2024 Stewardship Trips and Projects

Ready to get out into the desert and give it some care?

Oregon Natural Desert Association would love to see you on one of the dozens of stewardship trips and independent stewardship projects that we host. With options ranging from weekday to weekend trips, single-day to multi-day trips, front country to backcountry trips and projects taking place all throughout Oregon’s high desert, we hope you find something that is just right for you among this variety of opportunities.

Here are a few items to note:

  • Some of our projects are available for registration now, and some will open for registration later in the year.
  • This year ONDA will have two registration periods for seasonal trips; however, you will only need to fill out the full form once. A short form will be available for those registering for a second time.
  • If there are openings that need to be filled, we will communicate those opportunities via our e-newsletter.
  • Should you need special accommodations to attend an ONDA group trip or independent project, please let us know. We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to spend some quality time in the desert, contributing to the restoration, conservation and stewardship work at ONDA.
  • ONDA trips and projects involve varying levels of physical activity. Trip difficulty is rated from 1 to 5 for each trip. You can find a description of what each of these levels means on our trip difficulty ratings page.
  • Dogs are not allowed on group stewardship trips, but you are welcome to bring your dog on independent projects.
  • Have questions? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

voices

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

“I find enjoyment in the peaceful wide open spaces, geology, and rich history of Oregon’s high desert,” says Mary. Reflecting on volunteering, she continues, “If you have the ability and desire, it’s important to do something to contribute. It doesn’t have to be big, because every little bit helps.”

fact

Bobcat

Bobcat

Found only in North America, where it is the most common wildcat, the bobcat takes its common name from its stubby, or “bobbed,” tail. The cats range in length from two to four feet and weigh 14 to 29 pounds. Bobcats mainly hunt rabbits and hares, but they will also eat rodents, birds, bats, and even adult deer.

Latin name: Lynx rufus fasciatus

 

fact

Western Rattlesnake

Western Rattlesnake

Also known as the Great Basin Rattlesnake, these pit vipers have buff-tan coloring and small, oval blotches to blend into their arid surroundings. Small heat-sensing indentations on each side of the snake’s snout detects warm-blooded prey for better striking accuracy in the dark. Source: The Oregon Encyclopedia

Latin name: Crotalus oreganus lutosus

Dates Difficulty Project Title Trip Leader Registration
March 6 2 Reynolds Pond Accessible Trail Construction Sarah Lindsay Opens Feb 20
April 12-14 4 Pine Creek Conservation Area Spring Restoration #1 Gena Goodman-Campbell Opens Feb 20
April 19-21 4 Pine Creek Conservation Area Spring Restoration #2 Sarah Lindsay Opens Feb 20
April 25-28 5 North Springs Fence Exclosure Fence #1 Jefferson Jacobs Opens Feb 20
May 3-5 3 Pine Creek Conservation Area Spring Restoration #3 Gena Goodman-Campbell Opens Feb 20
May 16-19 4 North Springs Mesic Restoration Jefferson Jacobs Opens Feb 20
May 16-19 2 Summit Creek Planting Sarah Lindsay Opens Feb 20
May 30-June 2 4 South Fork Exclosure Fence Repair Sarah Lindsay Opens Feb 20
Feb-Dec 1-3 Badlands Wilderness Recreation Monitoring Independent Opens Feb 20
April-Nov 5 Oregon Desert Trail Impact Monitoring Independent Opens Feb 20
May-Oct 4 Malheur Wild and Scenic River Monitoring Independent Opens Feb 20