(Photo | Courtesy of High Desert Museum)
Here’s what we have on tap for June.
Events
Friday, June 3
7-10pm
Welcome the Night Party
Grab your headlamps and join us outside at the Museum to celebrate sundown, the transition between day and night when crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife stir. Learn how a dark night sky free from artificial light pollution is critical for wildlife. This family-friendly event will include telescope tours, insect discoveries, bat watching, a constellation talk, food and drinks for purchase, raffle prizes and more! Please bring a headlamp or flashlight for after sundown.
$10, members receive 20 percent discount
RSVP at highdesertmuseum.org/welcome-the-night-party
Monday, June 6
6:30-7:30pm, reception to follow
Writing West: A Conservation with Two Award-Winning Authors
Join Beth Piatote and Raquel Gutiérrez as they read from their recent books and discuss the opportunities and challenges for writers of color whose storytelling is shaped by America’s Western landscapes. Co-hosted by Oregon State University – Cascades Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program.
$5, members receive 20 percent discount
FREE for OSU-Cascades students and faculty
RSVP at highdesertmuseum.org/storytelling-conversation
Saturday, June 11 and 18
11am-3pm
Melodies and Steps of 1904
Join us at the Ranch to enjoy tunes of the turn of the 20th century as well as learn fun dances. Experience the new-fangled music machine, the gramophone and test out your swing and jitterbug. We might even dance a waltz or two!
Free with Museum admission.
Sunday, June 19
9am- 5pm
Father’s Day at the Museum
Free admission for all dads!
Monday, June 27
11am-3pm
Ranch Sawmill Demonstration
Full steam ahead! See the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action and discover how critical steam-powered sawmills were to families in the High Desert.
Free with Museum admission.
Thursday, June 30
5-8pm
Museum and Me
A quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Explore the Museum’s newest exhibits and revisit your favorites.
Free for individuals, friends and family
RSVP at highdesertmuseum.org/museum-and-me-july
On-going exhibitions
Imagine a World
through September 25, 2022
This exhibition considers the ambitions, intentions and outcomes (sometimes disastrous) of intentional communities in the High Desert and Western United States over the past half century. It highlights contemporary artists as well, sharing their visions of alternative worlds and futures. “Imagine a World” invites each of us to reflect on how we are.
FREE with Museum admission. Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/imagine-a-world
Vanishing Night: Conserving Dark Skies in the High Desert
through July 10, 2022
The High Desert boasts some of the darkest night skies in the United States. But increasing light pollution emanating from urban centers threatens the health of species that depend on the dark. “Vanishing Night: Conserving Dark Skies in the High Desert” illuminates the critical role of dark skies for High Desert animals and our own cultural heritage. Join us to explore how we can protect the dark and reduce light pollution in our growing communities.
Free with Museum admission. Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/vanishing-night
Lair: Light and the Art of Stephen Hendee
through November 27, 2022
Lair is an immersive exhibition created for the High Desert Museum by artist Stephen Hendee. Hendee’s sculptures explore the spaces in which we live, both physically and virtually. Inspired by natural sciences, architecture, science fiction and digital culture, he uses color, light and space to create simulations of virtual worlds that transport the viewer to a place that is both familiar yet unexpected, whimsical yet unsettling.
FREE with Museum admission. Learn more: highdesertmuseum.org/lair
Daily Schedule
(All daily talks are free with Museum admission with the exception of Raptors of the Desert Sky.)
Natural History Walk
10am
Join a naturalist for a short walk on Museum grounds to learn about the diverse habitats that support an abundance of plants and animals in the region.
Horses on the Range
10:30am
There are an estimated 95,000 free-roaming horses throughout the West. Where did they come from, how are they managed and what impact do they have on High Desert ecosystems?
Otter Encounter
12:30pm
Explore the role this charismatic animal plays in riparian ecosystems of the High Desert. Where are they found? What do they eat? How are they an indicator of a healthy river community?
High Desert Fish Tales
1:30pm
Healthy populations of fish have sustained economies and ecosystems in the High Desert for thousands of years. Discover the surprising diversity of native fish, their importance to our communities and why we must work together to restore them to the landscape. At Cheney Pond gathering area, weather permitting.
Wolves in the High Desert
2pm
At one time the entire High Desert was habitat for the gray wolf. Exterminated in the 1900s, the apex predator is now staging a comeback. Learn about the biology of wolves, their role in natural ecosystems and the challenges communities are working to overcome as they return home.
Desert Dwellers
3pm
We share the High Desert with an amazing diversity of wildlife. Explore the adaptations that enable our wild neighbors to thrive while learning about their conservation from our animal ambassadors!
Bird of Prey Encounter
4pm
Meet a nonreleasable raptor in the Museum’s care. Learn about the unique natural history of different species, their role in the environment and what you can do to ensure their future on the landscape.
1904 Miller Ranch and Sawmill
10:30am-4pm
Meet Central Oregonians of the past as they welcome you into interactive history. Explore how a family lived and supported itself in the High Desert. Help with the chores and play games!
High Desert Ranger Station
10am-3pm
Weekends beginning May 28
Daily beginning July 1
Explore the role of the U.S. Forest Service in managing your National Forest System at this historic ranger station, from which a district forest ranger cared for the land and served the people for decades.
Raptors of the Desert Sky
11:30am
Be awed by the beauty and power of free-flying raptors during our outdoor program. Learn all about birds of prey as they soar overhead.
A 15-minute walk from the Admissions Desk. The trail to the flight area may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs. Weather permitting.
Members, children and seniors $5
Nonmembers $7 plus admission
Ages two and younger are free
Tickets must be purchased from Admissions by 11am. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky