Beginning with a host of events last weekend, Riverfest 2001 was launched with a Mirror Pond Gallery Walk art exhibit and reception; the Bend canoe and kayak Paddlefest; and the ninth annual "Salmon Run" at Drake Park -- a 5K or 10K run to benefit local rivers and native fish habitat.

Events continue all month and start moving into Sisters country this week. Riverfest is sponsored and organized by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council.

The first local event is titled "Where the River Flows" and features a led tour through the Squaw Creek watershed. Unfortunately, this event has proven so popular, that it's already full (however, interested persons may call 408-1753 in case there are cancellations).

The event is scheduled for Friday, May 11 and will explore the watershed's natural habitats and management projects; picnic lunches are available.

One local event that still has space available is the Mother's Day Breakfast and Bird Walk scheduled for the Deschutes Basin Land Trust's preserve at Camp Polk Meadow.

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The event is hosted by the DBLT and Paradise Birding on Sunday, May 13, at 8 a.m.

The Land Trust is a non-profit organization that acquires and helps preserve important habitat in the Deschutes Basin.

Last year's events in the Sisters area were very well subscribed and filled up quickly.

One of the most popular was Maret Pajutee's Squaw Creek River Walk, which will be offered once again this year.

Pajutee is a U.S. Forest Service ecologist with the Sisters Ranger District, who will introduce participants to native plants and ecology during a two-hour outing along the stream banks.

The upper reaches of Squaw Creek, which flows through Sisters, constitute a congressionally designated "Wild and Scenic River."

The Squaw Creek River Walk will acquaint participants with some of the less well known wonders of this important local waterway.

The walk is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 17; interested persons may register by calling 312-6422.

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In order to limit environmental impact, there is a 15 person limit.

Later that same day, Paradise Birding will host a "Wings Over Why-chus" slide show at the Epicure Exchange Internet Coffeehouse in Sisters. That program will explore native bird sightings and scenic habitat in the Squaw Creek watershed.

The show is scheduled for 7 p.m., and further information may be obtained by calling 408-1753.

Another birding event is scheduled for the DBLT Indian Ford Meadow preserve at the corner of Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road.

Norma Funai will reprise her popular Indian Ford Bird Walk of last year. About 80 different species of native birds have been observed on the site, and Funai has counted approximately 50 in a single day.

In addition to learning about birds, participants will have the first-hand opportunity to view the DBLT's park-like setting, which is open to the public.

There is space for 20 persons, but the event was fully subscribed last year, so interested persons should register by calling the DBLT at 330-0017.

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This year's walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 19.

Many additional Riverfest events are scheduled for other areas throughout the watershed and will continue through Saturday, May 26. Persons interested in obtaining a full listing of official events or other information on the celebration can contact the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council on the "Riverfest Hotline" at 480-6425.

In past years, event coordinators have scheduled Squaw Creek cleanup outings. There is none scheduled this year.

However, individuals or groups interested in helping with such an event may contact Mollie Chaudet at 416-6872.

If there is sufficient interest, it may be possible to schedule the event again.