Author to recount Willamette meteorite

ENTERPRISE — A meteorite discovered in the Willamette Valley in 1902 — and the ensuing story that recounts the impact of historical natural occurrences on individuals — is one of several essays in “Ancient Places,” a new book authored by Jack Nisbet.

“The Longest Journey,” a slide presentation based on the Willamette meteorite story will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at Stage One, 119 E. Main St. in Enterprise. There is no charge.

“Communicating the bonds between the land and its people is a vital part of keeping Wallowa County intact,” said Julia Lakes, conservation director of Wallowa Land Trust, which is hosting the event. “We invited Jack Nisbet to give this presentation after hearing him at the Josephy Arts and Cultural Center earlier this year. His storytelling ability conveys the connections which offer a sense of place to people.”

“The Longest Journey” is a part of the ongoing Into the Wallowa Outings & Lectures Series taking place throughout the summer.

“Ancient Places is a collection of nonfiction stories about the interplay between people and landscape,” Nisbet said. “The Willamette meteorite, like many of the others, offers a window into all kinds of social and land issues as seen through the eyes of the people who took part in the story. Seeing how they made their decisions can help us gain perspective on the ones we must make today and in the future.”

Nisbet’s relationship with Northeastern Oregon began when he researched books on North West Co. fur agent David Thompson and plant collector David Douglas. Associates of both men described what they saw in the Grande Ronde Valley and Snake River country.

“Becoming familiar with the landscape of 200 years ago equips us to think about what the countryside will look like 200 years from now,” Nisbet said.