To keep the Deschutes River clean, ‘Two-ply’ goes on ‘Poo Patrol’

For those who have to answer the call of nature while boating down the Deschutes, Jerry Christensen’s work to clean and maintain the bathroom facilities is much appreciated. He’s even become a bit of a local celebrity for his work, earning the nickname “Two-ply.”

Watch full "Oregon Field Guide" episodes

Latest Stories


THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Meet the man who makes Oregon sunstones sparkle

Ever wonder what makes gemstone sparkle? It starts with the way a crystal reflects and refracts light. Gemstone cutters must choose a design with the right angles for that stone, so that light passes through, bounces back to the top and catches the eye of the beholder. Karl Ziltener of the Columbia Willamette Faceters Guild shows us how he turns a raw Oregon sunstone into a glittering jewel.



Oregon bonsai creator captures nature in a bowl

After a traditional apprenticeship in Japan, Oregon bonsai professional Ryan Neil is capturing the West's rugged landscape in bonsai form. We follow one tree over the course of a year, as well as venture into the wilderness with Neil to see humanity's relationship with nature through his eyes.



Portland Japanese Garden is ablaze with fall colors

The Portland Japanese Garden comes alive with color in the cool autumn months. Can’t get there on your own? Enjoy a couple minutes of lovely scenery as seen through the lens of OPB photographer Brandon Swanson.


Christmas spirit comes to life in Sumpter, Oregon

The Eastern Oregon mining town of Sumpter is officially known as a "ghost town." But every Christmas, the old steam engines of the Sumpter Valley Railroad bring the spirit of the season to life for hundreds of visitors.


Want to study how aliens might think? Look to the octopus

Octopuses are incredibly smart, yet the majority of their neurons exist in their arms and suckers, and not in their brain, making them as close to alien intelligence as we can find on Earth. It's like: what if our hands and fingers could think for themselves?



THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

For over 30 years, "Oregon Field Guide" has been OPB’s weekly TV news magazine exploring the ecological issues, natural wonders and outdoor recreation of the Northwest. So join us on the air or online at anytime! We look forward to sharing incredible stories with you throughout this new season!