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Our Stories
Stay up to date on our work in conservation education and stewardship in Central Oregon. Read stories and check out highlights of what we’ve been up to! We would like to extend a huge “thank you” to local media outlets who choose to tell the stories of the forests here in Central Oregon.
China Hat Cleanup Efforts
Earlier this summer, an anonymous local donor reached out to Discover Your Forest to organize a cleanup effort in the China Hat Road area of the Deschutes National Forest. The donor contributed more than $10,000 as a recurring investment for volunteer cleanups in the region. In just one work day, the group was able to remove 18,000 lbs. of trash, scrap metal and waste. Information on how to join the next project is included in the article below.
New Executive Leadership
Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Gordon Price! Read more about Gordon, his history and credentials, and his heart for our work in the press release linked below.
Welcoming Vámonos Outside
In a collaborative effort with other outdoor friends groups in the area, a new nonprofit organization has been launched in Central Oregon. Vámonos Outside is an organization that was created to connect, engage and inspire our Latinx families and community members into the outdoors, throughout Central Oregon. Read the highlight shared by KTVZ
Celebrating Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s 30th Anniversary
In November of 2020, we celebrated 30 years of NNVM! Read through a collection of 20 articles highlighting various areas, facts and stories from across the Monument.
Discover Your Forest & Deschutes National Forest Win Prestigious Award
In March of 2020, we accepted an Outstanding Public Lands Partnership Award from the Public Lands Alliance. Read more about the project and award in a short highlight article.
“A Wild Life Protects Wildflowers”
An article covering the Todd Lake Boardwalk Project: an ongoing project to protect and preserve the incredible nature viewing at the high-elevation lake. We highlight the story of a family who sought to find the right way to honor their matriarch, and contribute to the protection of the wild places that she loved so dearly.
“The Great Outdoors: Free Snowshoe Tours at Mt. Bachelor”
Get an inside look at our free Snowshoe With a Ranger program at Mt. Bachelor. Watch Central Oregon Daily’s coverage of a tour on New Year’s Eve 2019.
Operation Appleseed
We are honored to have been selected by Operation Appleseed to help them achieve their goal of planting 1 million trees in Oregon over the next 3 years! Discover Your Forest will oversee $240,000 in funding to restore 1,465 acres and the planting of 250,000 trees. In Central Oregon, the trees will be planted in the Milli and McKay fire scars as well as in the Whychus watershed. Check out the article to find out more about the project, partners and what it will mean for restorative efforts on our forest for years to come.
“Extraordinary Views & Exceptional People”
Read about local conservationists’ push for programming on the incredible landscape at Dee Wright Observatory. Join in the excitement over our new venture and learn about volunteer opportunities in this magnificent place!
Our Favorites: Newberry National Volcanic Monument Summer 2019
We had a busy year at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. From May to September, our volunteers made contact with over 35,000 visitors! Here are some of our favorite photos:
“Hundreds Clean Up Trash Near China Hat Road”
Hear about our partnership with REI, The Broomsmen, Human Eco Consulting and the Forest Service to make huge strides in a cleanup effort on China Hat Road.
Highlights from Campout For Public Lands 2019
Older Stories: Discover Your Forest In the News!
- Chief’s Honor Awards 2017: Honorable Mention – U.S. Forest Service November 21, 2017
- Local Trails Volunteer Honored– Nugget News November 21, 2017
- The Barnes Butte Monarch Butterfly -Bend Source Weekly
- Local Kids Get an Up-Close Look at the Insects of the Crooked River During Discover Nature Days-Central Oregonian August 18, 2017
- Volunteers Staff Central Oregon State Parks, National Forests -Bend Bulletin June 24, 2017
- C.O High Schoolers to Explore Future in Natural Resources– KTVZ May 8, 2017
- Cascade Lakes Welcome Station ends it’s first summer – Bend Bulletin September 13, 2016
- Outdoor camp exposes girls to natural resources careers – Bend Bulletin June 22, 2016
- Wintery Adventures at Mt. Bachelor – Bend Bulletin February 23, 2015
- Volunteer Finds Fun in Snowshoe Tours – Bend Bulletin December 25, 2014
- Mt. Bachelor Snowshoe Tours Start Saturday – Bend Bulletin December 19, 2014
- An Afternoon Outing at Skyliners Lodge – Bend Bulletin October 15, 2014
- Event Will Commemorate 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act – Bend Bulletin July 20, 2014
- Volunteer Recruitment Event – Bend Bulletin March 27th, 2014
- Discover Your Forest teaches about wildlife – Bend Bulletin March 23rd, 2014
- Registration for Annual Trail Skills College – Bend Bulletin March 12th, 2014
- Certified Interpretive Ranger Training – Bend Bulletin March 12th, 2014
- Be a Junior Snow Ranger! – Bend Bulletin March 5th, 2014
- Alone in the Wilderness Movie Event – Bend Bulletin February 7th, 2014
- Deschutes National Forest begins seasonal ski/snowshoe tours at Mt. Bachelor – Oregon Live December 18th, 2013
- Snowshoes and history on Mount Bachelor – Bend Bulletin December 23, 2013