News from Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

News from Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Janelle Wicks, Executive Director

Just to the east of Bend, OR and slightly south lies a refuge that draws in birds and birders of all kinds. From lazuli buntings to listers and phalaropes to photographers – all are welcome, and all find their needs met by the abundance of this high desert dreamland.

There is no need to argue the importance of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge within the Pacific Flyway or the National Wildlife Refuge System more broadly. It speaks for itself in birdsong, the hum of insects, the flow of water. What is less obvious, is the Refuge’s need of support from those of us who love it and depend on it in our own ways.

If you’re anything like me, you may find yourself wondering, ‘How can I support the place that I love?’ ‘How can I more deeply connect with the work?’ ‘What could having a relationship of reciprocity with Malheur Refuge look like?’

The easiest answer I have to these questions is: BE A FRIEND! The Friends of Malheur NWR is an independent non-profit organization. We are empowered to do the work we do because of the community of support from our Members and Donors. We do no depend on Federal funding or grants. Whether you are a $20 annual member or a $1,000 Sandhill Crane Society Member – you are funding the work we do. So, what are we doing?

• Current conservation and stewardship initiatives include, but are in no way limited to:

  • Staffing the Malheur NWR Visitor Center and Crane’s Nest Nature Center & Store from March 1 – October 31st

  • Fully funding a seasonal Biological Technician to support the Refuge’s Biology Department

  • In partnership with Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission, we sponsor of the Oregon Natural Desert Association and Lomakatsi Restoration Project Tribal Stewards Program spending 1 week at Malheur NWR every summer

  • Support Burns Paiute Tribe’s Youth Opportunity Program spending time on biological and maintenance projects at Malheur NWR – FIRST YEAR!

  • Coordinate Bat Conservation effort at Malheur NWR Headquarters including fly out census and habitat mitigation

  • Sponsor conservation pruning efforts to conserve aging tree stands across the Refuge to maintain habitat for wildlife and protect cultural heritage

  • Co-coordinate and host the annual Harney County Migratory Bird Festival

  • Manage the annual Artist in Residence Program and Youth Wildlife Art Contest

  • Dark Sky compliance inventory and retrofitting across the Refuge

  • Stewardship of various Refuge sites including hiking trails and Sod House Ranch

  • And the list goes on and on…

  The Friend of Malheur NWR have two full-time, year-round staff and they could not do all of the above on their own – it takes a fairly robust brigade of volunteers. Opportunities to become a FOMR volunteer are plentiful and diverse. We genuinely believe there is something for everyone. Here is a brief list of upcoming opportunities:

  August 8-10: Sod House Ranch pre-season spruce-up AND evening bat surveys.

  September 19-21: Fall tasks, TBD but likely to include trail stewardship and weeding of invasives.
October 17-19: Fall tasks, TBD but likely to include wire and debris removal.

  Annually from March – October: Outreach Volunteers are needed in the Visitor Center and Crane’s Nest Store! These volunteers interact with and inform visitors, ensuring that they get the most out of their trip while recreating responsibly. They may be tasked with affiliated on site duties such as a bird walk, school field trip activity, stocking brochures, but mostly they live and work together at Refuge Headquarters becoming an integral part of the community that is our organization.

  Friends of Malheur believe in making these opportunities accessible for as many as possible, so we have reserved dormitory housing at The Malheur Field Station – at NO COST to volunteers. All you need to do is show up eager to contribute!
  Would participating in an upcoming event be more appealing to you?

  Friday, August 22nd: Malheur After Dark at Sod House Ranch. We will host a FREE picnic before Teresa Wicks of Bird Alliance of Oregon leads attendees in an evening bird and wildlife walk. OMSI will offer activities for all ages before we settle in for the main show with Amy Bilbisi of Oregon Star Safari!

  Saturday, September 27th: Find Your Wild walk/run event at Refuge Headquarters. Enjoy special access along the Blitzen River from Sod House bridge fishing access point to Boat Launch Rd all the way to the Boat Launch! Encourage your friends and family to join your or sponsor your Finding Your Wild with donations through the Public Lands Alliance portal for our event!

  October date TBD: FOMR’s Fall Friends of Friends event! Bring your FRIENDS to enjoy an evening of celebrating Malheur and all do to support the Refuge. There will be food, drinks, an auction and of course a bit of fun! Watch our website and socials for details coming soon. Do you love to plan a party? Email Janelle to see how you can help! director@malheurfriends.org

  Whether you have a special interest in an area of stewardship conservation, are looking to get your hands dirty for a weekend, or want to get together socially to learn and celebrate Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the Friends of Malheur are your entry to deeper engagement and advocacy for this place that gives us so very much.

  To learn more, become a member, or make a donation today – visit www.malheurfriends.org or email Director Janelle Wicks, director@malheurfriends.org