Essential

Kevin Clark

fact

Bitteroot

Bitteroot

Bitteroot blooms on north-facing cliffs in western North America.

The Paiute name for bitteroot is kangedya. Traditional Native American uses of the plant included eating the roots, mixed with berries and meat, and using the roots to treat sore throats.

 

voices

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.”

listen

Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape

Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape

ESSENTIAL was made possible thanks to the generous donations of several talented creative professionals.

The video footage was provided courtesy of Kevin Clark, Brian J. Clark Productions, Think Wild, James Parsons at Extreme Oregon, and Fine Grain Pictures.

Ben Finley composed the original score. Lauren Gombas created the animations.

Additionally, several members of the ONDA staff contributed to create this piece, with production management by Corinne Handelman, voiceover narration by Hana Sant, editing by Barksdale Brown and direction by Lace Thornberg.

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Take A Closer Look

Essential

By on October 19, 2021 | Posted in:

Oregon’s high desert is an arid landscape, defined by the scarcity of water, but that does not mean that this vast landscape is without water. It means that every stream, […]

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Your Next Autumn Activity:
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By on September 30, 2021 | Posted in: Coming Up

As golden aspen leaves and frosty mornings mark the arrival of fall in Oregon’s high desert, welcomed rains are bringing fire danger down and allowing volunteers to resume work on […]

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How-to: Playa Like a Pro

By on August 12, 2021 | Posted in: How-To

Author: Renee Patrick  | Published: August 12, 2021  |  Category: How-to The Alvord Desert Wilderness Study Area is an iconic attraction in Oregon’s high desert. The 50-mile long Steens Mountain […]

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Reimagine Your Public Lands

By on July 14, 2021 | Posted in: In the News, Uncategorized

Author: Lace Thornberg  |   Published: July 14, 2021  |  Updated: September 17, 2021 | Category: In the News National Public Lands Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in […]

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Streamside Story: Cody Hess

By on June 3, 2021 | Posted in: Profile

Author: Joanna Zhang  |  Published: June 3, 2021  |  Category: Profiles “While I was out there, I didn’t see a single person, didn’t hear an airplane or truck. There was […]

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Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019

By on March 4, 2021 | Posted in:

“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 […]

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Winter Wildlife Watching

By on January 2, 2021 | Posted in: How-To, Phenology

By Scott Bowler What’s there to do in the desert in the winter? Watch wildlife! In many ways, especially at lower elevations, winter’s cold weather can provide some great hiking […]

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Abert Rim in Winter

Signs of Winter

By on December 15, 2020 | Posted in: Phenology

Author: Scott Bowler  |  Published: Dec. 15, 2020  |  Updated: Dec. 21, 2021  |  Category: Phenology Winter may seem harsh, and it is indeed a difficult time to live outdoors, […]

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Healthy Escapism

By on November 12, 2020 | Posted in: Uncategorized

“A Year in Oregon’s High Desert” offers escapism you can feel good about Feeling stressed? A dose of natural beauty could help.   Studies have shown that spending time in a […]

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25 Facts About Steens

By on October 30, 2020 | Posted in: In the News

Author: Mark Salvo and Anne White |  Published: October 28, 2025  | Category: In the News There’s more to Steens than meets the eye Those who are familiar with Steens […]

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