Category Archives: Central Oregon Events

For a lot of folks who purchase rural acreage in Central Oregon, there’s a lot to learn –especially if they’ve never owned a property outside the city limits. Well, here’s a great opportunity for homeowners to bone up on the major rural concerns — in one fell swoop. On Saturday, the OSU/Deschutes County Extension Service hosts “Living on a Few Acres,” an all-day event providing participants with a host of courses focused on rural life.

Held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds & Expo from 8 am-5 pm, it features more than 30 farm-related classes — everything from “Managing Wildlife,” “Irrigation Management,” “Small Farm Production,” Pasture Grazing & Management,” “Land Use Planning” and “Juniper Management” to “Hydroponics,” “Electric Fencing,” “Weed Control,” “Equipment Management,” “Sustainable Agriculture Systems,” “Tractor Driving,” “Seed Collecting” and “Honey Bees.”

The event is $50; to register, go to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes or call (541) 548-6088, x7957. Lunch is included; there’s also a trade show. Continue reading →

Around here, earthquake jokes can be plentiful, what with the ongoing concern that the South Sister is bulging and is destined to erupt, sooner or later. But the thought that Central Oregonians might actually need to be prepared for just such an event rarely comes to mind. However, if a notable volcanic eruption were to take place near us, the reality is pretty sobering. For example, here are just a few of the hardships we might face: no electricity, food, shelter, water or medical help.

With that thought in mind, the Oregon Department of Geology is hosting two free Earthquake Disaster presentations in Central Oregon next week, for folks who’d like to better understand the ins and outs (so to speak) of our state’s volcanic activity. On Feb. 21 and 22, earthquake expert James Roddey will discuss the geological record and Native American lore concerning local earthquakes. (By the way, if you think the next major earthquake off the Pacific coast won’t affect Central Oregon, think again.)

Monday’s presentation takes place at 7 p.m. at the Tower Theatre in Bend (835 N. Wall St.). Tuesday’s presentation is at 6:30 p.m. at the Redmond VFW Hall (1836 SW Veterans Way). The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services program, the Tower Theatre and the Redmond VFW, is sponsoring the presentations.

For more information, call 541-306-1238. Continue reading →