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What: PLAYA at Summer Lake is "A Place for the Intersection of Art and Science." Their mission is to "Transform the World Through Creative Inquiry." PLAYA nurtures innovative thinking in the arts and sciences through residencies and workshops on the edge of the Great Basin, to promote dialogue and positive change in the environment and the world.

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Where: PLAYA is on Summer Lake in Lake County, Oregon. It is about two hours southeast of Bend. It is very remote. 

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How Are We Involved: Amy and I have been developing a very productive relationship with PLAYA over the past few years. We hope it continues. The purpose of our work with PLAYA is to increase understanding and appreciation in our region for the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Our current projects are detailed below.

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Dark Sky Weekend, April 16 - 20, 2026: PLAYA is in a very dark sky location. In fact, it is part of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary. I will be leading a series of events for anyone who loves astronomy, dark skies, or just being outside at night. Option #1 is to sign-up with PLAYA to stay on site for the weekend. There is room for about 10 participants. There will be a fee, of course. Register here. Option #2 is a free community event on Saturday, April 19, 2026. RSVP here.

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If you are interested in either portion of the PLAYA Dark Sky Event, send me an email. I am happy to answer questions.​

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The course for teachers listed below happened and was a great success. We are not offering this course in 2026. We are presently scheduling this course for 2027. Send me an email if you want notification when the dates are set.. 

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Teacher Workshop, Friday, November 21 - Monday, November 24, 2025. Amy and I will offer a teacher workshop co-sponsored by PLAYA and Lewis and Clark College. This workshop will focus on understanding and appreciating the ecology of the region. We will study processes, systems, and interrelationships rather than separate disciplines. The lessons will include art and writing activities as well as outdoor experiences. A central issue will be respect for the land and an understanding of our interdependence. We will highlight environmentally sound Indigenous practices and restoration efforts in the region. Each participating teacher will be invited to develop an ecology unit incorporating different aspects of a place of their choice. They will be encouraged to include relevant Native relationships and land practices relative their chosen area to share with other teachers in the region. Our ultimate goal is to have a library of lessons, K - 12, that teachers can use. Klamath Tribal members Art Ochoa, Michelle Ochoas, and Laura Shadley will participate.​​

 

Graduate level credit is be available through Lewis and Clark College. More information and registration here. ​​

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References

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"Thank you so much for including our students in your work! It is hard to beat having two experts--in two disparate fields--sharing their expertise with high school students. You never know when the spark to follow a path not otherwise imagined might be ignited! We look forward to hearing more and seeing you next year!"

 

Paul Hauder, Principal Paisley School

 

"Thank you to both of  you for the amazing presentations you gave to our students.  We would love for you to continue presenting to our students when it convenient for you."

 

Cameron Mitchem, Principal, North Lake School

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