Oregon is renowned for its coastal beauty and majestic forests. Lesser known is that half the state is high desert, an expanse of rugged canyons, roiling rivers and abundant wildlife. Join the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) at the La Pine Library and the East Bend Library in March to discover the Hidden High Desert, a place filled with the potential for adventure. These presentations are part of the Library’s “Know Go” series of programs throughout March; they are free and open to all.

Sunday, March 16, 2014 • 1:00 p.m.
La Pine Library

Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 6:00 p.m.
East Bend Library

Heidi Hagemeir, ONDA’s Communications Coordinator, will discuss the recently completed, 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail, which traverses some of eastern Oregon’s most scenic terrain. She will highlight some of the best areas of the trail, including wildlife, petroglyphs and hot springs at places like Hart Mountain and the Owyhee Canyonlands. She will also discuss ways to access it—hiking, mountain biking, horseback and paddling are all options in places—and the potential challenges in a very remote landscape.

“Some folks think of the high desert as an empty place, and from the highway it can seem that way,” Hagemeier said. “But if you get off the pavement a little bit, then you realize that eastern Oregon is full of surprises. There are red-rock canyons, trout-filled rivers and views that go for miles. And you’re quite likely to have it all to yourself.”

Hagemeier will be joined by Gena Goodman-Campbell, ONDA’s Central Oregon Coordinator. Goodman-Campbell will highlight high desert gems right in Central Oregon’s backyard. As the region’s population continues to grow, excellent recreation and abundant solitude still remain at locales like Alder Springs, Oregon Badlands Wilderness and Hampton Buttes. She will discuss what makes these places so special.

For more information about these or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Tina at 541-312-1034.