Supporting Our Wildlife

Here aT Caldera, we have the privilege of sharing the land with the species of Central Oregon.

We feel fortunate to share this habitat with local wildlife and are passionate about keeping our resident creatures safe and comfortable.

Within the Eastern Expansion lies 220 acres of untouched wilderness in our unique Wildlife Forest Preserve.

This forested paradise will remain undeveloped in perpetuity for the benefit of the elk, deer, birds and other animals native to our landscape. Residents can enjoy the sounds and sights of our beloved ponderosa forest forevermore.

In addition to our preservation efforts, we provide educational resources to our human residents about how to share this high desert ecosystem we both call home.

Photo courtesy of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Our Animal Neighbors

Caldera Springs is the beloved home of more than just our Owners. We are grateful to have the opportunity to observe our animal neighbors on a regular basis. While some critters are shyer than others, we feel fortunate for any encounters we share with these creatures.

Deer
Elk
Porcupine
Racoon
Beavers
Canada Goose
Bats
Birds of Prey (Red Tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Great Horned Owls)

Creating a Home For The Oregon Spotted Frog

The Deschutes region is also home to the Oregon spotted frog, an aquatic frog species native to the Pacific Northwest that is designated as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service reports that the species has been lost from at least 78% of its former range due to habitat loss and invasive plants and predators. These frogs are known to occupy natural wetlands and ponds but have been discovered to inhabit created water bodies at well. Part of our decision to introduce additional lakes, streams, and associated wetlands at Caldera Springs was to help create more habitat for this threatened species. We are happy to say these measures are showing signs of success towards the rebounding population of the Oregon spotted frog. The wetland at Caldera Springs has recently been identified as a thriving breeding location for the struggling frog population. We look forward to continuing work with wildlife experts to protect our frog friends.

Learn more

Photo courtesy of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory; Photographer: Jodi Wilmoth

A Safe Migration Station – Bat & Bird Boxes

The meandering trails of Caldera Springs make for incredible bird watching. Nobody knows this better than longtime naturalist Jay Bowerman, who recently completed an exciting new enhancement to the resort’s forever-protected Wildlife Forest Preserve.

“We adore the abundant birds in our midst in Sunriver. But many people don’t realize there are as many as 11 different local bat species here too,” says longtime naturalist Jay Bowerman. “Two are active during the winter, and the others hibernate in nearby caves.”

Boxes like the one installed in the Wildlife Forest Preserve are uniquely designed for bats. Found by the nocturnal animal using its natural sonar abilities, each box holds up to a dozen bats, and is designed for entry from the bottom to protect from predators and promote flight in newborns. When the juvenile bats are old enough, they will drop out of the bottom of the box and open their wings to fly for the first time.

Each box is designed and installed in a location best suited for birds and bats to raise their young safely and comfortably – especially during the area’s warm summer months. There are twelve boxes in total spread throughout the southernmost forest land of our forever protected Wildlife Forest Preserve.

Safe Wildlife Passage

Caldera Springs was designed so the open spaces we share – including our Wildlife Forest Preserve – support safe migration of the abundant wildlife around us. We are proud to be located adjacent to a new wildlife underpass being constructed just east of Caldera Springs to allow for safe passage across US-97 by the many animals who call this place home.

Wildlife crossings have proven to be massively successful in our region. Within the first year of opening, an underpass crossing near Lava Lands Visitor Center documented 29 different kinds of animal utilizing the underpass, and deer/car collisions were reported to have reduced more than 90%!

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Just a couple miles down the road is an invaluable resource and ally to the Sunriver ecosystem, Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Providing a wealth of information regarding Central Oregon wildlife, SNCO provides incredible educational opportunities, conservation efforts, and viewing opportunities of local flora and fauna beyond what can be spotted casually walking the trails of Caldera Springs. Plus, the observatory component of SNCO features the largest collection of telescopes available for public viewing in the entire United States!

To learn more and explore their events and programming please visit https://snco.org

Photo courtesy of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory