In late fall we joined a group of flyfishing-centric people that get together the third Thursday and talk about fishing. The Sunriver Anglers organization offers regular programs focusing on fishing Central Oregon. These topics range from slide shows to on stream activities. Tucked into this membership are some interesting opportunities to help nurture the rivers, riparian and aquatic life we’re enjoying.
Kokanee Karnival is one of the educational programs Sunriver Anglers supports. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife started this classroom and field study program in the late nineties.
It’s mission “to help sustain, improve and develop an appreciation of Central Oregon’s unique outdoor environment.” Kokanee Karnival brings that message to 4th and 5th graders.
Perhaps not so coincidentally on Earth Day this year, we participated by helping other Sunriver Anglers serve lunch to 100 hungry elementary students, teachers and volunteers. This was part of Kokanee Karnival’s Angling Clinic Experience.
For most participants this is their first time angling. ODFW has racks of fishing rods and boxes of worms to make it as simple as possible for a successful cast. The other advantage added to the event is that Shelvin Pond is stocked with about 700 trout. From our vantage point, the deck on Aspen Hall, the pond’s banks were filled with bursts of excitement as bobbers dropped below the pond’s surface.
Environment education, especially when it involves grade schoolers, can have substantial impact. ODFW’s unique prospective focuses attention on something the kids are surrounded by but may not fully comprehend…their potential impact. They are doing it in a really fun way … at least we enjoyed ourselves.
The museum’s curated projects go beyond the boundaries of their exhibit space set on 135 acres south of Bend. One of these events is a lecture series held at McMenamins Old St. Francis School.
This past week we learned about “First Foods Management with a River Vision.” Eric Quaempts, Director of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, spoke about a unique approach to water management and natural resource development. His department makes decisions based on the concept of water being a First Food; water, fish, game, roots and berries.
There are an abundance of birds and water fowl taking advantage of the expanded flood plain. Ducks, mostly mallard pairs, and of course flocks of Canada geese. To the year round residents there is a marked increase in song birds, particularly robins and red-winged black birds. The black birds are aggressively staking claim to territory with red flashes from their shoulders and loud calls. There are also small birds that flit too fast for easy identification, but are adding their voices to the choir.
The day begins with coffee, 
We opt for the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge, offering a perfect location, just off Highway 31 near the the town of Summer Lake and to the north end of the town’s namesake.
