Malheur: Migratory Birds, Photography, and Public Lands

This long weekend at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers the chance to observe the migratory birds passing through this time of year and learn more about America’s public lands. Throughout the long weekend, we will have a chance to engage with experts in photography, conservation, wildlife and regional history--and many of the experts are Reedies!

The weekend features,

• bird identification practice;
• exploring the ethics of photographing wildlife;
• gourmet meals made from alumni cookbook authors’ recipes;
• discussions with local residents about the refuge takeover.

Cost:

• $400 per person (shared bedroom in group house)
  
• $500 per person (singles or doubles staying in private mobile homes - limit of 6 spots)

This trip is limited to 24 participants. A $100 deposit will hold a spot for you. Payment in full is due by 5/1/2018. Refunds are available if we can fill your spot from the waitlist.

Tentative Itinerary (subject to modification with speakers’ and facilities’ availability)

Wednesday, May 2: Reception and opening discussion

7:00 p.m. Prexy Living Room or Parker House

We’ll gather and enjoy some food and drink followed by an engaging discussion on the history and the role of our public lands. Local experts will include land managers as well as people who grew up in Harney and Malheur counties. This will anchor our trip the following morning to Malheur.

Thursday, May 3: To Malheur!

It’s a full day to get there, but we will break up the journey with strategic stops that offer a chance to stretch, have a bathroom break, and also experience something germane to our topic.

8:00 am departure

10:00 am coffee/rest break at the Reed College Ski Cabin

12:30 p.m. Lunch enroute

2:30 p.m. Rest stop

5:00 p.m. Arrival at Malheur Field Station

5:30 p.m. Happy hour & Dinner

7:30 p.m. Evening walk/talk: The Occupation

Friday, May 4: Nature, Photography, & History

This will be our first full day in the region. Those who want to rise early for a chance to do some birding will have that change. We’ll stay pretty close to the Field Station and the refuge headquarters so, there will be lots of time outdoors!

Early risers: birding

8-9 a.m. Breakfast

Break

9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon: Malheur Headquarters

12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m.: Field Station walk/talk with station director and expert naturalist

Break

4:00-6:00 p.m.: Buena Vista Pond & Overlook

6:00-7:30 p.m. Happy Hour & Dinner

7:30-9:00 p.m. Music & conversation

Stargazing!

Saturday, May 5: Follow Your Muse

Today will feature optional activities. Whether you want to improve your photography skills or try your hand at sketching or just take a quiet hike, this is your chance! And we’ll end the day with a drive to Diamond for our dinner!

Early risers: birding

8-9 a.m. Breakfast

Break

9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon: Optional activities: photography, field sketching, hiking

12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00-5:00 p.m.: Optional activities: Driving tour, hiking, relaxing

Break

5:30-6:00 p.m. Drive to Diamond

6:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner at Hotel Diamond

8:00-9:00 p.m. Drive back to Field Station via Diamond Craters & Round Barn

Stargazing

Sunday, May 6: The Journey Home

Today we bid farewell to the Great Basin and return to the Willamette Valley. But, of course, birders will have one last chance to get their fix in (and photographers their chance to catch some great shots during the morning light!)

8-9 a.m. Breakfast

Walk/Talk

10 a.m. Departure

12:00: Lunch

Break

6:00 p.m.: Return to Reed