Sage Brown Website
Each year, hundreds of Oregon Natural Desert Association volunteers protect and restore the public lands of Oregon’s high desert.
You might find yourself restoring streams, improving trails, mailing thank you letters, attending meetings, or welcoming people at ONDA events. With many different ways to pitch in and help, your effort, skills and passion are needed and appreciated. We’d love to have you join our vibrant community of desert advocates.
Western Rattlesnake
Also known as the Great Basin Rattlesnake, these pit vipers have buff-tan coloring and small, oval blotches to blend into their arid surroundings. Small heat-sensing indentations on each side of the snake’s snout detects warm-blooded prey for better striking accuracy in the dark. Source: The Oregon Encyclopedia
Latin name: Crotalus oreganus lutosus
Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019
“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 to offer.
I felt inspired by trips to Oregon’s high desert, and was actively searching for ways to contribute to the protection of these wild places. ONDA stood out as a leader in this respect, and when I’ve had money to contribute, ONDA has been a clear choice.”
Jane Heisler, Sage Sustainers Member
I love to travel and I love the desert! Supporting ONDA monthly allows me to hit the road without forgetting Oregon’s high desert—even when I’m not there.
Every year, ONDA hosts a variety of group volunteer service trips, led by ONDA staff, to complete habitat restoration work in some of Oregon’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. Visit ONDA’s stewardship trips page to find the full calendar and detailed descriptions of our current stewardship trip offerings.
We encourage people of all ability levels and backgrounds to get out with us to take part in our hands-on stewardship work 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 project.
ONDA also offers independent stewardship projects that can be completed on your own schedule and pace. Visit ONDA’s Independent Stewards page to learn more.
Ready to get out in the desert? Once you’ve selected the trips or projects you are interested in, you can sign-up by filling out ONDA’s 2024 stewardship trip registration form.
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.
Typically, ONDA works 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.
ONDA also works with school groups, community organizations, and businesses that want to volunteer together.