MALHEUR FIELD STATION
34848 SODHOUSE LANE, PRINCETON, OREGON 97721
Call Us at 541-493-2629
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MALHEUR FIELD STATION34848 SODHOUSE LANE, PRINCETON, OREGON 97721 Call Us at 541-493-2629 |
The Malheur Field Station is a nonprofit education and research center dedicated to lifelong learning in and about the northern Great Basin region.
The programs offered by Elderhostel, Inc. have a new name: Exploritas! Elderhostel programs have been offered at the Malheur Field Station for over twenty years. We specialize in intense customized field-oriented courses with an educational emphasis. These programs are offered to participants 55+ years of age.
Spring Session: June 3 - 9, 2010
September Session: September 9 - 15, 2010
Whether you visit in June or September, the premier wetlands and varied terrain of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a birder's paradise. The Refuge is host to an incredible concentration of ibis, pelicans, cranes, shorebirds, herons, and waterfowl. In spring, the land birds are in full song in the surrounding foothills, pine forests and deserts, including colorful Lazuli Buntings, Bullock's Orioles, and Western Tanagers. In early fall, the autumn migrations are in full swing, with 140 plus species usually seen during the five full days in the field. Chances for seeing rare vagrants are high at the nearby refuge Headquarters. The landscape is breathtaking and the weather, though changeable, can be spectacular.
These are field-oriented courses combining evening presentations on bird anatomy, ecology, conservation and behavior with lots of interpretation, field identification and discussions in the field. Participants should be in good physical condition. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Early Summer Session: June 23- 29, 2010
Explore this unique part of the northern Great Basin in remote SE Oregon, while studying it's bounty of wildflowers and associated butterflies. Experience life zones from desert basin to alpine tundra. Along the way, discover the regional riches of bird life, geology and cultural history as they are woven into the program. Learn to understand climate, plant forms, and animal communities as they adapt to the 5000 ft. of altitudinal change found within 50 miles of our base. In this beautiful landscape, also enjoy the fertile marshlands of the Malheur refuge, and meet other fascinating inhabitants of this vast high desert. Evening discussions and identification reviews in classroom or museum setting.
Fall Session: September 15 - 21, 2010
Take a unique view of beautiful, remote Harney County in Oregon’s Great Basin Country by exploring dramatic landscapes with an expert field geologist. From the perspective of twenty-two million years of geological time, let the landforms start speaking to you. Learn how to interpret rim rock, fault zones, ancient shorelines, and see some of the country’s most spectacular inverted topography. From bubbling hot springs and sinter mounds to primeval-looking lava flows, magnificent glacial valleys and deep canyons, these remote lands capture the imagination. In the evenings we review field observations in a classroom/lab setting, and discuss exciting new technological developments.
All workshops are designed to be a top-notch educational experience: intense, fun, and informal. They are built around an evening session and two full days in the field (instructor contact averages 25 hours). All Instructors have been living or studying in this location for decades. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 25 participants unless otherwise noted. Open to all experience levels.
Cost: $275/person, option to extend the course by a day; add $95/person. 10% discount for Friends of Malheur members. Contact MFS for lodging/meal options that are additional to workshop cost.
* Asterisked short courses have the option to be extended for one full day!*
Celebrate the arrival of Malheur's myriad of migratory birds in beautiful Malheur WIR. Open to birders of all experience levels. Bring your binocs, scope, & especially your passion for all things Aves!
Join us on tor a rollicking good bird watching outing. Look, listen, and learn. A popular offering! Cost: $55 per person.
Whether your interest is in learning the common names, delving into scientific nomenclature, or pondering the fascinating diversity of flower heads, you are sure to be delighted with the floral treasures and enthusiastic expertise to be found in this premier botanical workshop
Take a look into the fascinating world of the four-winged gems of Malheur. Butterfly identification, behaviors, food plants and butterflying techniques will be covered in both the field and laboratory. A good introductory workshop- Beginners welcome!
Learn to pick out constellations, search for Charles Messier's diamonds, and gaze at distant planets. Be visually awed by the spectacular display above you in Oregon's premier dark sky region. Expand your horizon in this introductory workshop.
Good observational skills are fundamental in many disciplines. Come enhance yours by connecting what you see with what you draw. Whether you wish to begin a personal nature journal keep accurate field notes, or learn to open up to the sheer joy of drawing, the location of this short course can offer up subject matter, from fauna, flora or faults, to match the endeavour! All levels of experience welcome.
Grapple with time. Test your observations. Investigate geological features and even learn your P's (phenocrysts) and Q's (quartz)! Join this earthy adventure and learn to read this dramatic landscape during this whirlwind tour par excellence through the county.
Learn to use your own observational skills to create your own landscape design. Textures, colors, patterns - it' s all here! Develop a sketch on site, learn quilting techniques in the studio, & come away with a Malheur inspired fabric landscape in this fun & intense short course.
See above for description
Select your date in April or October (other times possible)
Come explore the relationship between spectacular landscapes and the classical music they inspire. We will isten, look and discuss. Serious music lovers, don't miss this unique fusion of Harney County and state-of-the-art sound technology! Enrollment max. of 4.
Select your date for July (other times possible)
Heighten your senses! Plunge into the stunning landscape of Malheur and immerse yourself in color, shapes & sounds in this out-of-doors painting workshop. Learn plein-air painting techniques and work on increasing your observational skills. Composition & color-mixing covered as customized options. Break out of your studio & go Live (plein-air)!
* Asterisked short courses have the option to be extended for one full day!*
The Malheur Field Station offers this unique service of customized educational On-site presentations or Off-site outings for groups of various size and ages. Specialties include birds (from beginning Bird watching to advanced Avian Biology), wildlife, regional geology, local flora, and field sketching/wildlife illustration. Additional subjects can be provided. Contact MFS for further options and to schedule this service for your upcoming visit.
Our courses, accredited through Pacific University, are intense field-oriented, 2-3 week long classes. They are held during summer session. Currently there are no scheduled classes (April.2010)