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CONC January 2026 Newsletter
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President's Corner
Warren has been in Yellowstone this week, so we look forward to hearing about the trip once he has returned! Be sure to take a look at the adventures and stunning photos from the first club trip this year to Yellowstone on Jan 6-11!
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Updated maps now available
Over the past couple of years, CONC has added new trails and rerouted some existing trails for both skiing and snowshoeing at Swampy, Edison, and Vista Butte Sno-Parks. This work is all done in conjunction with the Deschutes National Forest. The Forest Service has been unable to update their maps for these sno-parks, so CONC is stepping in to make updated maps available to our members and the public.
Updated maps are now available on the Trail Maps & Info page. If you use the Avenza app to navigate with these maps, links are available to download the new maps into your Avenza app.
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Low Snow Results in More Step-Overs and Other Hazards on Ski and Snowshoe Trails
Be aware of increased step-overs, rocks, and roots that can make skiing and snowshoeing more challenging when snow depths are low. The snowshoe trails and many of the ski trails are permitted and maintained as “winter only” trails to reduce further off-season fragmentation of the forest, reduce erosion, and to not disturb any cultural resources. When snow depths are low, you will encounter logs purposely left across the trail. Hopefully we will soon get sufficient snow to cover these hazards.
A huge thank you to the many volunteers who helped us to get the trails ready for winter, and who continue to help by cutting any new trees that come down. This work will continue throughout the winter season.
You can help us with our efforts to keep the trails in good shape. Should you encounter elevated blowdown that is obstructing a ski or snowshoe trail, please let us know via the CONC Trail Maintenance Report Form. Thanks!
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Snowshoeing in Central Oregon Presentation by Bob Timmer Bend Parks & Recreation Lunch & Learn session Tuesday January 27th 12:00 - 1:30PM at Larkspur
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Bird Feeders- Please be Aware
Many of us enjoy putting out food for birds to help them through the winter months. Unfortunately, landing on exposed fats, like suet balls, fat or peanut butter covered pine cones, tree branches or feeders allow the birds to get fat on their feet or directly onto feathers.
When fat/oil gets on bird feathers, it disrupts the delicate structure of a bird’s feathers, compromising their ability to insulate and repel water. Even small amounts of fat can impair the insulating qualities of feathers.
If you would like more information, including how to safely feed birds in winter, please click on this link from Native Bird Care and Rescue in Central Oregon |
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Gear Fix Donations If you are looking to downsize your gear collection, please remember that CONC is making good use of your usable cast offs. We collected over $600 from winter sales last year as a result of your donations to our account at Gear Fix. We reserve these funds in our trails improvement and maintenance program. Many thanks to all who have donated over the years. |
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Jan. 4, 2026: Porcupine Loop Snowshoe It was raining in Bend when the participants met up for Sunday's snowshoe along Porcupine Loop to Swampy Shelter. By the time we reached Swampy Sno-Park the temperatures had dropped and the sky was clearing a bit. We had fresh snow to tromp through. Fortunately we had 8 people to help with breaking trail. The sun kept peeking out, making the snow sparkle as we moved along the route, oohing and aahing over the magical snow-covered scenery. We stopped for lunch at Swampy Shelter, sharing the hut with a few skiers. One of our company had brought homemade Snickerdoodle cookies which we eagerly consumed. We finished up the last few miles of our sojourn and returned back to our cars in time to get home to watch football. A great day was had by all. The lesson of the day is to not let rain stop you from getting out. Conditions are usually different at the trailhead!
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“A new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” – Melody Beattie
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