Oregon Field Guide — Jackrabbits, John Day Fossils, Jenkins Heritage Tours

Episode 1708

Jackrabbits: In the vast sagebrush prairies of Eastern Oregon, the jackrabbit population is booming. In Eastern Washington, however, loss of sagebrush habitat has contributed to jackrabbit decline. Field Guide examines the jackrabbit's role as part of a tightly woven food chain, affecting the presence of other animals including coyotes, pronghorn and hawks, and the damage they can cause to farmers' crops.; Read More and Watch this story

John Day Fossils: Giant crocodiles, killer hog-like creatures as big as buffalo, monster bears, elephants and rhinos used to roam Oregon millions of years ago. Volcanic eruptions buried the landscape in ash, preserving the skeletons of many of these animals. For over a century, paleontologists have been researching he area, and their findings are displayed in a National Park Service museum near the town of John Day.; Read More and Watch this story

Jenkins Heritage Tours: An old sheep ranch near Riddle Mountain, south of Burns, has been in Dick Jenkins' family for over a century. He's proud of the fact that five generations have lived on this land and eager to share the history and beauty of the area with others. Jenkins shows visitors the abandoned buildings, land scattered with artifacts, and the collection of photographs taken by his grandmother over a period of 40 years.; Read More and Watch this story