The Friends of Malheur NWR have begun planning processes that will enable us to work on brand new and long overdue projects while continuing our established outreach, advocacy, and stewardship commitments. 

A look at 2022

  • Bird Scouts: In partnership with Portland Audubon and the Harney County Library we will provide bird and nature inspired educational activities and projects for local youth. Events will be held quarterly and be accessible to youth and their families! Associated educational materials will also be distributed to interested local educators to use in the classroom or in afterschool programs.
  • White-faced Ibis Transmitters: FOMR will contribute funds to support the deployment of radio transmitters on white-faced ibis on Malheur NWR as part of a larger, breeding population monitoring project lead by Intermountain West Joint Venture. The data collected during this project will be critical to better understanding this wetland dependent birds' relationship with the landscape throughout it's range and with particular interest in the impacts of climate change.
  • Lake Restoration Intern: FOMR will fund a full time, seasonal bilogical intern for Malheur NWR's ongoing aquatic health projects aimed at the restoration of Malheur Lake. This support staff is essential to accomplishing the Refuge's many research and monitoring goals. 
  • Tree Management Plan, PHASE 2: A working group has been formed to develop a wildlife and culturally conscientious TMP. Our goal is to create Action Plans for the Refuge’s existing 100yr old tree stands in order to maintain ecological value and respect their historical significance. This Plan will inform future work parties and volunteer efforts to maintain or enhance vital tree/shrub based habitat on the Refuge.
  • Boundary Fence Debris Removal: In 2021, trained volunteers traversed the Refuge borders to map and report the condition of boundary fences. In their efforts they discovered and mapped many sites where fence debris on the landscape must be removed and in some instances minor repairs can be made. 
  • Adding to our Team! FOMR is currently recruiting for a full time, permanent Crane's Nest Manager to work with our Executive Director supporting the in person and online retail operations which are an important source of revenue to fund our projects and programs. The Crane's Nest Nature Center and Store is also an important visitor contact station where we connect with YOU and future Friends like you!

Ongoing Stewardship

  • Crane’s Nest Nature Center & Store
  • Marshall Pond Wildlife Observation Area
  • Blitzen Valley Auto Tour Route Signage & Audio Companion
  • George Benson Natural History Museum

Ongoing Outreach

(Contingent upon the status of Covid-19 and associated health and safety policies)
*Bird Scouts quarterly events for youth and their families.

  • April - Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
  • May - International Migratory Bird Day*
  • May - Malheur Migrates Event
  • June - Archeology Roadshow
  • July - Bird Days of Summer*
  • August - Carp Derby
  • October - October Big Week*
  • December - CBC4Kids*
  • Monthly – Malheur Musings Newsletter

Other Activities

  • $1,000 Scholarship to a Harney County resident seeking higher education in Natural Resources, Conservation, or Wildlife Sciences.
  • Strategic Planning is underway and we look forward to having a completed Strategic Plan by Spring 2022.
  • Annual contribution to National Wildlife Refuge Association (2021 - $250)
  • Annual grant to The Trumpeter Swan Society (2021 - $500)
  • Membership to The Environmental Center of Bend
  • Proposed:Quarterly Virtual Classes

YOUR END OF YEAR DONATION OR ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY SUSTAINING DONATION WILL GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING THE FRIENDS OF MALHEUR NWR ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS! 

CLICK HERE - DONATE NOW