Polk Meadow. Over 50 species of birds call the meadow home.

Birding will be the goal, but there will also be opportunities to discuss birding equipment and to better understand what is available and help you to make wise choices on field guides and optical and photographic equipment.

Other programs are also scheduled in June at Camp Polk Meadow and will be discussed next week. Cost for the workshops is $30 for Land Trust members, $45 for non-members. There are no age restrictions for participants.

To sign up or for more information call the Land Trust at 330-0017.