Badlands Wilderness Stewardship #8

About the place

Located just 15 miles east of Bend, the Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a 30,000-acre area containing fascinating lava flows and ancient junipers. This area was designated as wilderness in 2009 and was named for its harsh terrain and fantastic rock formations. Within this landscape, one can find incredible displays of desert wildflowers, dry river canyons, castle-like rock formations, and Native American pictographs.

About the stewardship work

In partnership with the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management, ONDA will lead a regular day of service to improve the Badlands for its human visitors and native wildlife inhabitants.

Through projects such as trail maintenance, signage improvement, illegal vehicle route obscuring, fence removal and retrofitting to improve safe passage for wildlife, volunteers will receive an introduction to ONDA’s stewardship and conservation programs. These single-day experiences are designed to engage people who may not have the time or inclination to attend ONDA’s multi-day stewardship projects.

For these projects, volunteers will meet at the ONDA office in Bend at 8 a.m. on the day of the event and return to Bend by 4 p.m. No previous experience is needed to attend. All that is required is a love of the high desert, a big smile and a willingness to learn.

Trip timeline

• Tuesday, December 8, 8:00 a.m.: Volunteers will meet at the ONDA office in Bend and carpool to the worksite.
• Tuesday, December 8, 4:00 p.m.: Volunteers will return to the ONDA office in Bend.

Difficulty

Level 3

The nature of the project will depend on whatever the BLM deems to be the most pressing need to improve management of the Badlands. Volunteers should be prepared for a variety of tasks and can expect to spend their day hiking on uneven ground and undertaking tasks that require a moderate level of physical exertion.

Participant responsibilities

ONDA will bring water, but it is a good idea to supplement our supply with a few gallons from home. In the event of sunny and hot weather, please bring up to four liters of water capacity for the day, and consider an electrolyte replacement drink or mix to help you stay hydrated. Sturdy off-trail ankle-high boots, long pants, and eye protection are required for this trip (sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses are suitable eye protection). Long sleeve shirts may be required depending on the work performed (a lightweight sun shirt is a great option); Participants should be prepared to be away from camp all day and bring a day pack for lunch, snacks and water.

Gear provided

ONDA will provide all tools required for the work as well as work gloves and sunscreen. We will provide some potable water, expert leadership and perspective on current high desert conservation priorities.

Registration

An ONDA registration application and medical form are required for this trip.

Apply now

You only need to fill this form out once per year and can join additional trips this year by emailing the trip leader directly. You will receive a confirmation email within 10 working days of submitting your form. The confirmation email will provide information regarding which trips you are on the “participant list” for, and which trips are full, and therefore you have been placed on the “wait list.”

Six weeks before the start of the trip, the trip leader will send out an RSVP to make sure everyone is still able to participate. Based on RSVPs, open spaces will be backfilled with people from the waitlist.

Three weeks before the trip start date, registered and confirmed participants will receive driving instructions, maps, carpooling options, and additional information in an email sent by the trip leader

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader.