Wallowology activities included a hike on Mount Howard on June 22, 2024, to learn about the Rosy-Finch.

JOSEPH — The 2024 summer programs at Wallowology, the Natural History Discovery Center in downtown Joseph, are in full swing. The center will be open through Sept. 1.

The public is invited to visit the center, 508 N. Main St., Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can explore exhibits as well as the children’s play area, outdoor classroom and pollinator garden.

Natural History Discovery Center

While there is much to learn with a visit to the center — ecosystems of Northeast Oregon, ancient forests in the Blue Mountains, moraines and geology of the Wallowas and more — their well-curated summer events provide close-up learning opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Thursday evening lectures at the Wallowa Lake Lodge, lectures at the center or on-site guided walks are sure to pique curiosity about the wonders found in this region.

Learn from the experts

Recently, Ben Vernasco, research scientist and adjunct assistant professor in the biology department at Whitman College, provided a talk on the Wallowa Rosy-Finch, a sub-species of the Rosy-Finch, that is unique to this county. The talk was followed the next morning by an excursion to Mount Howard via the Wallowa Lake Tramway to better understand the alpine ecology where the Wallowa Rosy-Finch breeds each summer.

A group of scientists and naturalists spent about three hours with a group of participants of all ages, sharing their knowledge of the alpine ecology as the group followed the trails and snow fields at the top of the mountain.

Wallowology’s mission

Wallowology’s mission, stated on its website, is “to inform, inspire, and involve residents and visitors in the conservation of ecosystems and landscapes that support and sustain rural communities throughout Eastern Oregon.”

Their C.O.D.E. Green kids program is provided throughout the year. Their Discovery Center is open to the public during the summer season. Staff and other experts provide lectures, guided walks, farm and ranch visits, as well as expeditions into the diverse ecosystems of Wallowa County.

The summer 2024 season includes the following events:

• July 17, 7:30 p.m.: Marina Richie, author of Halcyon Journey: in search of the Belted Kingfisher at Wallowa Lake Lodge.
• Aug. 6, 8:15 p.m.: Star Party at Wallowa Lake State Park amphitheater with Joseph Minato and DJ Lincoln.
• Aug. 16, 7 p.m.: The Solar Maximum, a cosmic presentation by Joseph Minato at Wallowology Discovery Center.

More information

To learn more about the programs and mission of Wallowology, visit www.wallowology.org, stop by the center, or contact staff at info@wallowology.org or 541-432-0112.