Oregon Natural Desert Association’s independent stewardship projects offers volunteers a self-directed option for promoting a healthy high desert in addition to our structured option of guided stewardship trips.
Independent Stewards
David Hanson
fact
Far from Big Macs
Far from Big Macs
There is a point in the Owyhee region, in northwestern Nevada, that is, at 115 miles away, as far away as you can get from a McDonalds in the U.S.
Source: http://www.datapointed.net/2010/09/distance-to-nearest-mcdonalds-sept-2010
listen
Great Basin Spadefoot Toads – a sleepy chorus
Great Basin Spadefoot Toads – a sleepy chorus
voices
Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019
Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019
“My greatest hope is that Oregon’s desert continues to gain public lands protections, and is guarded from unsustainable development, so that future generations may benefit from all the region has to offer.
I felt inspired by trips to Oregon’s high desert, and was actively searching for ways to contribute to the protection of these wild places. ONDA stood out as a leader in this respect, and when I’ve had money to contribute, ONDA has been a clear choice.”
How It Works
ONDA provides assignments and resources. Volunteers learn new skills and complete critical tasks on their own while giving their high desert adventures an elevated purpose. Stewards receive guidance from ONDA, but are primarily self-directed.
Why It Helps
Independent stewards are critical players in completing stewardship work in the high desert, and perhaps even bringing new stewardship needs to light as they explore Oregon’s dry side with a trained eye. The work our volunteers complete across eastern Oregon informs our conservation and legal work and underpins our ongoing commitment to protect, defend, and restore the high desert.
Find A Project
Ready to get out into the desert and give it some care? Visit ONDA’s stewardship trips page to learn more about current independent project offerings.
See The Impact
Independent stewards are critical players in completing desert restoration projects, and bringing new maintenance needs to light as they explore Oregon’s dry side with a trained eye.
This story map highlights work independent stewards have completed recently:
Scenes from Independent Stewards
Subscribe to ONDA’s E-News to hear about new projects and opportunities as they become available throughout the year and watch for new opportunities at the start of each year.