Our Vision, Mission and Values

Devin Dahlgren   Website

Vision

We envision a high desert in Oregon where eight million acres of public lands are conserved to ensure that fish and wildlife thrive and wild places exist for all people to treasure and explore, now and always.

Mission

Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) exists to protect, defend and restore Oregon’s high desert for current and future generations.

Values

  • We are committed, tenacious, passionate, nimble and unwavering in pursuit of our mission.
  • We are science-based and solutions-oriented, bringing innovative, strategic approaches to achieving our conservation goals.
  • We are inclusive and welcoming, and seek to build a strong, diverse and interconnected conservation community throughout our staff, membership, volunteers, board of directors and partnerships.
  • When working with stakeholders, agencies, partner organizations, the public and others, we respectfully consider all perspectives while pursuing our conservation goals.

voices

Elisa Cheng, member since 2013

Elisa Cheng, member since 2013

“ONDA stewardship trips inspire me. I get to learn new things and see new places, and in the process perform important work that improves the wildlife habitat.”

voices

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

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.”

fact

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