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Illuminating Dark Skies in Central Oregon

Dawn Nilson spends a lot of time under starry night skies. When she gazes at the cosmos alongside campers and astronomers, she notices a peculiar pattern. Voices get quiet, and tones are softened. A serene stillness blankets the scene. Certain animals come out and specific plants begin to flower. As the sun sets and the stars twinkle, the world transforms, and we transform with it.

In those awe-inspiring moments, Nilson—dark sky preservation director with the Rose City Astronomers and a delegate for DarkSky International—says we’re connecting to something deeper than the brilliant display before us. “The stars have engaged people since we’ve been people,” she said. “They have inspired all the major religions, all the sciences, farm work and poetry. It’s just this big beyond—these really vast places of unknown.”

Todd Lake stars — Todd Lake looking at Mount Bachelor | Photo by Jared Mantzouranis

This is the sentiment at the heart of Nilson’s professional efforts to protect and preserve dark night skies for generations to come. Most recently, she managed and authored an application to create the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary—an area of more than 2 million acres, roughly 90 minutes southeast of Bend, recognized for its bracingly clear night skies.

Those efforts paid off in early 2024 with the establishment of the sanctuary, and organizers across the region aren’t done trying to save our dark skies. Here’s why that matters and what organizers are doing to keep those pristine views intact.

Why Dark Night Skies Matter

According to a 2016 study published in the journal Science Advances, nearly 80% of North Americans can’t see the Milky Way on an otherwise clear evening—a problem caused by what’s known as light pollution.

Light pollution occurs when streetlights and other sources of artificial light brighten and wash out otherwise pristine night skies. According to the National Park Service, that man-made light can travel up to 125 miles from its original source.

But the effects go far beyond what we can or cannot see. The presence of artificial light may attract invasive species that can alter established ecosystems, force native species from their habitats and throw off long-held migration patterns.

Milky way over hot springs — Summer Lake Hot Springs | Photo by Joey Hamilton

How Skies Are Being Protected

Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to reduce light pollution and protect clear night skies. Chief among them is the nonprofit organization DarkSky International, whose International Dark Sky Places program strives to curtail light pollution, collaborate with local communities to implement responsible lighting practices and educate the public on the importance of clear skies.

The first location in Central Oregon to receive a DarkSky designation was the community of Sunriver—which in 2020 was dubbed a Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction.

The recognition came after collaboration between Bob Grossfeld, who led the effort as observatory manager of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, and local stakeholders. Efforts included minimizing the number of streetlights and reworking lights on homes and community buildings—typically by installing shields and focusing beams of light away from the sky and toward the ground. The following year, Prineville Reservoir was dubbed an International Dark Sky Park after staff members installed soft yellow and red lighting that reduced light pollution.

Most recently, in March 2024, the 2.5-million-acre Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary was established in southeastern Oregon. Within those boundaries, and under the region’s clear night skies, sits Summer Lake Hot Springs, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and other popular attractions.

Stargazer through telescope — Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | Photo by Grant Tandy

Todd Forbes, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Lakeview district manager, said the effort started after being approached in 2019 by community stakeholders, including Nilson.

Forbes has worked in Lakeview for more than two decades and says that travelers have been visiting the Oregon Outback the entire time to admire its starry skies. So when Nilson and others asked the BLM to support their efforts to establish the sanctuary, Forbes said it was a no-brainer to take part. “We saw this as a way to validate some of that recreation use that was already happening—and maybe draw some additional attention to the area,” he said.

The sanctuary largely sits on existing BLM land, much of which is unlit—reducing the need to mitigate light pollution. “There are usually a lot of conflicting uses out there,” Forbes said. “And this is one that really doesn’t conflict much with uses that are already going on.”

That solitude gets at why so many have visited the region for decades—a trend that Forbes doesn’t think will slow anytime soon. “What makes the Oregon Outback so special is the ability to find solitude pretty easily,” he said. And now there are two million acres of dark sky to make it even more remarkable.

Chasing Aurora

Written by Christian Murillo

When people think of chasing the northern lights, arctic destinations such as Alaska, Iceland or Norway typically come to mind. While auroras may not occur often in Central Oregon, the year ahead could be special.

The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a dazzling display of light and color. The solar flares that cause these energetic spikes follow a roughly 25-year cycle. We are currently reaching the solar maximum, a period typically associated with more frequent and stronger auroras. This period is expected to last through 2025 and may not appear for another 11 years.

To View and Enjoy the Aurora in Central Oregon

First, keep an eye on the planetary K-index of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. The planetary K-index, or Kp, predicts the strength of an aurora. For reference, the aurora on May 10 hit Kp levels of 9, the upper limit of the scale. I have photographed an aurora in Oregon with a Kp as low as 6, but have found that it isn’t really visible to the naked eye until it gets above 7. Even at this strength, the aurora is more visible to most cameras (even smartphone cameras) than to the naked eye. Since night vision in humans is poor, we need to do everything possible to see the night sky in its full glory.

One of the best ways to see the aurora with your naked eyes is to avoid light pollution. The northern lights typically display on the northern horizon so it is worth noting light pollution to the north. The moon should also be considered when making aurora plans. Its brightness can easily wash out even the strongest auroras; instead check for aurora activity around a new moon, before moonrise or after moonset.

As with any night sky viewing, it is important to look for a place with clear skies. Central Oregon is blessed with frequently clear skies, but weather patterns may be different in the mountains. Always check the latest forecast before heading out.

Lastly, it is important to let your eyes adjust to true darkness when trying to view an aurora. It takes our eyes about 30 minutes to adjust and see as much detail in the night sky as possible. That means no headlamps, phones or flashlights, except in red mode. Red light wavelengths do not spoil night vision, so this mode is recommended when viewing the night sky. With that said, part of the reason catching an aurora is so special is because it is so rare. Aurora forecasts are even less accurate than weather forecasts. Worst case scenario, you get to spend an incredible night out under a blanket of endless stars. See murillophoto.com.

Northern lights — Santiam Pass | Photo by Christian Murillo

What Can You Do?

Eager to help reduce light pollution and brighten the night skies across Central Oregon? It’s easier than you think. Here’s how to get started:

Unused lights: One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to turn off lights when not in use or aren’t a necessity after dark.

Household lighting: Install shields that prevent porch lighting from pointing upward and toward the atmosphere and use lighting that focuses its beam toward the ground.

Camp lighting: Traditional headlamps, lanterns and flashlights can impair night vision and wash out the sky, so consider using red lighting, which provides illumination without ruining the views overhead.

Make a donation: Nilson says one of the easiest ways to get involved is through a tax-deductible donation to DarkSky International, which funds the group’s advocacy work and supports the growth of its Dark Sky Places program.

Where can you go?

In Central Oregon, we’re some of the lucky ones who can actually see the Milky Way on a clear night. If you’d like to take a closer look, appreciate and celebrate the wonders of the universe, here are a few places around the region where you can do just that:

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory has the largest collection of telescopes accessible to the public in the United States and offers year-round nighttime viewing by reservation. See snco.org.

Twenty-six miles southeast of Bend, Pine Mountain Observatory welcomes visitors on weekends from May through late September. The observatory is operated by University of Oregon Department of Physics under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest. See pmo.uoregon.edu.

The Asterisk Observatory at Smith Rock features a 17-inch PlaneWave telescope to offer a 360-degree view of the night sky and surrounding skyline. Visitors are welcome nightly through October or by appointment. See asteriskobservatory.org.

Overnight guests in Tetherow’s Ridge Homes can view galaxies, star clusters and other celestial wonders alongside Bend-based astronomer Grant Tandy. The experience even includes celestial-themed drinks and dessert. See tetherow.com.

Bend’s Biking Blueprints

City Projects and Nonprofits Pave the Way for Urban Cycling

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVI AUGUSTO, INSPIRED BY JOE KLINE PHOTOGRAPHY

As Bend’s summer wanes, residents and visitors look forward to the cooler temperatures on two wheels. Lycra-clad fitness enthusiasts ride scenic bikeways, kids look forward to riding to school and those simply looking for a calmer commute to work or the grocery store enjoy the less-crowded streets in their search for car-free freedom.

Luckily for cyclists, safety in active transportation has become a high priority for local government and cycling nonprofits during the past decade. Education, advocacy and a city council sympathetic to the needs of cyclists have helped remove many obstacles to urban cycling. Dangerous intersections have morphed into protected areas for all users, miles of new bike lanes have been added and plans to separate bikes from cars are in the works. In short, what has been a bike town based around world-class mountain biking is turning into a complete Oregon cycling mecca on the trails and in the streets.

Transportation Plans Map the Future

Building a safe and connected network of bike routes will mean more options, less congestion and less pollution for everyone—visitors and residents alike, explained Bend City Councilor Ariel Mendez. “Good alternatives to driving benefit even people who drive, because it means fewer cars on the road and less competition for scarce parking.”

After years of research, planning and legwork, 2020 saw the Bend City Council adopt the Transportation System Plan (TSP) to adapt to the community’s growing needs for the next two decades. By balancing the diverse needs of Bend’s differing modes of transportation, the TSP aims to uphold the community’s values and protect what makes the city such a desirable place to live. The Bend Bikeway, or one city-wide cycling network including safe east-west and north-south routes, has become a major aspect in achieving Bend’s transportation goals while prioritizing safety.

As a result of the city’s efforts, residents and visitors are seeing upgrades to city roadways. The Wilson Avenue Corridor Project includes painted and separated bike lanes on both sides of the road. Bend’s first protected intersections with physical barriers separating cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles are popping up around town. Safety advocates are happy to see one at the corner of NW Olney Avenue and NW Wall Street where a bicyclist was struck and killed by a turning FedEx driver in 2017.

