Sense of Place turned 15 years old this season. Thank you to The Gorge Magazine and writer, David Hanson for helping us celebrate with such a...
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SENSE OF PLACE
Connecting people through place and storytelling.
Sense of Place (SOP) features presenters with a unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural and cultural history that has shaped this place. The presenters can include scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The information and stories shared at these talks deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other.
Check out this short film honoring the 10th Anniversary of Sense of Place and consider becoming a Season 15 Sponsor!
Updates
Sense of Place Presents: “The Wolf Next Door – A Community Perspective on the Return of Wolves”
Sense of Place continues its 15th anniversary season with Geology Alive: Understanding Geologic Hazards in the Gorge, a presentation with geologist Dr. Richard “Dick” Iverson, Scientist Emeritus at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory. This event will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon.
Meet The host
Sarah Fox
Sense of Place Host & Curator
Sarah Fox comes to MAI as the creator/producer of the podcast Hear in the Gorge and as curator/host of the Sense of Place Event Series. Her work has appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and has been recognized by the Oregon Heritage Commission, Hood River Cultural Trust, and Oregon Cultural Trust. She has produced film and audio stories for businesses, non-profits, Northwest tribes, governmental agencies, and individuals.
Sarah’s work has featured wide-ranging topics like tribal fishing, Woody Guthrie, avant-garde art, vegan trailblazers, and river restoration. And in 2024 she was honored as a Community Storytelling Fellow by Oregon Humanities.
Contact Sarah at: sop@mtadamsinstitute.org and check out her other work at her website.
Season 15
Sense of Place Pop-Up: Bingen Centennial Gameshow!
with Bingen Mayor Catherine Kiewit, former Mayors “Bingen Betty” & Brian Prigel, Quinton Deo and Representatives from the Bingen Volunteer Fire Dept., Cristian Olivares, Civic Engagement at WAGAP and James Szubski of Margies Outdoor Store| 9.14.2024 | 7 pm
Sense of Place is celebrating 100 years of Bingen. We’re trading in the cake and balloons for some storytelling and friendly competition! Join us to learn about the historic feuds, present-day heroes, and paranormal encounters that make this place special. The Bingen Centennial Gameshow celebrates the unexpected and undertold stories of a tiny town-that-could. Audience members will have the chance to play trivia, win prizes, and discover Bingen’s past, present, and future from the people who know it best – locals! Event hosted by Sense of Place’s Sarah Fox.
Community, Culture, Food: Matsutake Mushrooms!
(松茸/マツタケ)
with Amy Petersen, forager. (Event will include short film featuring Homer Yasui and his final Matsutake hunt) | 10.16.2024 | 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
The Gorge is home to a hard-to-find species of mushroom called matsutake. In Japanese, the term matsutake (松茸/マツタケ) essentially means “pine tree mushroom”; a name that reflects the symbiotic relationship between these mushrooms and their natural habitat. This fungi is renowned for its flavor and cultural legacy. It wasn’t until the 17th century that people outside of Japanese nobility were allowed to eat matsutake. And one of the oldest collections of Japanese poems contains a reference to the matsutake – and especially their unique aroma – which has been described by one modern-day, mushroom guide as a “a provocative compromise between Red Hots and dirty socks”. Join Amy Peterson, longtime mushroom forager, as she shares the unique natural and cultural history of the matsutake, along with her own family history hunting for this elusive delicacy. *This event will also include a brief film featuring Homer Yasui, who was born and raised in Hood River, on his last matsutake hunt.
Geology Alive: Understanding Geologic Hazards in the Gorge
with Richard (Dick) Iverson, USGS scientist emeritus | 11.13.2024 | 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
The great scenic beauty of the Gorge owes much to the geological processes that have shaped it. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and debris flows still occur in the area today, and they can pose hazards to Gorge residents and visitors. What is the scope, severity, and likelihood of these hazards? How do scientists use evidence from the geological and historical past to evaluate the hazards, and how do they use models to forecast future hazards and inform our efforts to prepare for them? Join Dr. Richard “Dick” Iverson, Scientist Emeritus at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory, as he digs into the geological hazards of the Gorge—and explains why they don’t discourage him from living here!
The Wolf Next Door: A Community Perspective on the Return of Wolves
with Lara Volski, PhD Student of Human-Wildlife Interactions, University of Washington | 12.11.2024| 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Last summer, Lara Volski began her research on wolves, by first talking to people. She lived and worked on a farm in the Gorge and conducted interviews with locals about the return of wolves and the establishment of the Big Muddy Pack. The range of perspectives was broad and while these conversations were centered on wolves, they soon evolved to encompass much more. Family histories and stories passed down through generations, childhoods spent trading at Celilo Falls or wayfinding through volcanic craters in the foothills of Mount Adams, stories of living and working on the land and the ecological and cultural connections that come as a result – it was research that can often be missed by empirical science. The goal of each conversation was simple – listen to people’s perspectives towards wolves and learn if they feel their voices have been validated, upheld, and shared. Every interview was confidential, but together, they point to broad themes concerning the perceived risks and benefits of wolves, change in the Gorge, and the deeper desires of a community.
More Than Skinnies & Singletrack: A History of Mountain Biking in Post Canyon
with Doug Thiesies -Hood River County Forester, Gary Paasch – mountain biker & trail-builder, and Arthur Babitz – County Commissioner and mountain biker | 01.15.2025| 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Gary Paasch, a native of the Hood River Valley, is deeply rooted in a love for the outdoors and anything on wheels. From constructing bike jumps in his backyard as a kid to evolving into a dedicated trail builder in Post Canyon, Gary’s passion for biking and trail-building has only grown stronger over the last 25 years. Through his work as founder and head coach of School of Send mountain bike camps, Gary is committed to sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with fellow biking enthusiasts of all levels. Gary also serves on the Hood River Area Trail Stewards (HRATS) Board. And in his role as a Trail Adopter and Builder, Gary has worked extensively on ten trails in Post Canyon, including the Extended Play trail and Family Man skills complex. Gary is committed to enhancing the biking experience for others, preserving and expanding current biking trails, and spreading the joy and camaraderie that biking has brought him throughout his life.
Arthur Babitz is a Commissioner with Hood River County as well as a commissioner on the new Bridge Authority. Professionally, Arthur worked as an electrical engineer and now consults in that field. Arthur is a regular volunteer at the History Museum of Hood River County, as a photo archivist, and manages the Historic Hood River blog. Arthur is a longtime mountain biker and has been involved with various mountain biking organizations including the Hood River Area Trail Stewards (HRATS), and 44 Trails.
Doug Thiesies is a certified Forester. Doug was primarily raised in the Northwest and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management at Washington State University.
His forestry experience began in 1988 with the US Forest Service working in Idaho and Washington. After 5 ½ years with the US Forest Service Doug began working for the Hood River County Forestry Department as a Forest Technician. In 1998 Doug began a 13 year stint with Oregon Department of Forestry as Stewardship Forester covering Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties where he gained a broad perspective of area land management across many ownerships. Since 2011 Doug has applied this experience as the Hood River County Forestry Director where he manages a 34,500 acre Tree Farm to provide sustainable revenue to fund County Public Services, a very popular multi-use trail system and Kingsley Campground.
Doug lives with his wife Dixie in White Salmon, WA where they raised their two children. His interests include competitive sports, hunting and fishing.
Of Salmon and Basketball: A Conversation with Buck Jones
with Buck Jones enrolled Cayuse member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and longtime staff of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) | 02.12.2025 | 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Buck Jones is an enrolled Cayuse member of one of the bands of the Confederated Tribes of The Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). He is a multi-decade Columbia River Treaty Fisherman. Buck, who has been employed since 2004 for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), started as a Fisheries Technician and now serves as Salmon Marketing Specialist. He works on product development, classes on Cold Water and Boat Safety, and provides quality-handling classes for approximately 700 tribal fishers. Buck is Co-Chair of the Food Sovereignty subcommittee for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and a board member of Gorge Grown Food Network, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance, and One Community Health. Buck also serves on the Executive Committee of the Local Catch Network. Additionally, Buck is a nationally honored basketball player. From his youth into his 50s, Buck played in All-Indian Basketball Tournaments across the country. He was honored by the National Indian Athletic Association Hall of Fame, Hoopa All-Indian Tournament Hall of Fame, and Hall of Fame in the Pendleton Linebackers Club; winning many tournaments throughout Indian Country, including the All-Indian Nationals 4 times.
Beyond the Scrub: New Attention on Oregon White Oaks and Why They Matter
with Lindsay Cornelius, East Cascades Oak Partnership Manager at the Columbia Land Trust | 03.12.2025 | 7 pm
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Oregon white oak trees seem abundant, almost weedy in the gorge. They are the least showy of our native hardwoods and often look as though they are falling apart. So why in 2020 did a diverse group of stakeholders, band together for a closer look at these native trees? Why are oaks being called a lifeboat? A safe-zone for species trying to survive the subtle (and not so subtle) changes that are accompanying our changing climate?And how might new efforts to conserve and restore oak woodlands in the Gorge impact our landscapes, people, and even economy? Join Lindsay Cornelius, Manager of the East Cascades Oak Partnership, to learn why oaks make such excellent neighbors in a place prone to drought, fires, heat, and wind. And explore how these sometimes decrepit-looking trees are actually supporting vibrant life – more so than any other tree species in the Gorge.
