Join us for the final events of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series, featuring Alison Jean Cole—an author, rockhound, and lapidary artist. In this informative talk, Alison will showcase the rock and mineral treasures of Oregon’s desert. Obsidian, jasper, opal, and petrified wood each tell a unique story about the fascinating geological history of our region. Glimpses of Oregon’s earliest cultures can be traced through these stone materials, which have been sought after for thousands of years. Come learn how the practice of rock collecting has transformed over the centuries, and how it can be balanced with conservation efforts in our modern world.

ONDA is working to make our events as accessible as possible, and this event will feature an American Sign Language interpreter.

This event has passed.

Tracing Geological History Through Rocks and Minerals in Oregon’s Desert will be held at the Tower Theatre in Bend.

If you would like to attend but experience a barrier to purchasing a ticket, please contact kdiaz@onda.org

Thank you to Sierra James Construction for supporting high desert conservation and sponsoring this event.

About the Presenter

Alison Jean Cole is a geology enthusiast based in Portland, Oregon. She travels all over the western United States in search of materials to use in her lapidary craft. She leads rockhounding expeditions, is a proud member of her local rock club, and self-publishes Thunderegg, a zine that focuses on the changing face of rockhounding culture. Her first book, Beautiful Rocks & How to Find Them will be out in March 2024.

Photo: Gina Bringman