Greenways and Nonprofits Lead the Way

Perhaps the first indicator that Bend was moving toward bicycle equity was born in 2019 with the creation of Neighborhood Greenways on NE 6th Street and NW 15th Street. The Neighborhood Greenway project is a national idea to describe a route more comfortable for cyclists and pedestrians than nearby busier streets. The roads are equipped with traffic-calming improvements including lower speed limits and speed bumps, traffic circles aiming to slow drivers and signage indicating increased usage by non-vehicular users. The City of Bend has further prioritized non-vehicular travel and discouraged automobile traffic on the 16 current greenways through the installation of traffic diverters.

Kicking off a movement that has helped shift public and political perceptions on non-car transportation, the 2016 Bend’s Open Streets event featured walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers and wheelchair users inhabiting a road blocked to cars. Local nonprofits Commute Options and Bend Bikes led the event and have continued to work toward safer roads for all. Among Bend Bikes’ current list of desired improvements are a complete bike network and map, and more Neighborhood Greenways and protected bike lanes, in an effort to achieve bike equity.

To bring attention to its goals, Bend Bikes held its Bend Bike Night, co-hosted by the City of Bend earlier this summer at The Grove at NorthWest Crossing. The block party started with a “bike bus” consisting of dozens of riders for “safety in numbers,” who pedaled from Larkspur Park in southeast Bend to The Grove where cycling enthusiasts found bike training, education and community. Included in the bike bus pack were Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, Bend Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins and Oregon Representative Emerson Levy.

Focusing more on education, Commute Options has been touting the advantages of active transportation since its inception in 1991, originally under the moniker Biking for a Better Community. A cornerstone of its programs lies in the state-sponsored Safe Routes To School (SRTS) program. As its name suggests, SRTS focuses on children being able to safely walk or roll to school, thus alleviating the need to be dropped off and picked up by their parents. Benefits to eliminating car travel include not only children’s health and well-being, but improved air quality and congestion around schools. For its efforts, Commute Options added six elementary schools to the program and saw a 50% increase in participation last year.

The Future of Safety

A path toward safe biking in Bend seems to be on an upward trend with progress on the Midtown Crossings Project along Greenwood Avenue. The Hawthorne Overcrossing project is also underway, with construction slated to begin in 2026. “A big opportunity will be in 2026 when the city updates its Transportation System Plan,” stated Councilor Mendez. “Biking is the priority of safety into transportation planning. [It] will mean more kids walking and biking to school, older adults living healthier, independent lives and a more efficient mobile workforce in Bend.”

For now, the City of Bend, transportation nonprofits and advocacy groups can enjoy their successes as they seek to inform the general public on how creating safer bicycle paths is a benefit to cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Central Oregon’s Sand Volleyball Scene is Thriving – No Beach Required

Central Oregon’s Beach Volleyball Scene Thrives Without a Beach

A couple of days each week during summer, Kendra Gulley and her friends gather before dawn at Bend’s Pine Nursery Park to get in a few touches on one of its five sand volleyball courts. Sure, they’re able to beat the heat by playing so early. But that isn’t the main reason for the pre-work sand sessions.

“If you’re not out there by 5:30 in the morning, you’re not getting a court,” Gulley said.

Other days, just before midnight on the other side of Bend, the group can be found wrapping up league night on the courts at Lifty’s Bar off Southwest Century Drive. Gulley isn’t alone. From sunup to well past sundown, where there’s a sand volleyball court in Central Oregon, players are bumping, setting and spiking.

“It’s a huge, growing sport here,” said Bob Trapnell, a leader of Bend’s adult sand volleyball scene, “and I love the camaraderie we all have.”

How This Differs From Traditional Volleyball

Those who frequent the sand courts say you get more touches on the ball compared to traditional, indoor 6v6 volleyball. And it’s a sport just about everyone can play. You don’t have to show up to the sand with a resume like Olympic sand volleyball teammates Kerri Walsh Jennings or Misty May-Treanor to have fun. (Although you likely will run into players with elite competitive backgrounds. Remember, this is Bend.)

Photo courtesy of Bend Parks and Recreation

Gulley’s immersion in the local sand volleyball scene has happened over the course of the past decade. She’d pop over to the Pine Nursery courts with her dad looking for a game and to meet some new people. “It’s a great community builder,” Gulley said. “I’ve met all my closest friends through the sport of volleyball. As you get older, it’s harder to meet new people. This is a great way to bring people together and stay active.”

How to Get Better at Volleyball

For those looking to sharpen their skills or simply learn the game, Trapnell and others host lesson clinics on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. on the Pine Nursery Park courts. Roughly 150 people out of the 1,100 members of the Bend Beach Volleyball Facebook group regularly schedule games and hitting sessions there.

“The focus is on helping to deepen the talent pool in Bend over time,” Trapnell said. “I love giving back at this stage of my life. There’s so much to offer the different levels of players to enhance their game.”

With more local kids playing competitive beach volleyball, and the continued surge of new residents in the area, Gulley foresees the scene here continuing to grow.

Youth Indoor Volleyball

Youth indoor volleyball is a popular sport for students, beginning in third grade. High school teams and club volleyball programs feed the love for the sport, and sand volleyball is a natural extension. In 2024, boys volleyball was proposed as a new sport to be added to high school sports offerings. As the number of indoor players rises, the number of sand volleyball players follows, creating more opportunities to find competition.

Volleyball player hitting the ball over the net — Photo by Steve Heinrichs, courtesy of Visit Central Oregon

This summer, Central Oregon Volleyball Club will host numerous tournaments for its players as well as popular “Friday Night Lights” games on two courts located outside the Cascade Swim Center in Redmond.

The single court at Lifty’s in Bend, which can be reserved for $30 per hour, is booked from opening to closing most days during the summer. On “Free Play Fridays,” players fill the courts for 4v4 matches and Lifty’s hosts tournaments throughout the summer.

“There’s nothing like it in Central Oregon,” Lifty’s owner Chris Justema said, referring to both his bar’s sand court amenity and the sport itself.

“It’s a fun, engaging outdoor sport that’s perfect for all skill levels…it’s just an overall good, healthy outdoor activity.”

See centraloregonvolleyballclub.com, liftysbend.com, bendparksandrec.org.

Return of the Cascade Cycling Classic Criterium

Saturday, August 10, 2024, from noon to 8 p.m.

The crowd gathered early, anticipation building as they stood three rows deep to watch for the first cyclists to round the corner. An announcer called out the names of those leading the peloton as they streaked past in a blur of colors. Cheers of encouragement mingled with clanging bells as the athletes vanished for another circuit. Fans who remember the experience can look forward to the excitement again as the fast-paced Cascade Cycling Classic’s Criterium returns to Bend this August after a seven-year hiatus.

Community watching the Cascade Classic and enjoying a meal outside — Photo Joe Kline

Started by former professional riders and Bend residents Megan and Chris Horner, the Horner Cycling Foundation has resurrected the most popular stage of the Cascade Cycling Classic. Spanning from the late 1970s to 2019, the event was one of the longest-running stage races in North America, drawing both professional and amateur cyclists to sprint across the scenic roads and streets of Central Oregon for multiple races across successive days. The foundation opted to condense the race from five days to a more manageable single-day race, also known as a criterium.

Ron Hayman, Gavin Chilcott and Tom Schuler, circa 1987. | Photo courtesy of Bob Woodward

Molly Cogswell-Kelley, race director and executive director of the Horner Cycling Foundation, explained that the multiday stage race had reached its natural conclusion before the pandemic hit. Additionally, Bend’s rapid growth posed logistical challenges for a summer race, contending with factors such as peak tourism season, ongoing road construction and the ever-present threat of wildfires.

“Bike racing has always been a big part of summers in Bend, especially with the Cascade Classic,” said Megan.

“In recent years, bike racing has been missing in Bend, and I think Bend has been missing bike racing.”

“Being able to bring back at least one great stage of the Cascade Classic feels like a huge step.” She added that the criterium was a personal favorite of both hers and Chris’s from their racing days. “We can’t wait to be there when the racing kicks off again.”

Cyclists sprinting for finish line. — Photo Whit Bazemore

Chris rode professionally between 1996 and 2019, winning the Tour of Spain in 2013. He also competed in the Tour de France seven times and in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He has been a Tour de France commentator for NBC Sports and on his YouTube channel, The Butterfly Effect. Megan spent a decade bike racing in the U.S. and internationally. A former U.S. National Road Racing champion, she has been practicing law since 2011 and is the managing partner of Horner Law, LLP.

Cyclist working hard in Cascade Classic — Photo Whit Bazemore

The mission of the Horner Foundation is to develop youth cycling in Central Oregon, create opportunities for kids to ride and race bikes, as well as develop a junior road cycling team that is both inclusive and socioeconomically accessible. With a focus on skill development and team building, the Horners hope to foster a life-long love of cycling.

Bikers passing by in Cascade Classic | Joe Kline

Scheduled for Saturday, August 10 from noon to 8 p.m., the criterium will offer 19 racing categories, from junior athletes to professionals. The event will serve as the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association’s Criterium State Championship for juniors (ages 10 to 17) and masters (ages 40 and up). Bonuses include a one-mile run and a kiddie bike race.

Cyclers taking off in a sprint — Photo Joe Kline

For the professionals, the day culminates with the much-anticipated men’s and women’s races. Riders will race as many laps as possible in a set time; race officials signify the last lap by ringing a loud bell. This year’s course still runs along downtown’s two major streets–Wall and Bond, but organizers added segments on Oregon, Minnesota, Lava and Franklin streets, making it a .7-mile loop.

