Land Trust offers 'Nature Nights'

The Deschutes Land Trust announced today its winter Nature Nights series. From the Pole Creek Fire Recovery to the Natural History of Butterflies, the land trust is offering monthly presentations on nature-related topics given by experts in their field. All events run 7 to 8:30 p.m. Topics include:

• January 30: Pole Creek Fire Recovery - Century Center in Bend

Last year's Pole Creek Fire was a massive one, blanketing the region in smoke and burning nearly 27,000 acres in the headwaters of Whychus Creek. Join Sisters Ranger District Ecologist Maret Pajutee for an armchair tour of the Pole Creek Fire to learn more about what happened and the way nature heals itself. Maret will discuss the lessons learned from 10 years of large fires in Sisters, including how creeks like Whychus and its surrounding forest will one day return.

• February 27: Stories from the field, Oregon Field Guide - Century Center in Bend

Are you a fan of Oregon Public Broadcasting's Oregon Field Guide? Then join former producer Jeff Douglas for a behind the scenes look at 10 years on the road with Field Guide. Jeff will show some of his favorite stories, tell some of the funny things that happened behind the scenes, and relate some of the lessons learned.

• March 27: The Bright Wings of Summer: A Natural History of Butterflies - The Tower Theater in Bend

Everyone loves butterflies, but how many of us know what they do, how they act, and how they make their living as creatures? In this colorful talk, lepidopterist/writer Bob Pyle explores the lifestyles and elegant adaptations of butterflies and moths, whose wings have been called "canvasses of evolution." Bob's books will also be available, including his newest title, The Tangled Bank: Writings from Orion.

Nature Nights are free, but a ticket is required. Register and RSVP online at http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org.