As a staff, we are steadfast in our commitment to protect, defend, and restore Oregon’s high desert alongside our members and supporters. Together with the passion and commitment of a community of advocates thousands strong, the skills and experience of our staff make Oregon Natural Desert Association a respected leader in the public lands conversation at the state and federal levels.
Our Team
Sean Bagshaw Website
Our Staff
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.”
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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.”
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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
Our Seasonal Staff and Interns
Interns
Our wildlands interns spend the summer in the field with ONDA staff and volunteers. Our development interns help ONDA to reach community members interested in getting involved in ONDA’s work by managing ONDA event and publications logistics and representing ONDA at community events. Our Hillis internships offer students and young professionals opportunities to join us for a variety of important projects.
Tribal Stewards
The Tribal Stewards Program offers paid positions to indigenous young adults who spend the summer in the field restoring streams, uplands and trails across Oregon’s desert lands while gaining practical restoration and research experience and exploring conservation career pathways.