We hear you:
Keep up the conservation wins!

Jim Davis

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

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the north, Oregon’s high desert covers approximately 24,000 square miles. Annual rainfall in the high desert varies from 5 to 14 inches. The average elevation is 4,000 feet; at 9,733 feet, the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest point in Oregon’s high desert. The terrain of the high desert was mostly formed by a series of lava flows that occurred between 30 and 10 million years ago.

Sources: The Oregon Encyclopedia; Wikipedia  

fact

Badger

Badger

Badgers are generally nocturnal, but, in remote areas with no human encroachment, they are routinely observed foraging during the day. They prefer open areas with grasslands, which can include parklands, farms, and treeless areas with crumbly soil and a supply of rodent prey.

Badgers are born blind, furred, and helpless. Their eyes open at four to six weeks.

Latin name: Taxidea taxus

Thank you for all that you do!

Do you have other feedback that we missed? Email me with your thoughts today, and thank you for speaking up on behalf of Oregon’s treasured high desert lands.

Our Vision, Mission and Beliefs

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 […]

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We hear you

By on November 26, 2019 | Posted in: Look Back

The results of our most recent member survey This fall, ONDA sent you, our members, a note with a question: what matters most to you?  Almost 500 of you responded to our member survey, our strongest response yet. Thank you! Here’s what we learned. You love Oregon’s high desert Whether you have generations of...

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Meet Felice Kelly

By on September 16, 2019 | Posted in: Profile

Passionate desert advocate Since moving to Oregon in 2016, Felice Kelly discovered Oregon’s dry side and was immediately inspired, saying, “Once I made it out to the high desert, I knew that I wanted to play a part in the conservation of the landscape.” She savors the moments after crossing the Cascade Mountains from...

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How To: Raft the Lower Owyhee

By on May 14, 2019 | Posted in: How-To, Where-to

Rafting the lower Owyhee River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that introduces you to some of the most spectacular and untouched high desert landscapes found in eastern Oregon. Deep canyon walls, riverside camps, and hikes climbing to sweeping vistas are all highlights of this trip. Just be sure to gather some information ahead of time...

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Meet Mary McCord

By on March 15, 2019 | Posted in: Profile

ONDA Volunteer Extraordinaire Over the past few years, Mary McCord went from being newly introduced to ONDA to becoming a frequent volunteer in Bend. Mary and her husband, Tom, attended an annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival event and were instantly inspired to become ONDA members. They formed a personal connection with Oregon’s high...

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Your 2019 Resolutions

By on January 1, 2019 | Posted in: Coming Up

Do you set resolutions for yourself to celebrate the new year? In 2019, let ONDA help you bring a bit of Oregon’s high desert into your plans for the year. ________________________________________________________________________________ GET OUTSIDE Many of us resolve to spend more time outside. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful spot for mindful reflection or you’re looking...

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Meet Lizzy Potter

By on December 4, 2018 | Posted in: Profile

A desert advocate in profession and passion An Oregonian by choice and attorney by trade, Lizzy Potter has supported ONDA for about 10 years and feels a deep connection to Oregon’s high desert, even though she lives on the west side of our state. Lizzy’s passion runs deep: “the smells of juniper, sage, and...

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Wild & Scenic Film Festival returns to Bend

By on September 18, 2018 | Posted in: Coming Up

Will Nepali punk rocker Sareena Rai bag a first ascent? How does renowned climber and filmmaker Renan Ozturk define success? Where is the highest concentration of National Wild & Scenic Rivers in the U.S.? Find out on October 5 at the Tower Theatre in Bend as ONDA hosts the Wild & Scenic Film Festival....

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Get into the Fremont

By on August 31, 2018 | Posted in: Where-to

We hear a common refrain from people when they get back from a trip in the Fremont:  “I wish I’d gone hiking in the Fremont years ago! If only I’d known about it!” If you’re not familiar with the wonders of the Fremont, please allow us to introduce you! Here are our best tips...

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Finding New Places to Love Through Stewardship and Protecting Them Through Sage Society

By on June 18, 2018 | Posted in: Profile

  Aaron Tani, an ONDA member since 2016, regularly volunteers on stewardship trips and contributes monthly as part of the Sage Society.  A Central Oregonian since 1986, Aaron has grown to love Oregon’s high desert for its vastness and the solitude found while exploring this landscape. Friends introduced Aaron to ONDA, and his first...

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2018 Volunteer of the Year

By on May 17, 2018 | Posted in: Profile

Meet Terry Butler. A search for information about Sutton Mountain led Terry Butler to ONDA. In 2014, he joined an ONDA stewardship trip in Logan Valley. By 2015, Terry’s volunteering repertoire had expanded to attending town halls, making phone calls, leading guided hikes, and helping out at events. He’s a central hub in our strong...

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