Mark Darnell
Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member
“I connect with Oregon’s high desert through my feet, my eyes, my sense of smell, and all the things I hear. Getting out there is a whole body experience.” Supporting ONDA, Helen says, not only connects her with wild landscapes, but is also a good investment. “I felt like if I gave them $20, they might squeeze $23 out of it.”
Badger
Badgers are generally nocturnal, but, in remote areas with no human encroachment, they are routinely observed foraging during the day. They prefer open areas with grasslands, which can include parklands, farms, and treeless areas with crumbly soil and a supply of rodent prey.
Badgers are born blind, furred, and helpless. Their eyes open at four to six weeks.
Latin name: Taxidea taxus
What defines Oregon’s high desert?
Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the north, Oregon’s high desert covers approximately 24,000 square miles. Annual rainfall in the high desert varies from 5 to 14 inches. The average elevation is 4,000 feet; at 9,733 feet, the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest point in Oregon’s high desert. The terrain of the high desert was mostly formed by a series of lava flows that occurred between 30 and 10 million years ago.
Mi Mamá, a film by Jade Begay, tells the story of Nadia Mercado and her single mother, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and three sisters. In this film, Nadia recounts the ways that her mother helped shape the woman she is today: a cardiac nurse, an outdoor athlete, and a woman who is dedicated to helping the Latinx and People of Color outdoor communities.
Where Life Begins, a film by Katie Schuler, takes viewers to the northmost point on American soil to explore the inseparable bond between mother and child, the sacred and fragile moments after birth, and the importance of protecting the place where life begins.
Detroit Hives, a film by Palmer Morse and Rachel Weinberg, introduces Tim Paule and Nicole Lindsey – a young couple working to bring diversity to the field of beekeeping and create opportunities for young Detroit natives. Tim and Nicole are transforming their community one hive at a time by converting vacant housing lots in Detroit into urban bee farms.
Spawning Hope, a film by Roshan Patel, dives down to the coral reefs of the Caribbean to follow a team of scientists as they attempt to use cryopreserved coral sperm to introduce coral DNA to new populations of elkhorn coral. If this technique works, it could have lasting impacts on how conservationists are able to protect and restore endangered corals from near extinction.
And, these are just four of the 11 awe-inspiring films that will be shared at the event. We can’t wait for you to join us for an inspiring movie night at home on Friday, October 2, 2020. Register for your free Wild and Scenic Film Festival ticket today!