Mountain Goat Survey
Prior to the eruption of Mt St Helens, few people realized there were mountain goats living in the area. While that population was likely wiped out by the blast, anecdotal sightings of these high-climbing, sure-footed mammals began to crop up in the 1990s. In 2014, Gifford Pinchot National Forest biologist Mitch Wainwright put together the first official mountain goat survey.
Tractor Museum
Erl McLaughlin of Enterprise is a wheat rancher. The labor-intensive occupation keeps him busy from April to September... and then the winter sets in, and in NE Oregon, winters are long and cold. That's when Erl takes up his unusual hobby- collecting and refurbishing tractors of every shape, size and vintage.
Outdoor Preschool
More than half of U.S. preschoolers don't go outside to play even once a day. EarthFix looks at a new program of outdoor schools for early childhood education on Washington state’s Vashon Island. This story will look at the benefits of children spending time outside and the dwindling time dedicated to recess.
Wenaha River Packrafting
Oregon Field Guide joins a multi-day packrafting expedition through the heart of the little-known Wenaha-Tuccannon wilderness. Author Tim Palmer and Zach Collier, an outfitter and river runner, lead this remote expedition down 22 miles of the Wenaha river in Oregon's Blue Mountains. They encounter low water, log-jams and the blackened forest.
Eulachon Smelt
Oregonians over 40 remember the fun of dipping nets into rivers alive with huge runs of eulachon smelt. Today, the tiny, mild-flavored fish is officially listed as "Threatened" and their harvest is radically restricted by state fish and wildlife managers. In large part, the listing is thanks to action by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
Slot Canyon Geology
Inspired by our recent visits to the Valhalla slot canyon, we wondered just how these unusual features form. PSU emeritus professor of geology, Scott Burns takes us to Oneonta Gorge and explains how it all comes about and shows us how new technologies are allowing us to find more of them.
Who's Watching Oregon's Wildlife
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has a mission to protect all species in the state. But even by its own admission
it’s failing. The agency spends money on the fish and the game animals that make money from licenses and tags. It neglects hundreds of other sensitive species.
Why Dufur?
Join us for a tour of Wasco county and get a look at small town living as we meet some of the interesting characters that call Dufur, Oregon home.
Mecate Rope Maker
98-year old Frankie Dougal carries on a ranch tradition of horsehair “mecate” ropemaking and is passing it on to the next generation in the southeast Oregon town of Jordan Valley.
(Update: Frankie passed away in 2017, at the age of 99.)
Fat Bikes
Winters in the Northwest are becoming warmer and wetter as the climate changes. And that spells trouble for skiers and snowboarders as well as the communities that depend on those snow sports. But a new winter sport is gaining traction.
Mecate Rope Makers
98 year old Frankie Dugal carries on a ranch tradition of horse-hair “mecate” ropemaking and is passing it on to the next generation in the southeast Oregon town of Jordan Valley.
Disappearing Meadows
Natural meadows – from the high cascades to the coast – are disappearing. The reasons include climate warming, fire suppression, grazing, debris flows, etc. that encourage invasive plants and trees to take over open ground. We follow researchers as they track the progress of the destruction and restoration teams stemming the loss of these diverse ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Columbia River Bar Pilots
Field Guide follows bar pilots as they encounter crashing surf, unpredictable currents and fierce winds of the infamous Columbia River Bar—a gauntlet that has killed nearly 2,000 men and sunk 700 vessels since record-keeping began.
John Day River Paddleboarding
Adventurous stand-up paddleboarders embark on a multi-day journey down the John Day River. When everything has to fit on your board, how do you pack? How are rapids negotiated while standing up? What's it like to experience four days of raw geologic splendor in the John Day canyon? "SupPaul" Paul Clark shows us why "Adventure SUP" is a great new way to get down the river.
Behind The Scenes On Valhalla
We take you behind the scenes of our largest, most dangerous expedition ever. You will see just what went into this unparalleled adventure of discovery as we travel deep into the wilderness to explore and reveal a hidden geologic wonder right here in Oregon.
North Fork Lewis River Photo Essay
A visual tour of forests and waterfalls along the north fork of the Lewis River.
A Nature Break of the Oregon Coast
Enjoy Oregon Field Guide's video short of the spectacular Oregon coast as we wind down to the close of summer!
Nature Break: Night Skies Over the Oregon Coast
Oregon Field Guide's Nature Break brings you scenic views and sounds of the Oregon coast at nightfall.
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