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Volunteer

Each year, hundreds of Oregon Natural Desert Association volunteers address vital conservation needs in Oregon’s high desert. Volunteers may restore remote desert streams, mail letters, welcome people at ONDA events or attend meetings. There are many different ways to pitch in and help, and we’d love to have you join our vibrant community of desert advocates

ONDA values the diverse identities, experiences, languages, cultures and voices that our volunteer community contributes to our work. Our offices and events are accessible as much as is possible, and we are open to feedback for how we can improve. We offer flexible options so people of many backgrounds, interests and abilities may participate. Reach out to us at onda@onda.org with any questions or suggestions.

listen

Western Meadowlark Dawn Chorus

Western Meadowlark Dawn Chorus

voices

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

“To me, it’s a thru-hike in an isolated place that promotes a conversation in land management, ethics and usage. Hiking across a vast and remote landscape and having a random and chance encounter with cowboys and hunters to discuss how ‘all of us’ should treat the land, how we all have a responsibility, no matter our political leanings, really showed me the pulse of the people in rural areas, especially here out west.”

success

Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”

Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”

Our quest to protect the Oregon Badlands

Located just 15 miles east of Bend, Oregon Badlands is a 30,000-acre wilderness area filled with fascinating lava flows and ancient juniper trees Arriving in the Badlands, so named for its rugged and harsh terrain, can feel like stepping

Read More

At the Office and Events

ONDA engages with many volunteers throughout the year who play an integral part in our outreach and events. We appreciate volunteers to assist with events, like those listed below. To join our list of office and event volunteers in either Bend or Portland, please fill out the volunteer interest form below, or email our team to learn more.

Upcoming Office Volunteering
  • Portland Office Crew: Join us in our Portland office (2009 NE Alberta St) on Thursdays between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a shift of one to three hours. You’ll assist with hand-writing notes, addressing and stuffing envelopes, phone calls to ONDA members, data entry, and other administrative tasks.
  • Wild Desert Calendar Mailing Team: Spend 2-3 hours each week from October through the end of the year mailing calendars to our buyers. Commit weekly through December or sign up for just a few weeks. Flexible scheduling available. No computer experience necessary.

Apply below to volunteer with us!

Office and Events Volunteer Application Form

Using Your Voice

Another critical way you can volunteer in support of your public lands is to become an advocate and your use voice to urge key decision makers to prioritize desert conservation.

You can get on ONDA’s action alert list by subscribing to ONDA’s e-newsletter.

Speak Up Now

Using Your Words

Have a story you want to share? We’d love to hear it!

ONDA’s staff-and-volunteer-run blog features a range of passionate storytellers sharing high desert knowledge and offering new insights. Here, we give Oregon’s desert a deserving voice—and we’re at our best when we showcase a rich array of people, experiences and motivations for supporting conservation.

Because outdoor and environmental writing has historically had a narrow focus, we encourage women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other diverse voices to reach out to discuss options for sharing a volunteer piece.

Submissions can take many forms including audio recordings, photo diaries, poetry, narratives, interviews, articles and more. Your creative ideas are welcome, and no experience is necessary.

To get involved, please contact us at onda@onda.org with the subject line “Volunteer Contributor.”

Contact Us

In the Desert

In the spring and fall, we engage volunteers in meaningful restoration, stewardship and monitoring projects in the most important habitats across Oregon’s high desert.

  • Stewardship Trips: We lead guided, small group, multi-day volunteer service trips in some of Oregon’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. 2024 trips are now complete, and the 2025 calendar of spring Stewardship Trips will be posted in early Feburary, 2025 on ONDA’s stewardship trips page.
  • Independent Stewardship Projects: We also offer self-guided independent stewardship projects for volunteers looking to get out on their own and contribute to critical projects to support healthy desert habitats. These can be completed on your own schedule and pace. Visit ONDA’s independent stewards page to learn more.

We encourage people of all ability levels and backgrounds to get out with us to take part in our hands-on stewardship trips and deepen their relationship with Oregon’s high desert. All trips are free and no experience is required. ONDA provides all of the tools, equipment and training necessary for the projects.

Find A Trip

With a Group

ONDA also partners with school groups, community organizations, and businesses that want to volunteer together.

Learn More and Apply