
What We Do: Our Mission
The Deschutes Land Trust conserves and cares for the lands and waters that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come.
Why Do We Do It?
We are creating a future where conservation and community care come together to protect, heal, and sustain the natural world around us.
Who We Are
People just like you. We love Central Oregon and thrive in time spent outside exploring and caring for the land and waters of this amazing place with friends, family, and community. We are also passionate about conserving these places for today and tomorrow, and we take seriously our shared responsibility to care for the land now and for future generations.
Since 1995, Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 18,700 acres in and around Central Oregon for future generations. We own and care for many local nature preserves that are managed for the benefit of wildlife and people. Whychus Canyon Preserve is a signature project. Located between Sisters and Redmond, the Preserve included four miles of Whychus Creek, outstanding canyon scenery, native grasslands, and old growth juniper stands. Wildlife species abound and visitors can hike a network of trails that provide the only public access to Whychus Creek between Sisters and the Crooked River National Grasslands.
The Land Trust is continually working on new projects. Recent projects include a landmark effort to conserve the 33,000-acre Skyline Forest between Bend and Sisters, and the establishment of the Land Trust’s first Community Preserve in La Pine, Paulina Creek Preserve. Each year, the Land Trust offers more than 100 free walks, hikes, and outings, an annual Nature Night lecture series, and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Donate today: deschuteslandtrust.org