High Desert Academy

Vince Ready

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

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

The High Desert Wonders

This three-part series will take you on a tour of the spectacular highlights of Oregon’s high desert and connect you with timely conservation opportunities in these areas.

Steens Mountain: Wilderness Haven

Learn more about the crown jewel of Oregon’s high desert. Steens Mountain gained Wilderness protection 20 years ago, but the story doesn’t stop there. Discover places to explore and hear about the ongoing efforts to secure permanent conservation outcomes in this rugged landscape.
Tuesday, April 14 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time | REGISTER NOW

Hart, Sheldon and the Land Between

The Greater Hart-Sheldon Region includes Hart Mountain and several million acres of the surrounding public lands. The region boasts huge blocks of extensively connected wilderness-quality lands that support the region’s rich wildlife populations. Learn more about the abundant conservation and recreation opportunities in this vast area.
Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time

The Wild Owyhee

Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands is one of the wildest places in the country. Follow along on an exploration of this incomparable region, its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, rich culture and history, key wildlife habitats and recreation hubs. You’ll learn about timely conservation initiatives you can support to ensure that the Owyhee stays wild, forever.
Thursday, April 23 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time

Where Conservation Meets Recreation

We know you’re all scheming your next trip to Oregon’s high desert. Join our team to learn about our best planning tips and tricks so that you can utilize this downtime to plan the perfect adventure.

Desert Hiking Tips & Trips

Do you have concerns about water, navigation, camping, animals, desert driving and more? We’ll answer your questions and offer ideas for your next adventure in Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands and beyond.
Thursday, April 9 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time | REGISTER NOW

Multi-Sport Adventures on the Oregon Desert Trail

The Oregon Desert Trail is not just made for hiking. Did you know there are sections that you can bike, paddle, horseback ride, and even ski in the winter? Join us as we dive into different options for “quiet recreation” on the public lands throughout Oregon’s high desert.
Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time | REGISTER NOW

Boots, Bikes, and Boats in Eastern Oregon

Go east on this virtual tour for a new desert adventure and a sense of solitude. You’ll learn about recreation and conservation opportunities in and around the Steens Mountain Wilderness, Fremont-Winema National Forest and the John Day River Basin.
Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time

How to be a Better Desert Advocate

We hear that self-improvement is all the rage! Follow along for this three-part series to build your knowledge and skills base to be an even stronger desert advocate. Check back for details and event dates coming in early May.

How to Comment on Public Lands Plans

How to Write an Effective Letter to the Editor

How to Build a Beaver Dam

Register for our first digital events now:

Desert Hiking Tips & Trips 
Thursday, April 9 at 4 p.m.

Steens Mountain: Wilderness Haven
Tuesday, April 14 at 4 p.m.

Multi-Sport Adventures on the Oregon Desert Trail
Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m.

Oregon’s High Desert
Amid an Outbreak

The sun on our faces, the scent of sagebrush carried by a breeze, a distant call of raptors flying overhead, and the crunch of bare earth below our feet. We feel the pull of Oregon’s wilder side each and every day. And we know that the high desert is calling to many now. If you […]

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Hold Off on that
Oregon Desert Trail Adventure

Please postpone or cancel your Oregon Desert Trail plans due to COVID 19. Because no one can travel long distances on the Oregon Desert Trail and be certain of avoiding any exposure to the coronavirus, and because anyone at any time can be a carrier of the virus without knowing it, it is clear that […]

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Category: Coming Up

A look at upcoming events or programs that will launch soon.

High Desert Academy

By on March 31, 2020 | Posted in: Coming Up

Welcome to our digital event community While we’re all indoors, following directives to stay home, ONDA is bringing the desert straight to you! Wherever you might be, you can follow along with our new High Desert Academy. This series will include stunning tours of high desert highlights, informative workshops that will teach you new...

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Boots, Bikes, Boats
Willamette Valley Tour

By on February 4, 2020 | Posted in: Coming Up

Recreation meets conservation along the Oregon Desert Trail! Come to one of these talks in the Willamette Valley to get ideas for hiking, biking or boating your way through Oregon’s high desert landscapes.

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High Desert Speaker Series
Bigger and Better in 2020

By on November 4, 2019 | Posted in: Coming Up

Each year, ONDA’s High Desert Speaker Series highlights the wildlife, geology, culture, history, recreation and other unique and worthy-of-protection elements of Oregon’s high desert. In 2019, we were amazed by the enthusiasm expressed for the series. Most events sold out in less than a day! We value providing informative and inspiring programming to as...

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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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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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Learn to Strut

By on April 1, 2018 | Posted in: Coming Up, How-To

ONDA to teach sage-grouse mating dance to all members April 1, 2018 (BEND, Ore.)—What started as a rousing way to open up staff meetings soon spread to board meetings and stewardship trips, and now, in response to high demand from our members, Oregon Natural Desert Association is excited to announce that you, too, can learn the...

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Campfire in the Owyhee Canyonlands

High Desert Speaker Series

By on January 9, 2018 | Posted in: Coming Up

Curious about the High Desert? ONDA’s High Desert Speaker Series Presenters Have Stories and Knowledge To Share Do you know how many officially designated Wild and Scenic Rivers there are in eastern Oregon? Do you know the Ichiskhkiin word for salmon? Attending Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series is a great way to build your high...

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