Central Oregon – Juniper Hill Preserve Hike

Join us on a hike in The Nature Conservancy, Juniper Hills Preserve

Hike Leader: Curtis S.

Hike Distance: 8 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 500′

Hike Difficulty: Moderate

Date: June 12, 2021, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Overview:

This is a guided hike on The Nature Conservancy, Juniper Hills Nature Preserve https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/juniper-hills/

Hiking information:

We will hike from the trailhead near the Juniper Hills Painted Hills, to Rattlesnake ash flow, to Brooke Springs. We will be near and on some unique geological features and see the plants and wildlife of this extensive preserve. Much of this area has been off-limits or limited access to the public in the past. The Hike will be guided by TrailKeeper Curtis Smith.

What to expect:

This is a 8-mile round trip hike with off-trail, moderately steep sections but the majority will be on old dirt roads. There will be incredible views. We will be observing wildlife, possibly including elk, deer, and antelope. Sorry, dogs are not allowed on this hike.

You should be in good shape to participate. This hike is not suitable for small children.

You should expect to participate in the entire hike. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early. If you are unsure that you can complete the hike or keep up with the group please leave the limited spots available for someone else. The end time is estimated and depends on how long it takes the group to complete the hike – we will not be rushing.

This hike is allowed by permission of but not sponsored by The Nature Conservancy.

What to bring:

• Lunch

• Plenty of water, there is no drinkable water on the preserve

• Snacks

What to wear:

• Boots – we will be hiking off-trail in rocky areas. Wear something sturdy that will protect your feet. No tennis shoes or flip-flops!

• Long-sleeved shirts and pants. We will be hiking off-trail through sage-brush, shorts are not recommended

• Hiking poles recommended

Directions:

The trailhead is on Hwy 380 near Post Oregon: 1/2 hour East of Prineville, 1-hour from Bend. We will be parking at an unmarked trailhead. No parking permits needed, this is not a public parking lot.

Detailed directions to the meeting area and hike safety details will be sent out to registrants shortly before the event date.

COVID-19 Information:

**You will be asked to electronically sign the e-waiver for this event, provide proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result, and perform a self-assessment health screening within the 24 hours preceding the event.** The crew leader for this event will verify that you have completed these requirements at the trailhead safety talk before the trail party begins. The registration confirmation and pre-event emails will contain further details and links.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times from 1853 – 1871. We are privileged to be here today and we express gratitude to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues that include racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.