High Desert Speaker Series

Each year Oregon Natural Desert Association hosts a speaker series featuring intriguing stories, exquisite photography, and fascinating natural history from the high desert and across the West.

The 2026 Speaker Series has concluded. Our lineup included exciting events about beaver ecology, eastern Oregon geology, high desert trees, and Tribal history and culture. Please enjoy a recording of each event through the links below.

Brilliant Beavers: Cultivating Climate Resilience: View the recording here.

Forged in Fire: The Volcanic Activity that Shaped Oregon’s High Desert: View the recording here.

Rooted in Eastern Oregon: High Desert Tree Identification: View the recording here.

A Tribal Family History of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes: View the recording here.

Stay tuned for the 2027 High Desert Speaker Series!

voices

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

“I find enjoyment in the peaceful wide open spaces, geology, and rich history of Oregon’s high desert,” says Mary. Reflecting on volunteering, she continues, “If you have the ability and desire, it’s important to do something to contribute. It doesn’t have to be big, because every little bit helps.”

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Aaron Tani, Sage Society Member

Aaron Tani, Sage Society Member

“It feels good to support ONDA on a monthly basis, because I know they never stop supporting our public lands. ONDA works to help make our lands a better place for the future, and I feel like I’m a part of that every month with my support.”

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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.”