Sense of Place Special Event: The Watershed Rock Opera
Sarah Fox – Producer, Molly Schwarz – Singer/Performer, Marcos A Galvez – Singer Performer, Erik Kaneda – Composer, Leila Kaneda – Musical Director/Musician, Lesley Tamura – Advisor/Movement 3, Jocelyn Akins – Advisor/Movement 2, Duncan Krummel – Contributor/Musical Composition, Joe Garoutte- A/V Tech Director | April 2025
Location: Hood River, OR 97031
To celebrate 15 years of the Sense of Place series, we present…
THE WATERSHED ROCK OPERA
“THE GREATEST ROCK OPERA EVER PRODUCED ABOUT A WATERSHED*”
A multimedia performance in 5 movements celebrating the Columbia River Gorge and its people. Featuring original music composed and performed by local musicians in accompaniment with original film, audio, and theatrical performances.
“IT’S LIKE A LOVE LETTER TO A PLACE, BUT WITH MORE PERCUSSION!”
And like all true love stories, there will be passion, tragedy, humor, and awe.
Imagine a pear orchardist, ready for harvest when Mother Nature strikes!…
Or high in the Cascade Mountains where a feisty scientist tracks mysterious creatures…
Even here, in our homes, schools, workplaces – there’s something mysterious, some might even say magical, happening right under our feet (and butts)…
And there, to witness it all, is our watershed. Come hear what it has to share.
Happening in Hood River, Oregon in April 2025
(*Wondering what a watershed is? No problem…try here for a quick explainer. For The Watershed Rock Opera, we’ll hear stories from watersheds on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River. But the key here isn’t the exact location, but rather, to follow the course of water, moving through our watersheds, as a way to connect diverse perspectives from the Gorge. Just when we thought watersheds couldn’t get any more rad…)
Season 15 Sponsors
Special thanks to Big Britches Productions
…And Joe Garoutte, for Making the Sense of Place Livestream Happen!
And a special thank you to our photographer Kyle Ramey!
Request for Proposals:
The application window has closed for Season 15.
What we’re looking for:
- Presenters with expertise on a topic related to the cultural or natural history of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Individuals who enjoy sharing their knowledge and can present in one of the Sense of Place formats*.
- Availability to present in Hood River, Oregon. (If pandemic restrictions exist, availability to present via Zoom webinar**.)
- Lectures happen on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month, October – April.
- Speakers are asked to arrive by 6 pm.
- Lectures begin at 7 pm and run 45mins-1hr, followed by a Q&A session moderated by the host, Sarah Fox.
Sense of Place Format
a) Presentation by speaker (can include PowerPoint, props, etc.) [example: Ralph Lampman]
b) Conversational format with host Sarah Fox [example: Kat Brigham]
What we offer:
- Event marketing to 4k e-newsletter subscribers and via social media accounts (30k+ ) 7k+ reached by print media via regional newspapers and partners in Oregon and Washington, including news websites with close to 100k unique monthly visitors.
- Book sales facilitated by a local bookshop (optional).
- A chance to be a part of a popular and meaningful lecture series with a loyal audience.
- A digital recording of your presentation will be shared/archived online via the Sense of Place web page.
- Lodging for out-of-town presenters.
- Honorarium.
**Season 15 lectures will be presented live, in person, in Hood River, Oregon. However, if pandemic conditions prohibit this, presentations will be made via Zoom webinar.
Please Provide The Following Information:
- Name, title/profession (as it relates to presentation topic), email, phone number, mailing address.
- Please give us a description of your proposed presentation (topics must relate to the cultural or natural history of the Gorge). EXAMPLE
- Please provide a brief bio of yourself and work (this would be included on our website if selected) EXAMPLE
- What is your experience with public speaking? If available, please share links or videos of your public speaking experience. If you would prefer the conversation format, will you be able to meet with Sarah before the event to discuss?
- What is your connection to this topic, the Gorge and this region, personally or professionally?
- How did you learn about Sense of Place? What interests you in being a part of the series?
“Thank you all so much! I had a blast. I really appreciate your early outreach to me and your support. And thank you for the work you do to offer such an engaging and diverse program series! I’ll be an audience member from now on!”
“Sense of Place provides a much-needed space for thoughtful, respectful, civil discourse on issues that matter to Gorge residents and the Pacific Northwest more broadly. Only by talking about challenging issues with our neighbors can we hope to create a more informed and just community.”
“Sense of Place provides a platform to have discussions on complex topics in an accessible format. Our panel discussion on forestry was fun to be a part of and highlighted the nuanced and entangled nature of issues surrounding forestry. We need more dialogue and discourse like this in our society to break down barriers and find common ground to work from.”
“I found working with you on the program very interesting, fun, and great outreach for those who want to learn.”
Have Questions?
Contact us by clicking the button. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.