The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) and Central Oregon Community College are collaborating on a double speaker series on the Metolius River and the Upper Deschutes Watersheds, respectively.

Each six-part informational series, both named ”Learn About Your Home Waters,” costs $59 and culminates in an all-day watershed tour.

It’s “a screaming deal for such awesome education,” said Kolleen Miller, education and development director of the UDWC.

Miller is the instructor of the Metolius River speaker series, which starts Tuesday and will be held every other week until April 1 at Sisters High School. At the time of writing, a limited number of spots were available.

Two experts in the field will present on watershed issues each evening. The first session gives students a history of the watershed from an ecological, social and cultural point of view. Following sessions dig into hydrology, water quality, native fish, habitat restoration, water quality and recreation.

Central Oregon Landwatch will make an appearance for the final informational session to speak about its campaign to raise funds for safe passage for wildlife along Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake. The stretch of highway has been identified as a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions, with one of the highest incidents in the state, according to the environmental watchdog organization.

The all-day tour is slated for April 25, during which participants will visit various spots along the river to discuss restoration and the impacts recreation has had on the river. Lunch will be provided.

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The Upper Deschutes Watershed

The series on the Upper Deschutes Watershed runs every other Thursday from April 10 through June 13 in Sunriver. The location is still to be announced.

It will be taught by Kris Knight, executive director of the UDWC, and will focus on issues facing the Upper Deschutes like the impact of water regulation on the Wickiup and Crane Prairie Reservoirs.

“It’s a great learning experience for citizens of Central Oregon to learn about our water resources and associated topics, whether they are new to the area or have lived here for many years,” Knight said in a press release.

Find the registration link for both series cocc.edu/watershed.

What: Metolius River Watershed Speaker Series: Learn About Your Home Waters

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 25

Where: Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters

Cost: $59

Contact: cocc.edu/watershed or 541-383-7270

What: Upper Deschutes River Watershed Speaker Series: Learn About Your Home Waters

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, June 5 and 13

Where: Sunriver, location to be announced

Cost: $59

Contact: cocc.edu/watershed or 541-383-7270