A Model for Conservation

voices

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

“Protecting public land is part of my spiritual being. It’s central to my identity to be in wilderness and to see it protected.” Durlin is proud to protect public lands for future generations, saying, “The highlight of my childhood was our family’s weekend outdoor trips. I look forward to my grandchildren having similar experiences outside in their lifetimes, and it wouldn’t be possible without ONDA.”

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Stewardship Fence Building Timelapse

Stewardship Fence Building Timelapse

fact

Badger

Badger

Badgers are generally nocturnal, but, in remote areas with no human encroachment, they are routinely observed foraging during the day. They prefer open areas with grasslands, which can include parklands, farms, and treeless areas with crumbly soil and a supply of rodent prey.

Badgers are born blind, furred, and helpless. Their eyes open at four to six weeks.

Latin name: Taxidea taxus

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Preventing Industrial Development on Steens Mountain

ONDA and our partners have worked for years to ensure Steens Mountain remains free from industrial development. Our long-standing commitment to the mountain was vital to an effort to stop […]

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Steens Mountain Wilderness

Oregon’s first desert wilderness On October 30, 2000, President Clinton signed the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act, creating Oregon’s first desert wilderness. This accomplishment was the result of […]

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A Model for Conservation

A Model for Conservation

By on July 2, 2026 | Posted in: Essay

Author: Mark Salvo, Conservation Director |  Published: July 2, 2026  | Category: Essay This article originally appeared in the Spring + Summer 2026 Desert Ramblings Newsletter. From Steens Mountain to […]

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Coopers Hawk in Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge

Spot Desert Wildlife

By on July 1, 2026 | Posted in: Where-to

Author: Scott Bowler |  Published: July 1, 2026  | Category: Desert Outing This article originally appeared in the Spring + Summer 2026 Desert Ramblings Newsletter. Head to Malheur National Wildlife […]

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Steens Mountain: 25 Years Later

By on October 30, 2025 | Posted in: In the News

Author: Bill Marlett |  Published: October 30, 2025  | Category: In the News This guest column originally appeared in The Bulletin on October 24, 2025. Looking Back on a Landmark […]

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Wilderness Inventories, and Why They Matter

By on September 18, 2025 | Posted in: Brief Update

Author: Mark Salvo | Published: September 24, 2025  | Category: Brief Update This article originally appeared in the Fall + Winter 2025 Desert Ramblings Newsletter. The foundation of public land […]

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Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

By on March 18, 2025 | Posted in:

A centerpiece of Oregon’s high desert, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is located at the foot of Steens Mountain, from which the Wild and Scenic Blitzen River provides a constant and […]

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flock of Snow Geese above Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Birding in Malheur

By on January 7, 2025 | Posted in: How-To, Where-to

Author: Renee Schiavone  |  Published: January 7, 2025  | Category: Where-To This article originally appeared in The Source on January 8, 2025. A guide to observing migrating birds at the […]

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Spend a Weekend Biking in the Steens

By on December 27, 2024 | Posted in: Where-to

Author: Renee Schiavone  |  Published: December 27, 2024  | Category: Where-To This article originally appeared in The Bulletin. Discover the stark contrasts and deep beauty of Oregon’s first high desert […]

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Steens Mountain

Where-To:
See Aspen in Eastern Oregon

By on September 13, 2022 | Posted in: Where-to

Author: Jess Beauchemin  |  Published: September 12, 2022  |  Category: Where-To Four amazing hikes with fall colors on Steens Mountain and Hart Mountain I grew up in New England, where […]

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Where-To:
See Wildflowers on Steens Mountain

By on July 13, 2022 | Posted in: Where-to

Over 1,000 vascular plant species have been recorded at Steens Mountain. And, in mid-summer, you can expect wildflowers to be reaching their peak, with paintbrush, balsamroot, fireweed, stonecrop (uplands and […]

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male sale grouse tail feathers displayed

Seven Steps to Save Sage-Grouse

By on April 5, 2022 | Posted in: Deep Dive

Author: Mark Salvo  |  Published: April 5, 2022  |  Category: Deep Dive After three and half decades of monitoring sage-grouse habitat, sorting through the science, engaging in innumerable federal, state […]

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