Cascade Classic winner over the finish line — Photo Whit Bazemore

Chris and Megan Horner | Photo by Ely Roberts

“The course from 2017 was a bit boring, so we added more turns which helps prevent bunching in the field,” Cogswell-Kelley said. She noted that riders with good technique will excel on the new course, and spectators will have lots of opportunities to see their skills showcased, especially in the elite races.

“People who remember the thrilling event know you don’t need to know anything about cycling to get the energy and rush of the event,” said Cogswell-Kelley. “You can’t describe the feeling when the peloton is going by at more than 40 miles per hour.”

The Green Wave

A Community Connected by Surf

An hour remains before sunrise. The city sleeps, but it’s time for “The Mayor” to get to work. Pulling on a wetsuit, booties and gloves, all still damp from an evening session the night before, Lled Smith heads to the Deschutes River as he does every morning. He has totaled more than 1,000 surf sessions and tracks water flow on his website Greenwave Surf Report. When the water is high enough, he’ll ride the ever-in-motion Green Wave — named for the color of a glassy face on the eternally unbroken crest of river water. Smith won’t be solo for long. With the sun comes the half-dozen before-work, early risers.

They give way to a mid-morning crew, then the brunch club before lunch-breakers arrive. The groms come in a steady stream. From pre-dawn until after dark, there’s constant motion at the lineup. You’re never alone at the Green Wave, and for the community of surfers that exists there, they say that’s a good thing.

Enjoying the sunlight while catching waves — Lled Smith

All Are Welcome

“There’s a term in Hawaiian, e komo mai meaning ‘all are welcome,’” said Dave Chun, surfboard shaper and owner of Bend Surf. “Here at our wave it’s, ‘Take your turn, be nice, be kind, surf with aloha‘… that’s the Bend way.”

Smith has been there since the early days. “At first it was a ‘Bro Pit,’ a few guys that had been surfing the ditch [canal] before,” Smith said. While a few came with experience surfing a river wave, most did not and that was just as well: Surfing a standing wave is unlike surfing an ocean wave, so years on a point break don’t translate directly, which creates a camaraderie of learning together.

“It’s easier for me to hold someone’s hand,” Smith said, “than to watch them flop.” There’s a democracy in the line up, too, as everyone tests their patience waiting for their 60 seconds to ride, and inevitably does a lot of swimming when they float downriver after a wipeout. A kind of clockwork and social structure exists, one grounded in equanimity.

Surfers planning their moves on the water

A welcoming vibe may be attributed in part to availability. The river flows 365 days a year, and when the flow is up, so is the wave. “The water keeps flowing, and the wave keeps coming,” said Austin Fernand, age 22 (first image on this post and shown above) and a two-time member of the U.S. River Surfing Team. He has surfed on rivers all over the world and said the consistency at Bend’s wave is part of what makes it unique. Compare that availability to the ocean, where scarcity creates anxiety, said Chun. There’s also no hierarchy in the lineup; a surfer’s position or the number of years a person has surfed at a local break don’t matter here. “Even if you got flushed down the river, you know your spot and just get back in line,” noted Smith. At the Green Wave, locals are friendly and check their egos before stepping onto an island where the line to take turns recognizes civility and order.

Aaron Smith knows a different experience, having surfed in Santa Cruz—a reef break known for its consistent waves and its localism—since he was 8 years old. At Steamer Lane, enforcers were known to keep the lineup in check, sometimes with a dose of grit. Living in Bend for more than 30 years, and an accomplished professional ski racer and cyclist, he questioned whether to introduce his 12-year-old daughter, Poppy, to surfing at the wave. That was six years ago, and the welcoming encouragement from the river surf community for his daughter contributed to Poppy’s love of surfing: “It’s different here,” Aaron said. Poppy calls him, “the ultimate Surf Dad.” Instead of enforcers, the Green Wave has teachers. It’s not uncommon to see Mr. Pipeline himself, Gerry Lopez, humbly lending a hand or offering tips to newcomers.

The minute you put on a wetsuit, you’re welcome as a surfer at a place engineered by wave shaper Ryan Richard, a river recreation specialist for Bend Park & Recreation District.

Gerry Lopez geared up to surf — Gerry Lopez at the Green Wave

Engineered Stoke

Resembling Jason Momoa, Richard is a different kind of Aqua Man. He controls water levels at the Bend Whitewater Park’s three sections—a still-water habitat, the whitewater channel, and a fish ladder, referred to by some as the“kicks and giggles” lane for floaters. With the touch of a screen, Richard molds the surf waves of the whitewater channel remotely from an iPad, adjusting a series of 26 ramps and bladders positioned beneath the flowing water. At the top of the channel, Eddy’s Wave is the most complicated, with an interconnected structure below and frothy chaos above. Richard likens it to a “kayak rodeo hole,” with only skilled whitewater kayakers able to hold on for no more than a few seconds. Next down the channel, the Green Wave is named for the color of a foamless, consistent face of surfable water. At Jason’s Wave, below it, find kayakers, SUP riders or surfers who paddle in and pop up on a board. Each wave is technically a fish ladder, and surfers spending enough time on the water may see a fish swimming below them. But for Richard, his sights are on another species: the Oregon spotted frog, king of the river.

Surfer looking out by the Green Wave from van. — Dave Chun

Richard is charged with keeping the water levels upstream of the Colorado Bridge optimal for the frogs to breed and rear their young. Once the levels are adjusted for the frogs, calls come in from the surfers describing a wave that may need to change: it might be foamy, crumbly or “boney”—a reference to lower water levels exposing ramp structure, a bed of stones or a particular chicken head-shaped rocky hazard below. Conversely, if the flow is strong enough, Richards may get a call to “put in the rib”—a combination of ramp angles that creates a spine in the wave and simulates a bowl.

With spotted frogs on one side of the equation and up to 250,000 floaters during peak summer months on the other, numbers on the Green Wave island can inflate on a summer day, too, with up to 20 surfers lining up for their water time.

A Tragic Turn

Yet, despite its welcoming name and increasing popularity, the Bend Whitewater Park is not without risk. Although masterfully engineered, the wave channel is still within a dynamic and unpredictable river. On April 30, 2022, the power of the water claimed the life of a beloved member of the surfing community. Ben Murphy, 17 years old, passed away while surfing the wave in an event that deeply affected the immediate and extended surf family. Some would never return to the sport, others paused for an extended time in reverence. A memorial on the surf island invokes his spirit, honors him and is seen by every passerby. Murphy’s life and memory bind the community in ways far beyond recreation.

Island Life

Mary Ann Kruz, age 72, has surfed most of her life and is a regular at the wave.

“The Green Wave community,” she said, “is one without barriers of economics, race, age or size.” This ethos carries over into the range of boards under the arm or feet of each rider. From bright pink foamies to custom-made river boards, any board is acceptable here. While traditional lengths are four to five feet, Allie Hofmann brings down her 7’6″ board—a length approaching the span of the wave itself. “At the basic level, it’s more about the rider than the board,” said Chun.

Allie Hofmann with Gerry Lopez Surfboard in the sun — Allie Hofmann

Riders start young. The newly founded Central Oregon Surf Team Association (COSTA) high school league will host its first competition at the wave August 17. Called “Grom Con,” it features not only traditional heats, but one designated for riders on anything not classified as a board. “It’s about having fun,” said Chip Conrad, founder of COSTA, explaining how the competition will draw students from Boise and Chelan to face off against Central Oregon surfers.

“Whatever state you’re in, this is the elixir,” said Hofmann. “You can’t help but be soothed by the molecules coming off the water. It’s calming. You have socializing, physical exertion and endorphins—it’s a recipe for joy,” she said. At the Green Wave, there’s always someone there to lend a hand, let you know where your board pops up, and of course to whoop and holler at your success. That’s community. “Having a good day? Surf,” she said. “Having a bad day? Surf. It makes everything better.”

Aerial view of the Green Wave

Mirror Pond Sanctuary

Biophilic Design Blends Artistry and Nature in This Home on the River

Right in the heart of Bend, where the city hums with concerts in the park, popular restaurants, bars and food trucks, and paddlers haul their watercraft out of the Deschutes River, sits a home that exudes serenity amid the buzz. Ken Krueger and Cherisse Pazan purchased the original 1930s-era home in 2018, drawn to its prime river setting.

washer/dryer in mudrrom

“The location is about as good as it gets in Bend,” said Simon Doss, project manager for Copperline Homes. “The old house was beyond repair, and when we dug out the site, it had unbuildable, unstable soils.” The builder razed the house and excavated down five feet, filling it with gravel to prep the site for a new structure.

Living room and kitchen of Mirror Pond Sanctuary.

The contemporary home Krueger and Pazan built testifies to the couple’s respect for the environment while aligning with the city’s goal to minimize urban sprawl by fitting new homes into existing lots. They complied with deep setbacks from the river to protect the riparian zone and wildlife from stormwater runoff, and honored Bend’s development focus on building vertically by creating livable space with a second story.

“The site embraces the river,” Krueger said.

“Living on the river is magical, as is being in a neighborhood where we can walk to restaurants and enjoy music in the park.”

A HOME BATHED IN LIGHT

“Quiet street side, the entry sequence allows for a sense of discovery,” said lead architect Al Tozer of Tozer Design. Visitors move through the front door and narrow hallway entry to emerge in the great room with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls to the river. “It is fun to observe guests traveling through the home, front-to-back, as they become increasingly drawn forward by the panoramic river view beyond,” he explained. The open area, encompassing the kitchen, dining and living rooms, is bathed in natural light.

“In our work, we treat natural light as another building material,”

Tozer said. “Bringing light into the residence is vital for both the architectural design and the performance of the home through the seasons.” In this home, for example, south-facing windows along the staircase boost natural light throughout the winter.

Patio through folding kitchen doors.

Tozer employed another architectural tenet called biophilic design, which involves connecting building occupants more closely to nature. When the glass accordion doors separating the kitchen from the covered patio are moved aside, the distinction between inside and outside space vanishes.

“Biophilic design guides our work and provides our clients health dividends and a sense of well-being,” Tozer said. The homeowners particularly enjoy the “golden hour” on the patio at sunset when, as they explained, “the light makes the trees and water pretty stunning.”

The seamless connection to the outdoors is further enhanced by a glass-walled partition between the patio and the adjacent living room. Both spaces are warmed by fire: the patio features a firepit for cool evenings when light bounces off Mirror Pond, and the living room has a fireplace for cozy winter evenings.

The fireplace is clad in tile that mimics the color and movement of the river. “Each individual tile was put in place by hand to make that pattern,” said interior designer Lisa Rhee Rokosh of Brass Tacks: Interior Products Planning & Design. Homeowner Pazan elaborated, adding that “the concrete ‘floating’ hearth looks simple and effortless, but was masterfully created by Cement Elegance.”

Bedroom overlooking mirror pond

The kitchen features an unusual element known as “the cloud,” named by the builder because it serves as a second ceiling above the island, replacing a typical hanging vent. Joshua Wilhite, principal and co-founder of Copperline Homes, explained how his clients suggested the idea based on something they’d seen, and the builders found a way to incorporate lighting and an internal venting system while preserving the view. “It added some interest to an otherwise flat ceiling,” he said.

The quartzite island beneath the cloud “is the center of everything,” according to homeowner Krueger, who said they purposely didn’t want a sink in it. “We don’t want to look at dirty dishes.” Instead, the island keeps a sleek profile with an induction stove.

Another standout feature in the kitchen is the cabinetry, made from a combination of white oak and black laminate Fenix–an Italian-designed material made from 60% paper and thermally modified resins, creating an opaque, soft-to-the-touch surface that resists fingerprints.

Exterior of mirror pond sanctuary at night

In the dining room, the homeowners personalized the space by displaying their collection of handmade Glassybaby votive candle holders, a shelf with varied Fiestaware pitchers and a vintage Eames fiberglass shell chair from Krueger’s parents’ home.

The powder room features a back-lit, moonlike mirror on wallpaper–an element designer Rokosh wasn’t sure the homeowners would like, yet it turned into an unexpected and beloved jewel of the home.

Modern house look through, front to back.

PRIVACY WITH A VIEW IN BEND

As residents ascend to the second floor, they enter private quarters customized for sleeping, reading, relaxing, solving puzzles and practicing yoga. The primary suite is over the living room, with the same impressive river views. “Sunrises are spectacular,” said Pazan. The bonus room is appointed with a beverage bar and refrigerator, TV, a hanging wicker chair and a balcony with outdoor furniture facing the river, inviting connection to the outdoors. On the street-facing side of the home is a private, contemplative deck with a hot tub, a rare feature on the second floor. “Due to the small lot and the clients’ desire to maximize space and privacy, the second level provided the best location for a hot tub,” said Wilhite, noting that they were able to engineer the structure to support the extra weight.

backlit bathroom mirror

The riverside home seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a sanctuary that enhances both physical and mental well-being. From observing wildlife, such as beavers, osprey, herons and eagles, to watching people enjoying the river, Krueger and Pazan say the river is the soul of their home.

Architect: Al Tozer, Tozer Design | Interior Design: Lisa Rhee Rokosh | Construction: Copperline Homes | Landscape: Landscape Elements

Camp Tamarack

Under a towering Douglas fir on the edge of Dark Lake, tucked into the hills west of Sisters, a trio of fifth graders stare intently into a tub of murky lake water. Using a turkey baster and an ice cube tray, they examine tiny critters in the mud. “Leech!” one kid proclaims, and the others nod. It’s macroinvertebrate day at Camp Tamarack’s Outdoor School, where Central Oregon students learn ecology through hands-in-the-dirt experiences.

Along with learning about science, students gain confidence in nature, unplug from technology and have a lot of fun during their three-day stay. Whether they come for Outdoor School or for a summer camp experience, campers absorb a good dose of the Camp Tamarack spirit, captured by the motto that owners Charlie and Michele Anderson infuse into every part of camp: “Live more, every day.”

A Central Oregon Legacy

Camp Tamarack began in 1935, when two Oregonian women, Donna Gill and Lucille Murphy, realized their dream of a horse camp for girls. They leased the forested land around Dark Lake, next to Suttle Lake north of Sisters, and built a camp that revolved around horses and water skills. In an era when few such opportunities existed, Camp Tamarack allowed girls to adventure fearlessly and thrive outdoors.

Kids crafting on table

Since those early years, the camp has stayed true to its core mission: To cultivate passion for the outdoors and confidence to try new adventures. As the newest owners, the Andersons recognized how Camp Tamarack sits at the heart of Central Oregon culture. “So many in our community were campers here. Their experiences shaped who they are—they still feel connected,” said Michele.

In 2013, the Andersons were seeking a location to grow the outdoor camps they’d created to honor the memory of Charlie’s brother, whose silhouette can be seen in the mountains of the Camp Tamarack logo. Tyler Anderson, an outdoor enthusiast and climbing guide, passed away in 2010 while climbing in Peru. “We felt the best way to carry on Ty’s legacy would be to nurture that spark of wonder and love of nature in kids. We started with a few small groups, and it grew from there,” said Charlie.

On their first visit to Camp Tamarack, the Andersons found the place empty and in need of renovation. Charlie and Michele focused on the camp’s potential as the permanent home of Tyler Anderson Youth Camp. Today, camp songs fill the air, campers splash along the lakeshore, and the legacy of adventure and learning continues.

Kids looking at pine needles

Building a Local Outdoor School and Camp

With Charlie’s background in education and Michele’s experience in accounting and real estate, the Andersons shaped their programming around two guiding ideas. First, to make local outdoor experiences accessible to all kids and second, to create an environment where kids feel safe being themselves, away from technology and immersed in the natural world.

“We want to nurture curiosity, give a taste of adventure and the freedom of the outdoors. Campers might arrive with some anxieties, but a day unplugged in nature and those worries fall away. This camp has always been a place where everyone can be their best selves, learning and trying new things, away from the pressures of society,” said Charlie.

Michele and Charlie Anderson

This approach is working. Each spring and fall, more than 2,000 fifth-grade students from 38 schools come for three days of outdoor school—to explore the forest and bond around the campfire. In summer, more than 1,200 campers descend upon Tamarack, choosing camp names for the week, swimming and paddling the lake, making crafts and creating memories. Throughout the year, hundreds of high school students gain leadership and mentoring experiences as volunteers.

As the camp grows, inclusion remains a top priority. The Andersons work with local business partners and organizations, such as Bend Park & Recreation District and The Bend Foundation among others, for grants and scholarships to ensure that outdoor experiences don’t depend on income. “I’m so grateful for the support that’s helped us get here, and now we’re able to give back through Camp Tamarack. This place belongs to the community, and we want every kid to be part of it,” Michele said.

For the Andersons, getting all kids outside is the best way to live more, every day.

Toriizaka Art

The artists at this gallery will update throughout the year as new artists come into rotation.

Summer 2024 Issue:

Dao Hai Phong

Celebrated by Vietnam’s contemporary art scene, Dao Hai Phong is known for his evocative portrayal of Hanoi’s village landscapes. Since 1993, his exhibitions have attracted audiences with vibrant compositions of serene, verdant scenes. Through deliberate layering and texturing, Phong’s effervescent colors depict the tranquil world of his childhood, preserving the cultural geography of his youth amidst modernization. He encourages viewers to explore their own emotional landscapes, establishing a connection between artist and audience that transcends time and culture.

Chas Martin

Hailing from Portland, Chas Martin is guided by probing questions: What if? What else? Why not? These philosophical wonderings guide and infuse his creations. Through sculptures, masks and paintings, Martin delves into the world of dreams and symbols, employing a petroglyph-inspired style to illuminate universal narratives and characters. With innovation as a central pursuit, he continually reinvents his craft, challenging conventions and embracing the mantra, “If you’re not creating problems to solve, you’re not being very creative.” This fusion of playfulness and profundity renders Martin’s body of work a captivating exploration of the liminal space between reality and imagination.

Nguyen Thanh Binh

Nguyen-Thanh-Binh

Nguyen Thanh Binh, a popular contemporary Vietnamese artist, showcases his paintings on a global scale. Drawing inspiration from Japanese Haiku poetry, Binh’s work possesses the poetic simplicity that belies its profound depth. Through the strategic use of negative space, a subdued palette and minimalistic detail, he invites viewers to imbue the canvas with their own narratives and interpretations. Harmonizing Western mediums with Eastern sensibilities, Binh infuses each stroke of oil on canvas with a wealth of memories, emotions and passion.

222 West Hood Avenue Sisters, Oregon 97759

(541) 595-8285

Peterson Contemporary Art

The artists at this gallery will update throughout the year as new artists come into rotation.

Summer 2024 Issue:

Donald Yatomi

An oil painter from Kalispell, Montana, Donald Yatomi brings the vibrancy of modern urban life to his canvases. With more than 30 years of experience, Yatomi creates work that reflects his fascination with the juxtaposition of bustling cityscapes and moments of serene introspection. Influenced by artists such as Chuck Close and Willem de Kooning, he captures the complexities of urban existence where viewers can contemplate the interplay of human connection and isolation within the urban landscape.

Shar Coulson

Shar Coulson finds her muse in the contrasts and movements of nature, capturing the dynamic relationships between wind and water, flora and fauna. Each of her paintings delves into the contrasting emotions of vulnerability and strength, depicting the delicate balance between fragility and resilience. Through intricate patterns and earthy tones, she creates layers of color which celebrate the connection between humanity and nature. Coulson’s art is a testament to her profound connection to the natural world.

550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703

(541) 633-7148

Mockingbird Gallery

The artists at this gallery will update throughout the year as new artists come into rotation.

Summer 2024 Issue:

Dan Chen

Impressively merging Eastern and Western artistic traditions, Dan Chen’s work reflects his journey from China to the Pacific Northwest. Born in China, his artistic exploration began under his father’s tutelage and blossomed through mentorship with master artists, later culminating in prestigious state exhibitions. Based in Eugene, Chen’s passion for wildlife inspires his paintings and sculptures, each crafted with meticulous detail.

869 NW Wall St #100, Bend, OR 97701

(541) 388-2107

Sarah Westhusing’s Bend Home: A Blend of Design and Inspiration

When guests enter interior designer Sarah Westhusing’s West Bend home, they instantly feel at ease and, at the same time, transported.

While the clean lines and natural materials of Northwest regional style are present inside and out, there are also touches of Copenhagen coziness and playful accents—an abstract painting by Australian artist Shannon Heath and a cheetah print umbrella with tassels—that evoke the breeziness of a beach bungalow in Australia’s Byron Bay.

Visitors may also notice the lack of clutter, abundant glass, warm glow of flickering candles and earthy scent of palo santo sticks. The special touches and spaces are as thoughtfully considered as a boutique hotel, and that is by design.

“I want to create a life and a space I don’t need a vacation from,” said Westhusing.

Creative Calling

The daughter of a meticulous craftsman and contractor, Westhusing grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where she learned the importance of good design early on. She embarked on a career in product creation and global merchandising, working for companies such as KEEN and Nike.

In 2016, she moved to Bend with her husband and young daughter, Milo, namesake of her company House of Milo. Central Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to launch her full-service interior design studio in 2019.

House of Milo works with clients, often creatives with a unique point of view, to create functional interiors inspired by nature and the art of living well.

Hotels as Inspiration

Westhusing’s own home showcases her aesthetic and experiences. The great room, which includes the living room, kitchen with a marble island and dining, functions as the home’s “lobby” with a 15-foot-tall vaulted wood ceiling, a combination of Douglas fir and hemlock, a 1960s-inspired sectional made in Belgium and a warm gray and taupe brick fireplace flanked by window seats. Items collected during Westhusing’s travels and sourced from other countries, such as intricately patterned Moroccan rugs and decorative Oaxacan clay bowls, add personality to the room and the rest of the house. Oversized windows in the living room and full-pane glass French doors off the dining area amplify the views and connect the space to the outdoors.

Hotels are an endless source of inspiration for Westhusing. “There’s such a strong narrative that goes from the hotel room to the lobby, to the bathroom to the gym, and the story is multisensory: you smell the scent as soon as you walk in; you can feel the sheepskin rugs under your feet. It’s an experience. It’s not just about the look,” said Westhusing.

She believes hotels are the ultimate hosts, making guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. They offer conveniences not typically found but possible in residences, such as the ability to operate multiple lights without leaving the bed and discreetly placed charging stations. They also have a distinct story to tell. Knowing someone’s favorite hotel really says alot about them.

Never afraid to challenge conventional thinking, Westhusing says builders cautioned her not to create such large windows because the home wouldn’t be private enough. She believes privacy can be overrated–she wants neighbors to feel like they can stop by–and would always opt to maximize the warmth of natural south—and west-facing light.

“I would rather see the entire height of a tree,” said Westhusing. “I think there’s something wonderful about a floor-to-ceiling window that allows you to see nature in its full scale,” she added.

Personality Over Conformity

Westhusing’s husband, PJ Jasienski, grew up in Southern California, so nods to surf and skateboard culture are an important theme. Two skateboards from his collection hang on the wall in the dining area, an intriguing contrast in shape and style with the Noguchi paper lantern light. In addition to family photos and art, the hallway gallery wall includes a mounted balsa wood handplane used to ride waves. There’s also a skate ramp in the yard.

From the main living space, a white slatted barn-style door leads to the rest of the single-story home on a third of an acre, which includes 8-year-old daughter Milo’s bedroom with handpainted wallpaper, a music room that doubles as a guest bedroom with a built-in Murphy bed and the primary bedroom. Westhusing’s sanctuary has woven rattan pendant light fixtures, a Mid-Century Modern sideboard, a speckled ceramic chain art piece by Portland-based Space Design, and a king-size bed with soft bamboo sheets and a patchwork comforter.

Exterior of home feature and family

Like a luxury hotel room, glass doors lead to an elevated patio with a braided leather swing from Australia, a rectangular metal firepit and hot tub, and a standalone cold plunge.

Westhusing became interested in spa culture and wellness during a visit to Norway. People spend an estimated 87% of their lives inside buildings, and she believes well-designed spaces provide psychological benefits and happiness.

“I love this quote from designer Ilse Crawford, ‘Design is a tool to enhance our humanity. It is a frame for life.’ Design really affects how we feel and behave,” said Westhusing.

Westhusing enjoys creating human-centered spaces that are unpretentious, welcoming, meaningful and fun, just as she has done in her own residence.

“Your home should tell a story of who you are and be a collection of what you love.”

Hear from Sarah Westhusing on The Circling Podcast with Adam Short. Listen at BendMagazine.com/podcast.

Home feature skate ramp

Xeriscape — Gardening & Landscape

Central Oregon’s Water-Wise Gardening

It’s called the high desert for a reason. In Central Oregon, an average year of precipitation is between 12 inches and 20 inches, the majority of it in snow. It’s dry, it’s cool at night, and frankly, it’s not a place that’s particularly suited to a lush, green lawn.

That’s why so many people are getting on the xeriscaping bandwagon. Xeriscaping is growing in popularity in the dry climates of the American West, and the City of Bend is part of the movement. Earlier this year, Bend landowners were offered a Turf and Removal Rebate, consisting of $3 per square foot up to $3,000 for projects that replaced lawns with water-conserving xeriscaping. About 60 percent–4.5 billion gallons—of Bend’s water goes to landscape irrigation, most of which is residential.

According to Dan Denning, the city’s water conservation program manager, the funds for the rebate program were allocated within three weeks. “With more frequency of extreme drought and the variability of how we’re getting our precipitation–like these summer deluges where we’re getting a few inches an hour–and in the growth we’re experiencing, we’re seeing a shift in how much water we use and when we’re receiving the water,” he said. “So for us, it’s a strategy for trying to keep up with population growth.” Whether incentivized by a city rebate, or with water conservation in mind, xeriscaping can be accomplished with simple steps.

Where to Start

Homeowners may not know where to start a xeriscaping project or worry that their new landscaping will be a big pile of rocks. One of the biggest misconceptions, Denning said, is the idea that Bend will end up looking like a rockscape. He said plant material and mulch is vital to a good-looking xeriscape project. The lushness created by selecting the correct plants also has a cooling effect. A landscape of many rocks actually radiates heat, and the plants will require more water, he explained.

Rocks and drought-friendly lawn

It doesn’t have to be all sagebrush, either. There are plenty of pretty, green native plants that bloom.

Denning understands the temptation of a lawn. “We continue to put grass down because it’s cheap, and it’s what we know,” he said. “We know how to mow a lawn and what it should look like. Xeriscaping is uncharted territory for some people.”

A Seven-Step Process

Xeriscaping is a seven-step process that starts with designing and planning out the space; ensuring efficient irrigation; analyzing the soil and making necessary improvements; picking out the right plants; selecting practical turf areas; using mulch; and then maintaining the space appropriately.

Xeriscaping just a small area of your yard can make a difference. Pick an underused area or a spot where your lawn is already looking a little shabby. Then, consider potential areas for use, maintenance goals and how much sun the area gets each day: does water already flow to that area of the yard? How will you irrigate it? Consider irrigation controllers that use sensors and adjust the amount of water used depending on the weather. Ensure your soil is healthy and rich in nutrients. Then it’s time for the fun stuff–deciding how much turf to keep and picking out the right plants for the new xeriscaped space.

Plants in the Xeriscape

The Oregon State University Extension Service offers an excellent guide to selecting plants for xeriscaping. Its recommendations include grouping plants that require similar amounts of water and sunlight together, and incorporating plants that provide different functions to create a diverse landscape. From ornamental chokecherry trees to fescues and phlox, there are plenty of plants that require little water but make a big impression. Bonus: The more diverse the plants in your landscape, the more varied the animals and insects attracted to them, making the environment even healthier.

And don’t forget the mulch. It prevents water from evaporating, counters erosion and cools the soil. An added bonus? Mulch will also cut down on your weeding time.

Start small. “You can do more than you think,” Denning said. Whatever you do will make a difference. Need more ideas on how to conserve water while creating a beautiful landscape? See waterwisetips.org.

Shades of Summer — Fine Finishes for Your Home

Window Coverings Add Style and Protection

Window treatments serve many purposes, from providing privacy and enhancing style to improving energy efficiencies and controlling the amount of light entering a room. Given their significance and potential investment, they shouldn’t be overlooked during home construction or renovation. After all, residents will likely live with them for a long time.

“The best time to consider window treatments is during the design phase of the home,” said Carrie Steele, lead design consultant and motorization expert at Classic Window Coverings and Shade on Demand in Bend. “Clients who have the highest level of satisfaction at the conclusion of their project are the ones we started working within the design stage, in partnership with the architect and designer.”

