“We have a beautiful but fragile wilderness which needs its users to be both knowledgeable and caring,” says Nicholas M. Pastore, Director of Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness. Members of the group will be joined by Les Josilin, former ranger and author of The Wilderness Concept and the Three Sisters Wilderness, for programs about the importance of stewardship of our wilderness areas. The presentations are part of the Know Wilderness series this September that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act that established the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and set aside an initial 9.1 million acres of wildlands for the use and benefit of the American people.

Tuesday, September 16 • 6:00 p.m.
Redmond Library

Wednesday, September 17 • 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Library

With a growing number of visitors and local populations increasing, fellow director of the group Molly Johnson says maintaining healthy landscapes for plants, wildlife and primitive recreation will be no easy task. “Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness is asking all trail users to take an active role in learning how to be a better Wilderness Steward, so we can all enjoy and share for generations.” According to Johnson, wilderness areas were set aside as a special place to preserve nature without the influences of humans. “If we do not take care to recreate responsibly than we will lose that treasure.” You can learn more about the group’s stewardship initiatives and projects by visiting their website at centralcascades.org.

For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032 or visit www.dechuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.