JOSEPH, OR__After years of dreaming and months of development, research and paperwork, organizers are excited and proud to launch Prairie Mountain Folk School, a non-profit center for traditional skills in Joseph, Oregon. The center’s mission is to inspire and educate by presenting a wide range of craft courses to both locals and visitors from our campus in Wallowa County.

“We’re passionate about the power of craft, both for building individual ability, and for knitting a strong regional community,” said Greg Hennes, Founder. Hennes is also the owner of the Jennings Hotel, a unique lodging option he created in a beautifully restored historic brick building in Joseph. The small town is located just a couple of miles from the north end of Wallowa Lake, at the base of the magnificent Wallowa Mountains in the northeast corner of Oregon.

The first round of classes will begin in late March, held in the Gold Room at The Jennings Hotel. Course offerings include weaving, natural dyes, forging, exploring vinegar and more. See the course descriptions here.

“To celebrate the kickoff of Prairie Mountain School, we’re hosting a very special benefit feast with our talented friends from Tournant in Portland,” said Hennes. “Jaret and Mona are an incredible culinary force, the meal promises to be memorable and we hope you can join us for the festivities.”

Hennes says now is the most important time to spread the word about what the newly formed non-profit is doing. Please share Prairie Mountain with your friends and family via Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/prairiemountainschool/ and Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/prairiemountainschool/

With your help, Prairie Mountain Folk School will create positive and lasting impact and grow to become a meaningful part of the community. To learn more, contact Greg Hennes, 503-863-6757, and visit PrairieMountainSchool.com.

Most of us live here largely because we like to spend time in the mountains; hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, hunting, biking – whatever our favorite recreational pursuits. Some say we take them for granted. I don’t think so. We’re just used to them always being there and you can only express their beauty so often, such as when the sunset is particularly colorful or the snow especially crisp against a blue sky.

That’s why it is fun to read the reports of someone who has newly discovered our corner of the state. Their fresh perspective on the things we hold so dear is reaffirming and gratifying.

Early in April, Travel Oregon and the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association arranged to have just such an intrepid soul pay us a visit. Cassandra LaConte, a California girl with a sense of adventure, a fantastic eye for great photos, and a pack of followers on Instagram, Twitter and her own blog (Diminsions to the Undefinable), started her visit in Joseph having driven south from Lewiston, Idaho; an amazing drive itself. She had a packed itinerary and appointments to meet with a number of us along her way, so we could each show her a few of our favorite things.

We are now having the privilege of reading her impressions while visiting the Wallowas and Hells Canyon Scenic Byway country. Please take the time to go to her blog and read along. It’s an adventure to share in and one that will make you want to follow her tracks. Please do! We think you will love it, too.

First report:  http://cassandraleconte.blogspot.com/2014/04/oregon.html

Second report:  http://cassandraleconte.blogspot.com/2014/04/oregon-day2.html

#Wallowas, #traveloregon, #easternoregon