The Sunriver Nature Center
The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is a private,
not-for-profit scientific and educational organization in
Sunriver, Oregon. Interpretive exhibits, educational programs,
a botanical garden, nature trail, and enthusiastic staff and
volunteers provide a fun and thoughtful view of our natural
environment. During our daytime hours you can...
- Experience hands-on exhibits about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds that live in Central Oregon. Learn more about the animals of the area during a nature talk.
- Observe the closest star to our home planet--the Sun. View sunspots and solar prominences through special filters at the Observatory.
- Stroll through forest and marsh habitats on the Sam Osgood Nature Trail. Observe the resident bald eagles, listen for birds in the marsh, look for animal tracks, and see a dormant volcano.
- Learn about native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in the Botanical Garden.
The Sunriver Observatory is truly a one-of-a-kind facility. It is one of the few places where you can see galaxies, nebulas, double stars, globular star clusters and the planets while experts explain every object. Depending on staffing and attendance, there may even be an opportunity for you and your children to try your hand at operating real 8" telescopes on your own with the help of our volunteers.
Unlike Planetariums, at the Observatory you'll see the real thing. Because of strict light pollution control in Sunriver, we are able to see deep sky objects that can’t be seen from the city.
On a busy night, it's not
unusual for us to have ten or more 8-20 inch diameter
telescopes in operation. Often other amateur
astronomers will bring their own equipment and join in the
fun.
If you wish more information about coming events, check out our web site, www.sunrivernaturecenter.org.
September Hours:NATURE CENTER:
Tuesday thru Saturday
10am-4pm
OBSERVATORY: Solar
Viewing: Saturdays
only 10am-2pm
Night Viewing: Wednesday & Saturday
only 8pm-10pm
Fall Admission Rates:
NATURE CENTER: $2 Adults $1
Child (ages 2-12)
OBSERVATORY: $6
Adults $4 Child (ages 2-12)
To view a schedule of our upcoming classes, follow
this link.
To learn more about
supporting the Nature Center's programs, click
here.
