Please call the Nature Center (541) 593-4442 or Observatory (541) 598-4406 if you would like to make one of these special donations.

Nature Center Enhancement

Food for Birds of Prey is needed year round for the six birds housed at the Nature Center. We obtain food from a variety of sources, some of which is donated, such as spawned salmon from a local hatchery but our cost to feed all our animals exceeds $2000 per year. Donations to assist with this expense are always appreciated. 

Scholarship for Summer Student Intern in 2009 - Each summer one young person who "graduated" from the Junior Naturalist Volunteer program is hired to work with Nature Center staff.  The program was created to provide an opportunity for young people ages 15 - 18 who have outgrown the Junior Naturalist program but would like to continue working with Naturalists and gain a better understanding about the natural sciences.    Cost: $1800

Observatory Enhancements

Meteorite Exhibit at the Nature Center is currently one of the largest displays of meteorites on the west coast. Currently, many of these specimens are on loan. We need your help to raise the funds to purchase our own specimens.

Back Focuser for Porter 14" The upgrade to the Porter 14" telescope will provide a 10:1 gear reduction ratio with a fine focuser control. The ability to control the fine adjustment without the primary mirror moving (as it currently does) will allow a more precise image of observed objects. The back focuser will help in visual and photographic work, and allow for better performance on wide field views when using the Fastar system on the telescope.   Cost: $320

Filter switch system for our telescopes will allow the scopes to be fitted with different "deep sky" filters with a flip of a switch. No more running to the back room to grab a filter, thread it on in the dark, and hope that you don't drop it! We would like to acquire five of these units, at a total of $200 each

Deep sky filter package: These deep sky filters are used in the telescopes to enhance deep sky viewing. We currently own a few filters, but the staff is always taking from one scope to the other. These will work great with the filter switch system above. Filters currently cost $129- $179 each

Observatory Enhancements

Color Laser Printer  - A printer capable of printing both legal and letter size documents. The printer will allow staff a more cost effective approach to completing color posters for events and exhibits.  In addition, it will allow the office manager to increase productivity by having a reliable printer that has current technology. The machine will be office quality and will easily handle the demands of the office at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for years to come. Cost:  $650