Landscapes of Change: Restoration, Wildness and the Future
What does it mean to restore nature? What role do we, as humans, play in these efforts? How do our ideas of wildness shape the way we approach restoration? Join us for a dynamic series of four events where you will engage in conversations around these complex questions. Through expert-led talks, field trips, and hands-on activities, we’ll explore the evolving relationship between people and the natural world.
Event #1: Nature and Its Artists — The Invention of America’s Landscape
Wednesday, February 26 at 5:30 pm
Join Museum staff behind the scenes in an exploration of the museum collection. From the creation of national parks to advertisements for Smokey Bear, we will explore how art, photography and other imagery have influenced how we think about nature and the wild, and how we approach restoration efforts. Dinner is included.
Event #3: Smith Rock Stories: Managing Competing Priorities
Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 am (full day event)
Join us for an exciting field trip to Smith Rock where we will explore the challenges of balancing cultural, ecological, and recreational priorities in park management. Matt Davey, Park Manager for Smith Rock State Park, and Graham Zimmerman, professional climber and acclaimed alpinist, will discuss current restoration efforts and challenges. Lunch is included.
Event #2: Wild Lands, Working Lands
Wednesday, March 5 at 5:30 pm
How can land trusts and private landowners create common ground to balance the needs of biodiversity and agriculture? Join Brent Fenty from Oregon Desert Land Trust in a conversation that will explore the intersection of conservation, culture, and economics in restoring working landscapes. Dinner is included.
Event #4: Wolves, Newts and the Ethics of Restoration
Wednesday, March 19 at 5:30 pm
What does it mean to “bring back” a species? Join Aaron Bott, wolf biologist from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Hayley Brazier, Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History to explore the costs and value of species restoration through a discussion of the return of wolves in the region and efforts to save the Mazama newt. Dinner is included.
Registration Information
Space is limited!
We request that participants attend all four events. There is no cost to attend but space is limited, and registration is required.
If you are interested, please fill out the participation form here. Applications are due by January 28, 2025. Please contact Isabel Engel at iengel@highdesertmuseum.org or (541) 382-4754 ext. 284 with all questions.
