2025 Deschutes Canyon Independent Stewardship
James Parsons
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Young Desert Horned Lizard
Young Desert Horned Lizard
In the summer these lizards begin foraging for food as soon as their body temperature rises as the heat of the day increases. They feed on slow-moving, ground-dwelling insects. In the fall they hibernate by burying themselves in the sand.
Latin name: Phrysonoma platyrhinos
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Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”
Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”
Our quest to protect the Oregon Badlands
Located just 15 miles east of Bend, Oregon Badlands is a 30,000-acre wilderness area filled with fascinating lava flows and ancient juniper trees Arriving in the Badlands, so named for its rugged and harsh terrain, can feel like stepping
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Swallowtail
Swallowtail
The Oregon Swallowtail butterfly is the official state insect of Oregon and a true native of the Pacific Northwest. The Swallowtail can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage area. Source: State Symbols USA
Latin name: Papilio oregonius
Organizer: Gena Goodman-Campbell
Date and Time: September-November, 2025
Region: Central Oregon
Difficulty Rating: Level 2-3: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Group Size: 20 participants
About the place
ONDA’s conservation work takes place on the traditional lands of the Northern Paiute, Wasco, Warm Springs, Bannock and Shoshone people, as well as ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and on lands currently managed by the Burns Paiute Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Many Indigenous peoples live in Oregon’s high desert region today, including members of the Burns Paiute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute), the Klamath Tribes (Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin) and the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe.
Located west of Terrebonne, the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River flows through a deep, rugged canyon that remains remarkably wild given its close proximity to development. This region includes the Whychus-Deschutes proposed wilderness area and popular destinations such as Steelhead Falls and Scout Camp Trail. Salmon and steelhead call these waters home, as well as mule deer, golden and bald eagles, and many species of songbirds.
About the stewardship work
This is an indpendent project that volunteers can complete on their own schedule. Volunteers will chose a section of trail or a designated area to hike at least once during the project. Work that volunteers can expect to complete as part of this project includes monitoring for impacts to habitat and recording data to assist land managers, as well as stewardship tasks such as installing signs, disguising user-created trails, and light trail work.
Difficulty
The physical requirements for this project are moderate to challenging. This project will involve hiking between 1-6 miles on trails and dirt roads. Volunteers can choose the location, timing and frequency of their work on the project to suit their individual abilities and preferences.
Participant responsibilities
Participants will need a smartphone or tablet with satellite connectivity to complete this project. Participants are required to provide their own transportation to and from the project, as well as their own food and water.
Gear provided
ONDA will provide all training and tools required for the work, and safety equipment such as work gloves and eye protection if needed.
Registration
An ONDA registration application and medical form are required for this project.
Apply Now
You will receive a confirmation email after of submitting your registration form.
Four weeks before the start of the project, ONDA staff will send you a link to a password-protected project webpage where you will have the opportunity to select a specific location to monitor and steward. This webpage will also have all of the information you will need to know to complete the project, including driving directions, training materials to review, and safety information.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the project organizer.
Meet Your Project Organizer
This project will be coordinated by ONDA's Stewardship Director, Gena Goodman-Campbell. For questions about the trip you can contact her by email gena@onda.org.
Meet GenaRestoring Desert Ecosystems
ONDA works with partners, communities and the public to improve habitat quality, create healthy ecosystems, sustain clean water and support biodiversity in the high desert’s most ecologically important areas. What […]
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