Category: Profile
Meet ONDA members, volunteers and partners.
Member Profile: Whitney “Allgood” LaRuffa
If you have been following the development of the Oregon Desert Trail (ODT) over the past few years, you are probably aware that one of its primary goals is to engage the recreation community in conservation issues across the high desert. An excellent example of how the ODT has helped harness the passion and...
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Ten Superlative Volunteers
Oregon’s high desert is a unique place, full of magic and wonder. The same could be said of those people who give their time and attention so generously to its care. Today, we’d like to introduce you to ten conservation heroes you could meet at an ONDA event or on a stewardship trip and...
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2019 Conservationist of the Year
“I knew the forests of Central Oregon really well, but the desert was all new to me. The colors of the landscape and the views … just wow.” –ONDA member Gary Evans Meet Gary Evans, ONDA’s 2019 Conservationist of the Year Like many of us, Gary Evans found out about ONDA through a friend....
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Meet An Owyhee Canyonlands Champ
If you take solace in knowing that wild places like the Owyhee Canyonlands exist, then you’ve benefitted from Corie Harlan’s work at ONDA. You can get to know our Campaign Manager now through this Q&A and come hear her present March 9 in Bend and April 13 in Portland. Take us on a stroll...
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Mary Gautreaux – 2019 Alice Elshoff Desert Conservation Award winner
“The deeper truth is that anybody who knows Mary knows she is an original and unforgettable force of nature — fierce on behalf of Oregonians, bold in her problem-solving, always willing to help, and just as ready with a smile to lighten any situation. She has a gigantic heart matched only by her passion...
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Meet Felice Kelly
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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An Owyhee Mis-Adventure Inspires Life-Long Mission
When a young David Rumsey’s car broke down in the far reaches of the Owyhee Canyonlands in the late 1970s, he didn’t have any of the devices we’ve come to rely on today. No GPS, no smart phone, no satellite locator beacon. Rumsey had a map, but at the time the USGS 1:250,000 scale...
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Tribal Stewards Program Provides Career Mentorship
In early July, a crew of young adults – CeCe Andy (Warm Springs and Yakama), Monique Moody (Wasco and Northern Paiute) and Dakota Pablo (Pima and Navajo) led by Tiyana Casey (N’chii Wanapum) – began tackling a trail maintenance project on the Black Canyon Trail on the Ochoco National Forest. As August comes to...
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Meet Mary McCord
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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Q&A with ONDA’s new executive director
Over the course of two decades in the nonprofit sector, Ryan Houston has developed a reputation as a committed and effective leader in Oregon conservation, well known for strategic vision and a dedication to collaboration. We’re thrilled to welcome him as Oregon Natural Desert Association’s third executive director and we’ve pulled together a few...
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