Mobilizing Conservation Advocates

Oregon Natural Desert Association connects people to Oregon desert landscapes, issues and conservation opportunities, and we mobilize communities and develop strategic partnerships to expand and deepen our impact. Our community of dedicated and passionate advocates champions high desert conservation, ensuring the public has a say in how these public lands and resources are managed.

Leading Conservation Action

Elected leaders and other decision-makers need to know that the public values wild, healthy, resilient and intact desert lands, waters and wildlife.

ONDA organizes advocates, community partners and leaders to build political power needed to achieve our conservation goals. We mobilize people in Oregon and across the country to drive conservation proposals that expand protected lands, update our supporters on important issues, opportunities and threats, and support informed public input on decisions affecting the high desert.

ONDA inspires a love of place that fuels active participation in high desert conservation. If you love desert public lands, you have a valuable perspective to contribute. Join us in advocating for conservation:

 

Building Strategic Conservation Partnerships

Building partnerships and coalitions is a hallmark of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s work. While we are the only organization solely dedicated to conserving public lands in Oregon’s high desert, working with partners, communities, and everyone interested in healthy, resilient and protected public lands is fundamental to our success.

ONDA partners with Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and a broad array of government agencies, community members, landowners, user groups and businesses in pursuit of our conservation mission. Together, we are creating strong, inclusive partnerships to ensure long-term conservation outcomes.

 

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Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

“I connect with Oregon’s high desert through my feet, my eyes, my sense of smell, and all the things I hear. Getting out there is a whole body experience.” Supporting ONDA, Helen says, not only connects her with wild landscapes, but is also a good investment. “I felt like if I gave them $20, they might squeeze $23 out of it.”

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Sarah Graham, Sage Sustainers Member

Sarah Graham, Sage Sustainers Member

“I contribute to ONDA monthly because it adds up to a larger annual gift than what I’d be able to comfortably afford if I were to do a simple one-time donation annually. I’m able to give more to ONDA this way and have greater impact which is important to me, and my dog Polly.”

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Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

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.”