A tale of two rivers

Oregon offers a dramatic diversity of ecosystems across her ever-evolving landscape. Contrasting hydrogeology and human-influenced impacts of the sprawling Willamette River and dynamic Deschutes River illuminates the essential uses of water.

The Willamette, with its water originating from rainfall and surface flow is typical of the majority of Oregon's rivers. The Deschutes, on the other hand, is born in the Cascades and is dependent on winter snows that seep into the ancient lava flows.

Early explorer John C. Fremont wandered through Central Oregon in the early 1800s, noting in his journals that the Deschutes was "a most peculiar river." It is still that today to those who depend on it for food, commerce, power and recreation.

On Thursday, May 14, at 1 p.m. in the Sisters Library Community Room, retired United States Geological Survey (USGS) geologist Janet Brown will discuss the vital roles that the Willamette and Deschutes rivers have had - and are still having - on Oregon's history, economy and culture.

The Friends of the Sisters Library will host Brown's free Oregon Chautauqua public program, entitled "A Tale of Two Rivers," in which she will show how Oregon's geological formations have influenced man's impact on water resources.

Brown's fascination with hydrogeology is framed by her 25 years of field work with USGS.

Brown's degrees in geology were earned at Kent State University in Ohio, and San Jose State University in California. Early in her career, she served as naturalist and lecturer for the National Park Service in several Western national parks. After retirement, she taught geology courses at Red Rocks Community College in the Denver metropolitan area. Since returning to Oregon, she has been an instructor and lecturer at Central Oregon Community College.

More information about the Oregon Council for the Humanities programs and publications can be found at: http://www.oregonhum.org.