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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.

watch

Discover Desert Pronghorn

Discover Desert Pronghorn

voices

Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019

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.”

voices

Ursula K. Le Guin on ONDA

Ursula K. Le Guin on ONDA

“Nothing in conservation work is ever uncomplicated! But I’m proud of ONDA for working on that conversation, being neighborly, trying to include the human landscape in the natural one as truly part of what is to be honored, protected, and saved.”

Ursula K. Le Guin, from the short essay Concerning a Wilderness

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 who assist in the office, tabling or at events such as the ones 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.

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.
  • Bend Office Crew: Join us in our Bend Office (50 SW Bond St) on Wednesdays between 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. or Thursdays between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a shift. You’ll assist with mailings, data entry, projects to support our stewardship work, and other administrative tasks.

Events

  • Portland Sagebrush Social: Tuesday, June 3 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Volunteers will share information about ONDA with guests, encourage attendees to advocate, volunteer and assist with set up and clean up. We are also seeking 1-2 volunteers with extensive knowledge about visiting and recreating in eastern Oregon to help attendees plan their trip to the high desert.
  • Bend Sagebrush Social: Thursday, June 5 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Volunteers will share information about ONDA with guests, encourage attendees to advocate, volunteer and assist with set up and clean up.

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. Registration is now open for spring 2025 trips. Learn more and sign up on our stewardship trips page.

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