North Rim residents were recently treated to views of a soaring bald eagle that came to rest on the pergola in the community. While it is not unusual to see red-tailed hawks riding the air currents here, a visit from a bald eagle is a rare occurence and an impressive sight. Thank you to Gary and Jan for the photo seen here, taken right out their window.

North Rim is a busy place these days, with three homes under construction and another 11 in the process of ALRC review. And the houses being built right now aren’t the only ones we will likely see in the coming months. We are also experiencing a flurry of activity in homesite sales in the community. Since January, six homesites have sold in North Rim and five additional properties are pending. This level of interest, especially during what has typically been a slower season, provides further evidence that the market is gaining strength and momentum.

When the temperature drops and the first real snow arrives, I look forward to the first phone call or email from a North Rim resident that reports, “the elk are back!”  It’s exciting every time. They are beautiful, majestic animals;  impressive in their size and stature. They keep to themselves and like to rest here, often hidden in the trees. And when a herd of 50 arrives, it feels like an occasion. Really? Here? Where we live?

I’ll tell you, it’s a privilege.

We are excited to announce our first pending sale of the North Rim Summer 2012 Sales Promotion.  One-acre homesites previously listed from $195,000 to $270,000 are now priced $145,000 to $199,000.  The promotion expires Labor Day, September 3^rd. 

For a price list and further information please call 541-788-7769, email linda@brooksresources.com, or stop by the North Rim Lodge weekdays between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.  We are also happy to assist you by appointment.

North Rim today announced that it has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) from The North Rim Deschutes River Fund at The Oregon Community Foundation. The money will be used for vital operating funds for the non-profit group, as it continues to pursue its mission for restoring streamflows and improving water quality in the Deschutes River.

Tod Heisler, executive director for the Deschutes River Conservancy said, “We are delighted that the North Rim Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation continues to support our work restoring streamflows in the Deschutes River.  With their help, we have achieved a five-fold increase in Deschutes River flows – water that is so critical to wildlife, fish and the quality of life for Oregonians throughout the state.

The DRC is actively working with irrigation districts and other partners to allow more water, which was historically diverted through irrigation canals, to remain instream in the Deschutes River Basin. As a result of their work over the last 16 years, this section of the Deschutes River has seen a five-fold increase in streamflow during the hot summer months. The improvement to the health of the river, as well as to the resident fish and wildlife, has been dramatic. Similar stories are in progress throughout the Deschutes Basin’s rivers and streams, including the Crooked River, Whychus Creek and other sections of the Deschutes.

To support the work of organizations like the DRC, the North Rim Deschutes River Fund at The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) was created through the donation of a percentage of all North Rim homesite sales dollars. The fund has garnered nearly $800,000 since its inception in 2004. A board of directors, comprised of individuals from the North Rim Homeowners Association, consults and advises on the allocation of monies in the fund.

A new exhibit featuring the work of Bend-based photographer Eva Gill is now on display at the North Rim Lodge. Eva, along with her husband and daughters, dropped out of ordinary life for a mid-life gap year (and a half) trip around the world. Travelling slowly, they skied the Alps, rode ostriches in South Africa, walked with hunting hawks in Wales, learned survival skills from San Bushmen, and were visited by lions while camping alone in the Kalahari. Together, they traced the footsteps of Catherine de Medici, Nelson Mandela, Ho Chi Minh, and Ninjas. At the end of their wandering, Eva arrived home to Bend with her well-used camera and has selected a few of her most inspiring images to share. The exhibit runs through July 31^st.

What do Chamonix, Telluride, and Bend have in common? They recently made National Geographic Adventure magazine’s list of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns.  Surprised?  Described as an “adventure paradise” for multisport enthusiasts, Bend’s location on the east side of the Cascade Mountains means light, dry snow and some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest.  Bend also has the distinction of being the largest of the 25 ski towns on the list. With a population of 80,000, Bend is not only a great place to recreate, it is a thriving community for year-round living.  For those of us who call Bend home, it’s the best of both worlds.