Get ready for an exciting exploration into the crucial role insects play in Oregon’s high desert. Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series continues with Dr. Tara Cornelisse, invertebrate zoologist, as she provides insights into the fascinating butterflies, moths and beetles residing in eastern Oregon. Tara will examine the current state of insect populations, share facts and stories about key species in the high desert, and highlight why conserving the high desert is vital for the future of insect populations and the entire ecosystem.

This is a free, virtual event. Make a donation when registering to begin or renew your ONDA membership.

Raffle

The 2025 High Desert Speaker Series features a raffle with an incredible prize package full of gear and gift certificates from Patagonia, Osprey, Andina Restaurant, Willamette Valley Vineyards, MiiR, Kleen Kanteen, and Portland Leather Company. This entire one-of-a-kind bundle could be yours! One lucky winner will be drawn at the end of the Series and notified on March 21. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 3 for $10, and they can be purchased at registration. 100% of proceeds support high desert conservation.

100% of proceeds support high desert conservation!

Sponsors

Thank you to Killian Pacific, our presenting sponsor for the High Desert Speaker Series.

The High Desert Speaker Series is also generously sponsored by:

About the Presenter

Tara Cornelisse is an Invertebrate Zoologist at NatureServe and has over 15 years of experience in entomology and conservation biology. She earned a B.A. in Biology from Boston University, where she worked on termite social behavior, an M.S. from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Cruz, focusing on tiger beetle conservation. Before joining NatureServe, Tara worked in land conservation and as a Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, working on pollinator conservation. She has also served as a postdoctoral scholar at the American Museum of Natural History and an Assistant Professor in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation at Canisius College.

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Event Photo: Holly Christiansen