Family eating with sun coming through shades

DESIGN FOR THE REGION

Big picture items that need to be considered when choosing how to enhance windows are: how much privacy or light is needed in a room; what window treatments would complement the overall style and decor of the home; how well window coverings block heat in summer and reduce heat loss in winter for comfort and energy efficiencies; ease of maintenance and care; and finally the price, which can vary widely depending on style.

For most homeowners, aesthetics are the main driver in determining the type of window treatment. “From an aesthetics perspective, natural tones and fibers remain popular in Central Oregon,” Steele said. “Homeowners tend to lean toward neutral tones which complement the natural views.”

Window treatments serve other purposes as well. Homeowners often have to balance the desire to take advantage of Central Oregon’s natural beauty with the unavoidable impacts of the high desert sun. For west-facing windows, it’s best to choose window treatments that can effectively control light and heat, while also helping to prevent the fading of furniture, wood, rugs and artwork.

INNOVATIVE PROTECTION

For the greatest energy efficiency, Steele suggests starting on the outside of the home to prevent the sun from penetrating windows.

Exterior roller screen shades are an effective solution. Mounted on the outside, they roll up and down on tracks, and are motorized to conveniently operate from inside the home. Fabrics have varying levels of “openness” or weave density, which directly impacts the shade’s opacity, affecting both outward visibility and the amount of sunlight permitted through. Steele says a density of 97% is popular in the high desert to retain clear visibility outside while also keeping a home significantly cooler and protecting belongings.

Retractable awnings are another good choice when seeking to block direct sunlight. When not in use, these awnings have minimal exterior visibility while offering the option to allow sun in when occupants wish. Adding tinted window film is another possibility.

Exterior of home with sunshades

SMART AND SAVVY

Inside a home, honeycomb cellular shades remain a top contender for the best protection against heat and insulation when it’s cold. They’ve come a long way since their introduction, and manufacturers now offer a wide selection of fabrics and textures. Honeycomb shades provide enough energy efficiency to qualify for federal tax energy credits as part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2023. Applicants may qualify for a $1,200 tax credit annually for up to 10 years on certain products.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is active in keeping window coverings safe, especially for small children and pets, and manufacturers are starting to eliminate cords on many designs. However, there is a limit to how large a manually operated blind can be. According to Steele, this is one reason why more motorized options are hitting the market and gaining in popularity.

Window coverings are getting smarter, too. A wide variety of window treatments integrate with a third-party vendor, such as Alexa, to operate by voice command similar to the way a thermostat is adjusted. Additionally, manufacturers are developing their own apps to facilitate operating blinds when you’re away. This option provides increased home security by giving the appearance of someone raising and lowering shades from within the home.

LED lighting embedded within window shades is another advance in window coverings, Steele noted. “This backlighting can set the mood and illuminate a room.”

Window coverings are the ultimate combination of form and function. Ideally, the best window treatments marry beauty, energy efficiency, tailored functionality and cost-effectiveness. With today’s array of options, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Scalehouse Gallery

The artists at this gallery will update throughout the year as new artists come into rotation.

Summer 2024 Issue:

Kelley Vernon

Kelley Vernon offers a poignant exploration of personal growth and resilience through her series, “The Snag.” As a recent college graduate at age 55, Vernon found herself ensnared in feelings of stagnation and irrelevance, echoing the weathered yet enduring presence of a snag tree she’d encounter on her regular walks. Through her paintings, Vernon navigates the evolving seasons of both nature and self, finding parallels, solace and companionship in the steadfastness of “The Snag.”

Blue Skies Ahead for Solar Power

Interview by Sheila G. Miller

Don’t be fooled by National Solar’s name. It may have “national” in the title, but the company is based in Bend and has served the Oregon market for more than 15 years, making it one of the oldest and largest solar contractors in Oregon. The company has 20-plus local employees in NorthWest Crossing, and people may have seen its vehicles around town or its sponsorship recognized on the Mt.Bachelor Sports Education Foundation vans or as a key sponsor for several years of the Bend Marathon.

National Solar was founded in 2009 by Janelle and Justin Lancaster. Shortly after starting the company, the Lancasters brought John Harley into the ownership structure to build out its installation teams; he’s also involved in training future Licensed Renewable Technicians for the industry. National Solar’s own electricians and installation specialists have been on the roofs of more than 3,000 Oregon homes and businesses. The company focuses on high-quality solar panels, back-up generators and solar battery storage, creating custom clean energy solutions that work specifically for any building, not a one-size-fits-all approach. To help meet back-up power demand, National Solar partnered with Generac, a manufacturer of generators, now located in Bend.

Janelle Lancaster took time out of her busy schedule–complete with an April run in the Boston Marathon–to chat with Bend Home + Design.

Business Q&A

How did you get into the solar business?

In 2009, at the end of the recession, we had an exterior remodeling company and decided we didn’t want to continue in that realm anymore. We wanted to do something with a little more meaning, and something a little more exciting–something people wanted versus something people had to have. We’d been thinking about solar for a while and decided to give it a shot. Solar was just picking up here in Oregon, and it seemed like a great time to hop in. We knew a lot about construction and had the basic building blocks and team members.

We’ve surrounded ourselves with great employees who have helped us from a start-up to one of the largest solar installation companies in Oregon; our success and longevity are because of our employees. We’re a full-service company that stands behind our community. It’s been a fulfilling ride that I wake up to every day, proud to be part of an industry that is changing how we get power to our homes.

Why is Bend prime for solar?

We get a lot of sun here year-round and that makes the financial side of going solar very attractive. State of Oregon incentives and the 30% federal tax credit sweeten the deal, shortening the payback period. In addition to our sun, most people living in Bend are here because of the outdoor lifestyle. Solar and protection of this beautiful place go hand in hand. People here want to do something to protect that.

Workers working on solar panel setup

What’s the most common misconception you hear when talking with a potential client?

The most common misconception is that you’ll never pay it off; that it will never pencil out. That’s just not the case these days. Federal tax credits and state incentives make the payback pretty quick. With utilities raising rates by double digits, it just makes more sense to get a system to hedge yourself against the rising cost of power.

What makes a rooftop suitable for solar panels, and if it’s not ideal because of nearby trees or angles, are there other options?

Ideally, a south-facing roof is the most desirable placement. But here in Bend, we have many low-slope roofs that make solar possible from different angles. Installation of ground-mount systems is another option if someone has sufficient space on their property.

Solar power battery setup

What’s the current state and availability of battery storage to power our homes at night, during weather events such as heavy snow and to feed solar energy back to the electrical grid?

As a partner with Generac, we offer a wide array of reliable back-up systems that have become more cost-effective and user-friendly in recent years. The Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon also offer battery system incentives to help offset the cost, as well as the 30% federal tax credit. Battery and grid tie combinations are a feasible investment.

How feasible is it in Central Oregon to have enough solar arrays and generating options to be 100% off the grid?

The feasibility is not quite there yet, given the current cost of power, coupled with the cost of a large system, and the amount of energy needed to be produced daily year-round in most homes here in Central Oregon.

Solar panels on rooftop from above

What makes National Solar different from other solar companies?

National Solar has been in business for more than 15 years. Today you see a lot of start-up companies from out of state coming into our communities, knocking on doors and offering complicated financing solutions and overpriced solar. It’s just not in a homeowner’s best financial interest. We are here as part of the community. Everyone on our team lives here, plays here and educates kids here. We’re here for the duration–it’s not a one-year gig for us. We’re invested in our employees, paying living wages and being a big part of their lives. What makes my job fun is doing the best I can for our employees and team.

Casting Spells with Custom Fishing Rods

Whether seen through an artist’s or angler’s eyes, Bill Amerongen’s one-of-a-kind fishing rods are breathtaking. Mesmerizing colors form intricate bands and diamonds around the aptly named rod “blank” from foregrip to tip, weaving a spell of beauty, anticipation and—over time—memory and appreciation. Intricately conceived, these beauties are not meant to hang above the mantelpiece. With half a century of fishing expertise under his belt, Amerongen creates rods engineered to ensure the big one doesn’t get away. “They are designed and built to be fished hard,” Amerongen said. He has shipped them to anglers around the world, even as far as to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Wrapped thread on the foregrip is the site of the most flash and personalization. Farther up the rod, colorful threads secure guides through which the line flows. Amerongen’s artistry was inspired by the work of the late Steve Paterson, a custom rod maker from Grants Pass, Oregon. “I knew I just had to learn how to do this,” he said. Paterson began teaching him how to create patterns, some of which may involve as many as 250 different threads. Amerongen taught himself the rest.

Everything about his rods is custom-designed through an in-depth interview. He asks questions to determine: Where and how does the client like to fish? What length of rod, in how many sections? What kind of reel? How should the grips feel and work? Amerongen works closely with each client to select the proper rod blank, which is itself an alchemy of strength, sensitivity, power, flexibility and speed. Then comes the choice of hand grip, whether carbon fiber or cork imported from Portugal. Next, the client selects the reel seat, a functional little sculpture of metal, figured woods and tough composites. Finally, thread samples are mailed to the client for precise hue selection. Barney Page owns six of Amerongen’s rods and is awaiting the arrival of a seventh for catching large rainbow trout in Alaska. “These are pieces of art,” said Page, “but number one to me is their performance.”

Amerongen made his first custom rod at age 14, but wasn’t always a full-time craftsman: He worked as a stockbroker, stay-at-home dad and his son’s baseball coach before transforming his rod-building hobby into a business about a dozen years ago. Each rod takes up to 80 hours to complete, so there is time to savor the creative process. Amerongen makes about 20 rods a year, they are often ordered to celebrate life’s milestones such as birthdays and retirements, and most owners hope to pass them on to the next generation.

