Nature Center News

This Spring has been a record-breaking season for the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory in the number of classes we have taught to local school groups.  With over 450 students coming just to the Nature Center classes, we have been busy teaching all about Pond Study, Reptiles, and Amphibians.  Our Pond Study class is our most popular class with live animals, a slideshow of native species, a walk on our Nature Trail, and individual trays of pond life that everybody gets to search through.  Our classes are a great way for teachers to get their kids outside, and a great way for us to showcase our specialties.  Thanks to all that have participated this Spring and we look forward to seeing you next season.

The Nature Center taught its first Pond Study class of the Spring season this week.  Our highly popular program attracts school classes from Central Oregon and throughout the state to learn about a myriad of aquatic species.  Despite the snow, this class of kindergartners had a blast searching through pond water and discovering all the tiny life that lives beneath the surface.  We are proud to be teaching such rewarding and educational classes, and the record number of scheduled classes this May is a testament to how fun they are for kids and teachers.

Barn Owls are susceptible to cold temperatures.  Around Sunriver in the winter, nighttime temperatures are regularly in the teens and single digits so we don't see these beautiful white birds. But the warmer temperatures have recently brought a wild Barn Owl into our woods.  Undoubtedly our rehabilitation Barn Owl has had a few things to say about the wild intruder into his territory.  Whether in the wild or in captivity, Barn Owls are amazing creatures to see.  Their striking features and subtle gold hues dotting their crisp white feathers make these a favorite among owl lovers.  If you haven't seen a Barn Owl up close, stop by the Nature Center and see ours.  Who knows, you might even get treated to a wild Barn Owl in the same trip!

Warmer nights and rain instead of snow means the summer season is on its way.  Springtime in Central Oregon is characterized by variable weather.  Nighttime temperatures have dropped to 15 degrees Fahrenheit this month, but the wildlife seems to know that those temperatures are fleeting.  Frogs are breeding, coyotes are hunting, and migratory birds are flocking to Sunriver.  Our feeders have been full of Lesser Goldfinches all this week which is a treat to see.  Flashes of yellow catch the eye of kids and adults alike.  Keep an eye out and see what's around your backyard as summer slowly approaches.

The Annual Spring Ponderosa Pine Sale and Giveaway is in full swing with enthusiastic gardeners purchasing 3 sizes of potted Ponderosa Pines and picking up free bare-root seedlings with planting instructions.  This year's crop of trees looks great, and the taller trees are a huge hit due to their stature and high transplant success.  If you are interested in contributing to the environment and the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, swing on by Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm (the sale ends Saturday April 16).

Today is the nicest day so far this year, at least if you enjoy warm weather and clear skies.  And for many animals, it seems they do love springtime in Central Oregon.  We have had reports in and around Sunriver of lots of active wildlife including eagles, bobcats, elk, and a whole variety of birds.  Of particular note, there was a possible Ross's Goose sighting in the Great Meadow which is rare for the area.  So keep your eyes out for both common and rare animals this season as everything starts to flourish with the warming weather.  

And if you have a particular love of birds, or want to learn all about our feathered friends, be sure to check out our Bird Day at the Nature Center this Saturday (tomorrow, April 2) where we will have displays, kids' activities, and naturalist led walks and talks at 11am, noon, and 1pm.

The winter weather added a snowy white twist to Spring Break at the Nature Center this last week, but it didn't keep the crowds away.  Flocks of locals and travelers were treated to daily nature talks by seasoned naturalists, and displays and exhibits that excite and enlighten.  Fresh tracks in the snow were fun to identify for kids involved in our Kid's Class on Mammals.  Children roared as they learned about Dinosaurs.  And everyone enjoyed watching the Western Toad pee on the Nature Center Manager.  There's never a dull moment at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory!

Today the Nature Center was filled with the sounds of excited children and happy adults.  Many enthusiastic people were in attendance for nature talks on snakes and Great Horned Owls.  Kids busied themselves with nature related activities and got hands-on with interactive exhibits.  And it was all free of charge!  It was a fun precursor to the busy Spring Break and summer season.  So if you have kids interested in classes, or are interested in hearing some great nature talks yourself, or want to attend one of our many programs, check our schedule for upcoming events that may interest you.  We’ve got a lot on our calendars and we would love to have you here.

The Nature Center staff is excited to be working on plans for a new exhibit that celebrates the diversity of life and the evolutionary history we share with all living things.  Charles Darwin's seminal work On the Origin of Species published in 1859 is one of the most revolutionary works of scientific literature and set the stage for a more complete and fulfilling understanding of life's complexities.  The exhibit will highlight evolutionary ideas, the diversity of life, and some exciting fossils to clearly and accessibly relate evolution to both kids and adults.  Stay tuned for updates as the process continues.

The Nature Center staff has a busy weekend ahead.  Our lead naturalist will be guiding a fabulous snowshoe walk that will leave right from our facility on Saturday starting at 12:30pm.  Guests will be treated to a winter wonderland filled with natural history interpretation and fun.  Make sure to call ahead and reserve your space.  
And the Nature Center manager will be attending Eagle Watch at Lake Billy Chinook on Saturday and Sunday where we will be providing educational information on eagles and other raptors.  Offsite programs like this are a great opportunity to showcase what the Nature Center can do for people who may not have visited with us before.  
So if you are near Sunriver or looking for a nice drive in Central Oregon this weekend, you can find the Nature Center staff busy at work educating, informing, and enjoying.