“Know Des(s)erts” through September with Deschutes Public Library

Posted By:  Dana OConnell
Date Posted:  8/23/2021

Satisfy your sweet tooth and craving for knowledge in September as Deschutes Public Library serves up a double scoop of programming for “Know Des(s)erts.” See what it takes to hike any length of the 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail and get recommendations for a post-hike milkshake. Learn the ins-and-outs of High Desert survival and hear how the desert flora and fauna inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Discover adaptations of the endangered desert tortoise and indulge in some sweet offerings of Bontà gelato, a chocolate demonstration, and more.

All programs are free and open to the public. Wearing a face covering is required at all in-person, indoor events.
Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.
 

Hiking the Oregon Desert Trail – Wednesday, September 8 • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Live online

Come learn what it takes to hike a day, week or month on the Oregon Desert Trail and get some recommendations for local favorite sweet treats. Renee Patrick joined Oregon Natural Desert Association in 2015 to further develop and establish the 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail.

Survive & Thrive in Our High Desert Environment* – Wednesday, September 8 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Live online

Converse with outdoors enthusiast Ed Weiser during a virtual session to learn the ins-and-outs of High Desert survival with an opportunity for participants to share adventures, successes and questions for thriving in the elements. Registration is required.
 

The Science Behind Chocolate at the Kindred Creative Kitchen* – Saturday, September 11 • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Live online

Bring your favorite sweet treat to life with an everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know chocolate demonstration. Specializing in chocolate, Chef Michele Morris has worked with multiple World Pastry Champions and now offers cooking and baking classes for youth and adults. Registration is required and space is limited.
 

Georgia O’Keffe Inspired by the High Desert* – Thursday, September 16 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Live online

American artist Georgia O'Keeffe spent decades in the Southwest and made New Mexico’s Ghost Ranch her home and studio from 1949 until her death in 1986. Learn the details about the land she loved with Karen Butts, Tours and Education Manager at Ghost Ranch. Registration is required.
 

The Ecology & Behavior of Mojave Desert Tortoises* – Tuesday, September 21 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Live online

Explore the natural history of the American Southwest’s desert tortoise with Dr. Kristin H. Berry. Raised in the Mojave Desert, which became the base for her research, Dr. Berry offers a unique perspective studying desert invertebrates and their human impacts. Registration is required.

Bontà Gelato Presentation – Wednesday, September 22 • 7:00 p.m. | Pre-recorded program

Discover the process behind Central Oregon’s favorite gelato. Bontà co-founder Juli Labhart demonstrates the process of making dairy-free sorbetto and gelato.
 

A Snapshot in Time: Oregon's Ghost Towns – Tuesday, September 28 • 4:00 p.m. | Pre-recorded program

According to some historians, Oregon has the most ghost towns of any state at about 200 sites. Hear the tales and see the proof from urban explorer Ash Knotts capturing (but not revealing) a few of the ghost towns in Oregon.