Kevin Clark
Oregon’s high desert is an arid landscape, defined by the scarcity of water, but that does not mean that this vast landscape is without water.
It means that every stream, creek, spring and river matters.
The waterways that crisscross Oregon’s high desert are arteries of life, fragile and…
Western Rattlesnake
Also known as the Great Basin Rattlesnake, these pit vipers have buff-tan coloring and small, oval blotches to blend into their arid surroundings. Small heat-sensing indentations on each side of the snake’s snout detects warm-blooded prey for better striking accuracy in the dark. Source: The Oregon Encyclopedia
Latin name: Crotalus oreganus lutosus
Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year
“If I have to pick a favorite place in Oregon’s high desert, it would be Sutton Mountain, but I’m excited about all of the Wilderness Study Areas,” says Terry, adding, “Each is a gem to explore, and I hope they all get protection someday… I love the scale of the physical beauty of the desert.”
Bitteroot
Bitteroot blooms on north-facing cliffs in western North America.
The Paiute name for bitteroot is kangedya. Traditional Native American uses of the plant included eating the roots, mixed with berries and meat, and using the roots to treat sore throats.
Your gift to Oregon Natural Desert Association today supports conservation priorities across Oregon's high desert, including to protect the most important free-flowing waterways in Oregon’s high desert as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Support ConservationOn February 3, 2021, Oregon’s Senators introduced the River Democracy Act, which would protect hundreds of miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon’s High Desert, from Whychus Creek to the Owyhee!
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