Riverfest events come to Sisters

Riverfest, Central Oregon's annual celebration of the Deschutes River Basin, is set to begin on Friday, May 2.

Sponsored by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Riverfest events are designed to heighten public interest and broaden understanding of Central Oregon's waterways.

"We really want to highlight that it's a great opportunity for people to get to know their watershed," said Bea Armstrong, Riverfest Coordinator.

"There are 22 events planned, with something for everyone -- for kids and for adults; and we definitely want to emphasize our website, which is www.deschutesriverfest.com."

Although many of the scheduled events take place in Bend and elsewhere, the very first event takes place right here in Sisters on Friday, May 2.

Norma Funai of Sisters will lead a bird walk at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve beginning at 9 a.m. The 145-acre Preserve is among the Deschutes Basin Land Trust's more recent acquisitions.

The historic Preserve, which was the site of one of the earliest European settlements east of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, is located along Squaw Creek, about three miles north of town.

In addition to birding, Funai will offer information about the Deschutes Basin Land Trust, the diverse habitats represented at the preserve and information about ongoing restoration efforts at the site.

Interested persons may register by calling 330-0017.

Other weekend events are primarily in Bend and include the Mirror Pond Gallery Art Walk, Saturday's 11th annual Salmon Run, canoe and kayak demonstrations, children's stories, folk singing and nature walks.

The next major event in Sisters is a charrette to focus on Squaw Creek, which will be hosted by Maret Pajutee and the Forest Service on Monday, May 5.

This forum will address the Wild and Scenic River plan for management of Squaw Creek, which flows through Sisters.

The event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Sisters Ranger District Office (see related story).

Events continue throughout the following week, with the next Sisters feature occurring on Thursday, May 8.

Jay Bowerman will lead a program titled "Amphibians and Aquatic Communities: A Workshop on Monitoring Biological Indicators."

The workshop will be conducted at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve and will examine aquatic communities and ways to track and study wetland health, especially as it relates to Camp Polk Meadow.

The workshop has a limit of 12 participants and will last all day. There is a fee. To register, contact the Deschutes Basin Land Trust at 330-0017.

The following day, Friday May 9, Pajutee will lead a "Secrets of Squaw Creek Hike" to explore the local, but little-known, stream which has been designated a "Wild and Scenic River" by Congress.

Pajutee will explain about stream ecology, native plants and animals and also discuss current "hot issues" relating to Squaw Creek.

The hike is classified as "moderately strenuous." While there is no fee, a limit of 15 persons has been set for the event. Register by calling 382-0210.

The final Sisters event is set for Saturday, May 10, the last day of Riverfest.

Sisters naturalist Jim Anderson will lead a program called the "Wonderful World of Wildlife" at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.

Anderson will explore the diversity of wildlife in the area, look for wildlife signs, discuss species interactions and habitat requirements, and practice wildlife survey techniques. There is a fee and a limit of 15 persons. Register by calling 330-0017.

Many other Riverfest events are planned, including river hikes, a canoe trip, and other educational and fun experiences.

"We'd also like to emphasize the cleanup day on May 10," Armstrong said. "It's a great opportunity for people to come together and join forces to clean up our rivers."

Nearby Cline Falls is one of the sites on the Riverfest's cleanup list.

For further information and a complete listing of all the events, log onto the Riverfest website or contact the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council at 330-0017.