Independent Stewards

David Hanson

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. Visit ONDA’s Stewardship Trips page to learn more about current independent project offerings.

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.

watch

Jeremy Fox on Steens Landscape

Jeremy Fox on Steens Landscape

voices

Craig Terry, ONDA member and stewardship volunteer

Craig Terry, ONDA member and stewardship volunteer

“The people I have had the privilege to share time with each season keep me volunteering again and again. Who else but those ONDA staff leaders would make fresh coffee at dawn each morning or pack a watermelon all day to serve as a reward under a juniper in a steep canyon?” Craig, who grew up in northwestern Nevada, says ONDA connects him with places he loves and a mission he believes in. “My grandfather and his father put up wire fences for their ranching needs. Taking out barbed wire sort of completes a circle for me.”

fact

Swallowtail

Swallowtail

The Oregon Swallowtail butterfly is the official state insect of Oregon and a true native of the Pacific Northwest. The Swallowtail can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage area.  Source: State Symbols USA

Latin name: Papilio oregonius

2024 Stewardship Trips and Projects

Ready to get out into the desert and give it some care? We'd love to see you on one of the dozens of stewardship trips and independent stewardship projects that we host.

See Trips

Independent Stewards Accomplishments

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 highlights the work these volunteers completed in in the program so far.

Check Out The Map

Sage Brown   Website

Sage Brown   Website

Sage Brown   Website

ONDA

Michael O'Casey

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.