‘Know Pacific Northwest’ this August with Deschutes Public Library

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Discover the bounty, beauty and history of our Pacific Northwest backyard this August with Deschutes Public Library.

Hear about new and changing trails from hiking guru William L. Sullivan and embark on a guided tour of Newberry Caldera. Attend a savory cooking demonstration using berries and relive a first-hand account of Tillamook’s Cheese War. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration. 

Rajneeshpuram: A Look Inside the Failed Utopia 

Hear about the infamous Rajneeshpuram community that existed near Antelope, Oregon, in the early 1980s. Author Russell King launched the podcast Building Utopia: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, which explores the history of Bhagwan and his disciples using an immersive narrative nonfiction approach. 

• Thursday, August 4 • 5:00-6:00 p.m. •  Live online 

Attracting and Identifying Pacific Northwest Songbirds* 

Learn about frequently spotted backyard birds and how to attract our feathered friends. Presenter Kevin Lair, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Bend, studied birds while earning a master's degree in wildlife biology. Registration required. 

• Wednesday, August 10 • noon-1:00 p.m. • East Bend Library | 62080 Dean Swift Road, Bend 

William Sullivan: New Hikes in Oregon 

Author and hiking guru William L. Sullivan takes us on a slide show tour of new and changed trails he discovered while updating his 100 Hikes guidebooks for Oregon. Sullivan accompanies his talk with anecdotes about history, wildflowers and geology along the way. 

• Friday, August 12 • 1:00-2:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters 

• Saturday, August 13 • 2:00-3:00 p.m. • East Bend Library | 62080 Dean Swift Road, Bend 

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Plant Medicines: New Technologies and Ancient Traditions 

In this presentation, participants explore the changing landscape of three master plant teachers: psilocybin, cacao and ayahuasca. Michelle Ericksen, Ph.D., provides a deeper context of current research, indigenous and western healing practices and ethical considerations. 

• Tuesday, August 16 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 Deschutes Avenue, Redmond 
• Tuesday, August 16 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Live online 

The True Tale of Tillamook's Cheese War 

In the 1960s, the dairy farmers of Tillamook, Oregon, were at war with themselves. Sisters Marilyn Milne and Linda Kirk share a first-hand account of the Cheese War and the story behind one of Oregon’s most famous brands. 

• Thursday, August 18 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Live online 
   

Geology East of the Cascades 

Rocks tell stories of time passing, climate change and cataclysms. Explore the rich geologic history of our local landscape with retired USFS Geologist Carrie Gordon. 

• Tuesday, August 23 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 Deschutes Avenue, Redmond 

Tour of Newberry Caldera* 

Explore one of Central Oregon's defining features—the Newberry Caldera. Embark on a guided tour with Wanderlust Tours to discover the natural and cultural history of this incredible National Monument.  

Registration required. 

• Wednesday, August 24 • 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Sunriver Library | 56855 Venture Lane, Sunriver 

Berries: They're Not Just for Dessert Anymore 

Rediscover berries in a whole new way. Ahja King demonstrates how to make several delicious savory dishes highlighting Oregon berries, including roasted balsamic strawberries with whipped goat cheese; a berry spinach salad, where we make our own berry vinaigrette; and a baked salmon with a warm berry salsa. 

• Thursday, August 25 • 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine  
   

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032.