While Amerongen creates salmon and steelhead rods, as well as fly, spey and traveling rods—saltwater rods are where the magic of custom rods first appeared for him. As a child, he’d fish with his father off the coast of Southern California and remembers the first custom rod he ever saw. During those early fishing days, he learned that “highliner” is a term to describe the most committed, experienced and respected commercial and recreational fisherman in the world. Amerongen’s work is a reflection of the highliner spirit. See highlinercustomrods.com.

Q&A with Manuka Mana

Formula for Wellness: Manuka Mana’s Superfoods Blend Nature and Heart

A conversation with Adam Short

In a pivotal life moment, Courtney Rebel and Josiah Alexander turned a brain injury into a life mission, one that led to the creation of their Bend-based startup Manuka Mana. A company dedicated to sharing the healing power of nature with the community, Manuka Mana produces functional supplements with two core power ingredients: Manuka honey from New Zealand and wild-harvested mushrooms grown in the Pacific Northwest. With an innovative approach to extraction, Manuka Mana’s elixirs, tinctures and honey offer healing properties based on tradition. Bend Magazine’s Adam Short spoke with Courtney about the origins of the family-owned business and how it captures the meaning of the Maori word mana—the energy that flows from the earth and is passed on from one to another. Here, read an abridged version of their conversation.

What fueled the creation of Manuka Mana?

Josiah suffered a mini-stroke caused by a few concussions he’d had when he was younger. We left his doctor’s appointment thinking, we have a two-month-old, Josiah is only 32, we cannot take their prognosis for an answer. He was a chef at the time, and I was working in the wellness industry. We decided to find something you can take every day that will help heal the brain, leading to a personal journey of discovery, reading as much as we could about the brain. We were particularly impressed with the research behind lion’s mane mushrooms.

Mushrooms seem to be at the forefront of wellness these days. Tell us about the benefits of lion’s mane and others in your products?

The National Institutes of Health alone has more than 1,000 published studies on the power of lion’s mane to regrow neurons and strengthen what is called the myelin sheath, the protective layer around the nerve cells. When you hit your head or even your tailbone, it can cause degradation of the myelin sheath. If not repaired, the damage can cause misfiring of the neurons. So, if you want brain power, lion’s mane is for you. If you need energy, go for cordyceps. And turkey tail, research has shown, helps people increase natural killer cells, even reducing side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. Reishi is a powerful anti-inflammatory which promotes healing, and chaga is packed with antioxidants which build your immune system.

That’s impressive. Can you share what makes Manuka honey different from other forms of honey?

Manuka honey has amazing healing components. Everyone in New Zealand has it in their medicine cabinets and uses it for everything, from eating straight off the spoon to putting it on a cut. It’s really good for healing the skin and wounds. In every hospital in New Zealand and Australia, Manuka honey is on all the Band-Aids. It has a factor called methylglyoxal (MGO), a similar compound to what’s found in hydrogen peroxide, making it a natural antibacterial, antifungal and giving it a digestive component since it kills bad bacteria in your gut. It is the world’s most powerful honey. Manuka is also an extremely clean honey. The New Zealand government carries out rigorous testing to protect the name and ensure it it is free of pesticides, herbicides, mold and heavy metals.

What is one of your favorite products?

The Reishi Defend tonic is an awesome one. It has a base of apple cider vinegar and Manuka honey blended with reishi mushroom, elderberry, propolis and a little bit of vanilla. Families love it because you can make mocktails–and kids love it! They’re getting a little treat, but also an amazing daily dose of immunity building. You can also pour it over warm water for tea or drink it straight as a little sipping shot to boost your immune system. Cycle it into your daily routine, and it’ll bring you joy.

Can you explain the mission behind Manuka Mana?

Josiah, who was born and raised in New Zealand, is our alchemist. He’s the kind of person who researches extraction late into the night and is always working on product development. We use ultrasound (soundwave) technology for our mushroom extracts to make them highly bioavailable, allowing people to actually feel the effects. Our mission is for people to know our products bring value to their lives, so we make sure they’re as potent as possible. Using Manuka honey, mushrooms and other healing ingredients from the earth, we formulate them into something life-enhancing and then pass them along. We harness the mana within the ingredients and share them with the community.

Three Hikes in the Three Sisters Wilderness

No Permit, No Problem

The Three Sisters Wilderness is a spectacular region of shimmering alpine lakes, old-growth forests and wildflower meadows, including a family of glacier-clad peaks: the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor (formerly, called Brother Jon). It is no wonder the wilderness trails are busy in summer.

In 2021, the U.S. Forest Service initiated a permit system to deal with overuse on the most popular Central Oregon trails. Obtaining an online permit to some of the region’s well-known destinations can be a challenge, especially for a spontaneous hike. So here are three options that don’t require advanced reservations. No planning required, just show up and go!

Matthieu Lake Trail | Photo Adam Mckibben

Scott’s Pass Trail

Named for cattleman Felix Scott who built a trail over the Cascades in 1862 to drive cattle from the Willamette Valley toward eastern Oregon, the Scott’s Pass trail climbs through coniferous forests to the namesake pass and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail near South Matthieu Lake, named for Oregon pioneer Francis Xavier Matthieu. Great views of North Sister await from the shoreline.

Trail detail: 6.8 mile out-and-back, 650 feet elevation gain | Scott’s Pass Trailhead: 14.5 miles west of Sisters off Highway 242

Mountain and lake in wilderness — Matthieu Lake | Photo Christian Murillo

Six Lakes Trail

This trailhead provides access to far more than six lakes—it eventually connects to the Mink Lake Basin, home to numerous bodies of water. Nearly a mile from the parking area, the trail passes by Blow Lake, a deep glacially carved lake, visible through the woods. Another mile beyond Blow Lake, the trail passes by Doris Lake, also visible through the trees. On Doris Lake’s eastern shore, at the “day-use only, no camping” area, there is a swimming spot to take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.

Dog, mountain lake and mountains — Blow Lake | Photo Richard Bacon

The trail past Doris Lake gradually climbs through old-growth hemlocks to a junction. Turn right and the trail leads toward Mink Lake and numerous other lakes. Continue straight and head for Senoj Lake (Jones spelled backwards), a shallow lake within a large meadow. It’s too shallow for a swim, but the muddy shoreline is often rich with signs of deer, elk and other Cascade critters.

Trail details: To Senoj Lake, 7.8 miles out-and-back, elevation gain 660 feet | Trailhead: Six Lakes Trailhead is two miles south of Elk Lake Resort on Century Drive.

Horse Lake Trail

From the Elk Lake Trailhead, just across Century Drive from Elk Lake Resort, this trail leads through lodgepole pine and old-growth mountain hemlock forests, crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, before almost reaching Horse Lake. The main trail does not lead to the lake, rather a “fisherman’s trail” skirts along the western edge of the shore. About halfway around, a prow of basalt juts out into the water making a fine lunch spot to share with the uber-cute golden-mantled ground squirrels.

On the return trip to the trailhead, watch for unmarked signs leading to two other lakes, Colt and Sunset. A detailed map is handy for navigating this trail.

Trail details: 8.9 mile loop, 600 feet elevation gain | Elk Lake Trailhead: 33 miles west of Bend, just across Century Drive from the Elk Lake Resort

Woman walking in meadow in the wilderness — Park Meadow Trail | Photo Christian Murillo

Central Cascade Wilderness Permits

Between June 15 and October 15, Wilderness permits are required for overnight and day use, however, no reservations are needed in advance. Permits, such as the Northwest Forest Pass or one of the Interagency Passes, are required for parking.

Ten of 44 trailheads in the Three Sisters Wilderness require an advanced reservation, with a nominal fee, through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777), starting June 5. All other trailheads have free, self-issue wilderness permits at their register boxes.

Tumalo Art Company

The artists at this gallery will update throughout the year as new artists come into rotation.

Summer 2024 Issue:

Katherine Taylor

A classically trained artist, Katherine Taylor captures enigmatic parts of her subjects, exploring the unseen layers beneath their surface. Focusing on unraveling the mysteries inherent in people, animals, landscapes and even mundane objects such as a bowl of fruit, Taylor breaks away from the confines of realism to explore deeper meanings. Inspired by the insight of record producer Rick Rubin, who suggests artists reveal what they know but cannot see, Taylor’s collection is her attempt to paint the intangible.

450 SW Powerhouse Dr UNIT 407, Bend, OR 97702

(541) 385-9144

Laura and Eric — Colorful Love at Suttle Lake

Wedding Details

Time of Year: Fall | Design Theme: Colorful & playful | Number of Guests: 115 | Wedding Party: 5

With family and friends traveling from all over the country, Laura and Eric wanted a venue where everyone could be together in one place for the entire wedding weekend. “We wanted to share the best of what Oregon had to offer for locals and traveling guests—tall trees, mountain lakes, and great food,” Eric said. Suttle Lodge holds a special place in the couple’s memory, with its relaxed, cozy vibe, delicious food and beautiful setting. “Between the food, the variety of different lodging, and a lake to cold plunge in on the wedding morning, the decision made itself,” Eric explained. “Even better, we get to look forward to future trips there and remember all the fun we had!”

Seating chart tags above flowers

Creating the Magic

As the exclusive wedding planner for Suttle Lodge in 2023, Events by Mint worked with Laura and Eric to make their wedding vision a reality. The floral arrangements were designed by Eliza Eaton, owner of Roots Wild Floral, a recommendation from their planner, and “they made our day shine,” Laura shared. “We’re total flower nerds, so getting to geek out with Eliza about flowers was a part of the planning process we really loved.” Katy Weaver recorded the festivities with masterful photography. “She captures micro-moments that happen in a flash but carry so much meaning,” Eric shared. DJ Cooky Parker brought the fun to the dance floor and VK Designs crafted their customized rings.

