Sage Brown Website
It might be the scent of sagebrush, or the desert sun’s warmth. It could be the wild rivers, or the unparalleled solitude. Or perhaps it is the chance to see pronghorn running across the steppe that first draws people in. One point is certain: the magical combination of these natural attributes and many more touches souls and bonds people together.
ONDA’s board of directors are community leaders who care deeply about the future of central and eastern Oregon’s public lands, waterways, and wildlife. Each volunteer director is committed to listening, learning and collaborating to ensure fish and wildlife thrive and wild places exist for people to treasure and explore, now and always.
Meet our board of directors.
Cregg Large, member since 2009
“I came to Oregon 12 years ago from Texas. Texas, for all its size, has very little public land. Coming to Oregon has made me realize the special gift we as Americans have in our public lands. Volunteering with an organization like ONDA is my way of reciprocating for this gift. Through restoration efforts, I feel we are helping leave a better place than we found it. Through advocating for protection for public lands, we safeguard migration routes for animals and keep the land where it belongs: with the public.”
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.”
Sage-grouse Mating Dance
We are rural and urban, hikers and sportsmen, visionaries and tradition-bearers. We are world-class athletes and everyday explorers, civic leaders and students. We are diverse voices speaking up for the conservation of our desert. Our differences, and our willingness to come together through a shared love of our favorite places, give us strength.
ONDA members have given a voice to the conservation needs of eastern Oregon’s high desert since 1987.
In the mid-1980s, a diverse group of folks, including teachers, doctors, students, naturalists, and retirees, came together over their shared love of Oregon’s desert. The group was driven to action by their conviction that a federal inventory of wild desert lands had not included many of the places that they knew and loved. Sure enough, when these passionate people banded together to take up their own inventory of Oregon’s wild places, they found nearly 8 million acres of wilderness-quality land in eastern Oregon in need of conservation action. And, these founders realized then the wild desert lands they loved need an advocate. From this small group of desert-lovers, the Oregon Natural Desert Association was born.
ONDA is proud to have the support of businesses who support conservation in Oregon’s high desert. These business members contribute to our mission by providing funding, product donations, and event hosting. And, their support shows their commitment to protecting Oregon’s high desert lands, waterways, wildlife and responsible recreation opportunities.
We work hand-in-hand with Native American tribal leaders, scientists, land management agencies, and private land-owners to achieve ground-breaking, precedent-setting cooperative goals.
