Bird’s eye view

A gifted photographer with some pretty cool gadgets came by last week.

Peter Stevens is his name.

He is a good friend to our current camp hosts Elizabeth Daniels and Jim Deaton.

Peter was also quite handy with a rake and native grass seed. Some Big Sherman Blue should be popping this spring thanks to his handy work.

Much appreciated Peter and see you soon! Now a Stevens-inspired moment of zen via Quadra copter:

 

 

Now let mind drift like river through canyon.

And make sure to join us for our New Year’s Day hike!

 

 

Big Horns Returneth

  Look who’s looking. Our camp host Elizabeth Daniel had a pleasant surprise today on her way to Lone Tree Campground.

Big Horns were pretty interested in what was going on, taking a close look from a nearby hillside. Elizabeth’s point-and-shoot helped capture the story. The herd of about 10 hung out together for about three hours during the heat of the day.

This young ram seemed a bit tired out. Visitors saw many in rut last week as the mating season is well underway.

This American Coot had the river to himself on Tuesday morning.

Bucks are also faring well here at Cottonwood. This healthy specimen was caught nibbling plants in the host site in day use early Tuesday morning. He forgot to make the coffee, though.

This John Deere Tractor hub is one of the many little artifacts that bring a sense of wonder about the generations that came before us. This must weigh well over 100 pounds. It will likely be here for your next visit.

And now, your moment of zen. Cottonwood awaits you.

Where’s Heron? Where’s Otter? Where’s Hazel?

Thanks to some funtastic photos by Volunteer Host Eric Braun – who brought you sheep in camp –  and camper Bevin Clapper, we are playing a little game of “Where’s Waldo” Cottonwood style.   But first, your moment of zen above… If a hawk flaps its wings and no one is there to see it, you should really get to Cottonwood!

Hazel Hoover did a little where’s rattlesnake? last week

No luck, fortunately for her mom. Cold night temps have sent them into hiding.

Ok, now can you find the heron. It’s not in a van down by the river.

Can you find the otter? Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble thrown, no wind to blow.

Last, but not least, where are you? Could you be in  this place?

Bringing on the BIG HORN

With the racket of basalt falling down cliffs, heads turned upward to the stark contrast of the skyline met with the stout outline of a big horn sheep. We had some special visitors on Wednesday. They were a bit reticent at first and then decided to take over just downriver of our group site. Campers got a nice view, to say the least.

Happy Anniversary Drew and Chelsie

Drew and Chelsie Messenger celebrated their first anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 11. The two were the first couple to be married at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. They had a gifted photographer as you can see above. We wish them another great year!

Cottonwood is a fantastic venue for weddings with access to two picnic shelters, camping and an historic ranch back drop. It is wild and unpredictable here like any true love should be. If you are interested, please call the park for more information and date availability. 1-541-394-0002

What’s the best work… Team Work: Oregon Natural Desert Association gets unwired at Cottonwood

Our many thanks go out to the Oregon Natural Desert Association which spent three days removing barbed wire at Hay Creek here at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Volunteers took a few pokes as they wound the fencing up after removing it from T-posts so that wildlife can more easily move about in the area. What a huge help! Thank You!

To see more photos go to:

Look out Oregon Field Guide!

Extra, Extra, see all about it!

This just in: We have a video of the invasive weed study that was done  at Cottonwood Crossings Summer Institute in June. The video was produced by students Anakin Welp and Andrea Galvin with the help of instructors Jeremy Lurgio and Art Rzasa.

Students look at Scotch Thistle, native grasses and relate a scientific method which shows if specific plants are either increasing or not on the landscape.

Cottonwood Crossings Summer Institute will hold an in-service for teachers on Oct. 9 to discuss the program and find out how high school teachers could use the outdoor school within their own curriculum. Please call Tom Peterson at 541-705-7129 if interested in the program offering free college credits to students and free masters or continuing education credits to high school teachers via Eastern Oregon University.

To learn more about the program see the related blog below, “Cottonwood Crossings Summer Institute – In the beginning’