Glaze and sprinkle donuts at wedding

Laura drew illustrations of native wildflowers and Suttle Lodge buildings and incorporated them into all the printed materials. Taking their request for a disco ball to the next level, their planners “arranged a chandelier of different disco balls of varied sizes over the dance floor,” Eric said. In lieu of a wedding cake, the couple opted for donuts from Sisters Bakery to honor a nostalgic moment from when they first met. The whimsical alternative was a hit amongst their guests. To add to the festive flair, the couple hired the Bend VW Photo Bus. “Our guests loved it, there were so many fun props, and the photo strips we have are hilarious,” Laura shared. Ruth Furtado of Ruthless Beauty was selected for makeup and hair. “I’m so thankful to Ruth for making me feel glammed up, but at ease and totally myself,” Laura said.

Table set for wedding guest feast

Reflecting on their planning process, Laura shared how easy it was to get caught up in the overwhelm of all the details. “When we lost sight of the big picture, we reminded ourselves why we chose to have the wedding we were planning.” A lens into what she learned in the process, Laura offered words of wisdom, “Know yourselves, figure out what is most important to you both and ditch the rest. What you’ll remember the most is how it felt that day with your important people as witness.”

Highlight Moment

“We had a suitcase of wigs, costume pieces, and light-up jackets and gizmos
on the dance floor which was a blast. Seeing our parents and family dancing in wigs and light-up jackets was hilarious, and [photographer] Katy got some great shots to capture the memories,” Laura shared.

Wedding couple posing by Suttle Lake

The Guest Experience

Guests gathered from Ohio, the East Coast and Portland to celebrate Laura and Eric’s special day. “Central Oregon has so much to offer,” Laura said. “Some of our guests went into Sisters, stayed and played at Black Butte, went for short hikes in the area and paddled on Suttle Lake. Others made the pilgrimage to the last Blockbuster in Bend and a bunch added trips to Smith Rock, Crater Lake, Portland or the Oregon Coast before or after the wedding as well.” With Suttle Lodge as the setting for all of the wedding festivities, Laura and Eric achieved their goal of maximizing time with their guests while being able to relax and be present to appreciate every special moment.

Bride's wedding party

Laura and Eric’s Wedding Team

Wedding couple close with flowers.

Andrew and Jake — Classic Style with Smith Rock Views

Wedding Details

Succulent table placement card

Time of Year: Spring | Design Theme: Timeless & scenic | Number of Guests: 150 | Wedding Party: 6

With family in San Francisco and on the East Coast, Andrew and Jake wanted to find a location away from their Bay Area home and new to both sides of their families. “We fell in love with the relaxed vibe and natural beauty of Bend and Central Oregon,” they explained. On their visit, they hiked through Smith Rock State Park and were blown away by the scenery.

After consulting with a few wedding planners in Central Oregon, they knew Emily Gylling with Ponderosa Planning was the right fit for them. “Emily understood our vision for our wedding and immediately showed us that she was well organized and capable of executing our perfect day,” the couple shared. In fact, Gylling recommended the wedding venue at Ranch at the Canyons due to its stunning backdrop of Smith Rock. “We knew it was the only choice,” they said.

Creating the Magic

Being from out of state, Andrew and Jake relied on their wedding planner to help them curate the team of local vendors. “Ponderosa Planning provided us with recommendations and options,” the couple explained. “We took the time to evaluate each of them to see how they would line up with our wants and needs.”

Wedding party smiling together

Andrew and Jake’s vendor team added special touches to highlight the couple’s personality and capture the playful and “not too overly formal” vision they had for their wedding. Offering whimsy and fun for their guests, the Bend VW Photo Bus and Dippin’ Dots Truck enhanced the festive vibe of the celebration. A violinist from San Francisco named Kippy Marks was a big hit, playing violin versions of pop songs during the cocktail hour. “Our guests loved him!” the couple exclaimed.

Wedding couple with their dogs.

Highlight Moments

“We knew an outdoor wedding could be risky, but right before dinner, we experienced that classic high-desert thunderstorm. We all ran into the stables for shelter and then we headed back under the tent for dinner as it rained around us. Our DJ played every rain-themed song you can imagine…Alanis Morisette, ‘It’s Raining Men,’ you name it. After the storm passed, we were left with the most amazing sunset and perfect golden-hour lighting for our first dance and mother-son dances. We moved to the grass near the pond since the dance floor was still wet. It was a truly beautiful and special moment we all shared together. The dance lessons we took really paid off!” said Andrew and Jake.

musician at Andrew and Jake's wedding

The Guest Experience

Family and friends from around the world traveled to the high desert to attend Andrew and Jake’s wedding weekend. “They all trekked their way to Central Oregon to celebrate with us,” the couple said, explaining how most of their guests had never been to the region before. The festivities took place in Bend and Terrebonne, with a rehearsal dinner at 900 Wall in downtown Bend on Friday evening, followed by welcome drinks and desserts at McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel. The wedding and reception took place at Ranch of the Canyons in Terrebonne the following evening, and a parent’s breakfast at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend was the culmination of the festivities. “Central Oregon is a special place,” Andrew and Jake said, “It’s filled with amazing nature, plus great people and plenty of stuff to do. We’re sure a lot of our guests will be back someday.”

Andrew and Jake’s Wedding Team

Anna and Damien — Summer Wedding at Pronghorn

Wedding Details

Time of Year: Summer | Design Theme: Natural & intimate | Number of Guests: 75

Anna and Damian wanted to celebrate their wedding in the town they’ve chosen to live in, surrounded by their community of friends. Central Oregon’s weather factored into their decision as well. “My family is all on the east coast,” Anna explained, “but with 300 days of sunshine a year in Bend, it seemed silly to take the risk on weather in Vermont.”

After exploring options around Central Oregon, Anna and Damian found their perfect venue at the Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve. “I liked that the lodge at Pronghorn was brand new and beautifully designed and how they had multiple outside locations offerings,” shared Anna, who wanted her rehearsal, ceremony and reception to be in outdoor spaces that still felt private and secluded. Additionally, with the majority of their family traveling from out of town, choosing the resort community ensured that everyone who wanted to spend the night before or after their wedding could be easily accommodated.

Wedding couple leaning against Fiat

Creating the Magic

Anna and Damian carefully assembled a collection of vendors to make their vision come to life. As Anna reflected, “The Pronghorn Club made much of this easy—they provided plates, tables, chairs, linens, silverware, and all the food and beverages.” The venue’s commitment to her vision extended to creating a special treat for guests. “I wanted frosé at our wedding, and they had just invested in a slushy machine, so they made it happen!”

Anna incorporated cherished childhood memories into the celebration. “I grew up eating Charlotte Cakes every year for my birthday,” she shared. Pronghorn’s pastry chef, Joanna Latham helped personalize the planning process by baking the traditional French dessert of ladyfingers and berries for Anna’s birthday three months before the wedding. A small Charlotte Cake was also prepared for the couple to take home on their wedding day. Anna’s family roots played a role in the festivities, “Growing up in Vermont, apple cider donuts are an iconic treat. Joanna made those for us, too. She was amazing!” Anna said. Anna and Damian utilized the shop at their company Mountain Modern Airstream to craft a bar, corn hole boards and a welcome sign. The collection of nostalgic details added extra charm to their celebration.

Wedding guests ready for meal at pronghorn

When it came to capturing the magic of the day, Anna meticulously selected her videographer, landing on Chris Mai from Goodco Studios whose work she’d seen before. “He was wonderful,” shared Anna. “His storytelling through his work is amazing.” Anna and Damian also reached out to their community to bring their special day to fruition. “The rest of the vendors were actually all friends,” explained Anna. The result was a beautifully orchestrated and personalized event.

Couple walking away in field

Highlight Moment

“At the end of the rehearsal, we directed everyone to leave to one side of the lodge and head towards the parking lot where I surprised Damian with his dream car, a 1973 Fiat 500!” Anna shared.

Gate into wedding at Pronghorn

The Guest Experience

The weather for their wedding was lovely, sunny with mild temperatures — the classic Central Oregon day. With most of their extended family visiting Central Oregon for the first time, Anna and Damian recalled how the high desert sunshine and scenery created the perfect introduction to the region for their guests. “The ghost trees at Pronghorn were something that caught everyone’s eyes,” said Anna.

Wedding couple looking at each other at pronghorn

Anna and Damien’s Wedding Team

Couple saying their vows at Pronghorn

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Business Q&A

Formula for Wellness: Manuka Mana’s Superfoods Blend Nature and Heart

A conversation with Adam Short

What fueled the creation of Manuka Mana?

Mushrooms seem to be at the forefront of wellness these days. Tell us about the benefits of lion’s mane and others in your products?

That’s impressive. Can you share what makes Manuka honey different from other forms of honey?

What is one of your favorite products?

Can you explain the mission behind Manuka Mana?

No Permit, No Problem

Scott’s Pass Trail

Six Lakes Trail

Horse Lake Trail

Central Cascade Wilderness Permits

Katherine Taylor

Wedding Details

Creating the Magic

Highlight Moment

The Guest Experience

Laura and Eric’s Wedding Team

Wedding Details

Creating the Magic

Highlight Moments

The Guest Experience

Andrew and Jake’s Wedding Team

Wedding Details

Creating the Magic

Highlight Moment

The Guest Experience

Anna and Damien’s Wedding Team

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