(Photo above: Newberry Volcanic Monument)
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, the Deschutes National Forest invites the Central Oregon public to an event filled weekend kicking off a year-long celebration. The festivities begin on June 19 at 6:30pm at the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatics & Recreation Center (SHARC).
Congressman Peter DeFazio is scheduled to speak on the importance of open space, the author Ellen Morris Bishop will also be sharing remarks about the Monument and the evening will be capped off with a performance by the Native American Quartz Creek Drum and Dance Group. Guests can also peruse a photo exhibition featuring monument-themed works by local photographers and sample a limited edition Newberry-inspired beer from Worthy Brewing. The event is free and open to the public.
On Saturday, June 20, the celebration continues with speakers and activities across the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Official presentations begin at 9:00 a.m. and there are numerous family friendly events including Earth Cache adventures, book signings, Smokey Bear appearance and campfire program, guided tours, Jr. Ranger activities, flint knapping demonstrations and several lectures by respected geologists. Visitors can stop in to the Lava Lands Visitor Center at 58201 S. Hwy 97 or Paulina Visitor Center in Newberry Caldera for a schedule of events and more information on Newberry. Saturday is a recreation fee-free day on the Monument in honor of the year in celebration.
For more information, contact the Forest Service (541) 383‐4000 or visit Discover Your Forest website for a schedule of events at http://discoveryourforest.org/events-2/
In 1990 Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created by an act of the 101st Congress, and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. Over 54,000 acres were set aside and the area was designated a national treasure. Located on the Deschutes National Forest, the Monument is defined by the Newberry Caldera at the top of Newberry Volcano and a wide swath of landscape flowing down the northwest flank of the volcano 4,000 feet to the Deschutes River. Containing the widest variety of volcanic features of any National Park or Monument, Newberry includes numerous wonders such as the Big Obsidian Flow, Lava Butte, Lava Cast Forest, Lava River Cave, Paulina Falls, Paulina Peak and two caldera lakes.
