Osprey fish the Blitzen River in addition to ponds of any depth suitable for reasonably sized meal on the Refuge or Steens Mountain. For years a pair have built their nest atop some small boards attached to the top of an abandoned power pole at the south end of the Refuge. For the last two years the nest has blown off the boards in high wind events. There is an opportunity here. Stay tuned. Photo by Greg Weiter | | As we near the benchmark for a second lapse of federal appropriations to last 35 days we wonder, 'Just how much longer can this go on?' We make our calls and send out letters, which is valuable does have an impact in raising our voices but it can feel like yelling into a void. An act bordering on absurdity. BUT I HAVE SO MUCH HOPE. | | | | |
On October 18th, nearly 100 people gathered to celebrate and give back to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Together, we raised our voices AND nearly $60,000! I am so proud of and grateful for our community.
A night like this, as if I need another reason, is an unavoidable invitation to dream BIG and imagine the possibilities for Malheur's future. This gives me hope. You give me hope.
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Fundraising to sustain and empower our mission will be an everlasting endeavor, but this is not a challenge it is an opportunity.
Please consider making your 2025 donation to our End of Year campaign early and generously. These contributions are like fuel that feed a fire of inspiration.
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Inspired by Malheur,
Janelle Wicks
Executive Director
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President's Message; Nov 2025
Written by Bill Tweed
As I sit down to write these words, I am pondering multiple questions. Even more than usual, the beginning of November this year presents many things we do not yet understand.
The biggest uncertainty, of course, is what sort of winter will we enjoy? Wet or dry? Uncommonly cold, or surprisingly mild? And there is more. The migratory birds that rely on Malheur also reply on other environments—places that stretch from the rain forests of Central America to the arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska. What will the new season bring to all those places? Read More
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Conservation Corner
Inspired by one another's inspiration. Here is something a little different for this month's Musings. I hope you enjoy hearing from those, like you, who care so deeply for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
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Hope in the High Desert
Written by with Photos by Greg Weiter, FOMR Volunteer & Friend
When I saw the midnight moonless sky atop Sagehen Hill I knew I had made the right decision traveling that night. The endless layers of stars held encrypted all the secrets of the past and somehow knew the future as well. Resting without ever sleeping the long-awaited silence was music to my ears. The early morning hour drive found me in the company of familiar faces becoming closer to real friends each visit, and a hot cup of coffee in hand.
Turning into the refuge I realized I was visiting an entirely new place. The endless shades of green and shimmering bodies of bird filled waters had given way to vast profiles of gold and yellow grasses outlining the topography, while the blue sky welcomed the blanket of clouds that seemed to know something like the stars. Read More
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There's Something About Malheur
Written by Julie Burchstead
I am one of many Friends Volunteers. I have worked at The Crane’s Nest Nature Store and had the extreme honor to serve as a teacher for the AiR program, working alongside Carey Goss of the Refuge, to bring an integrated biology and art experience to students across the reaches of Harney County. These days, my husband’s health makes longer stays difficult, but I still get to Malheur when I can. Since volunteering, Malheur is a place I need to come back to.
Just weeks ago I saw my first mountain bluebirds in The Steens (whose lower reaches were alight with golden aspens). I witnessed their kestrel-like hovering as they fed in a meadow. At the Narrows I saw young grebes comically pile their nearly too large selves onto a parents back. Then, after experiencing a flat, I spent a morning at Les Schwab in amiable conversation with a local rancher. We were two people whose paths would likely never have crossed, but found connections through our stories. I stepped for the first time on the Alvord. And nearly every storm for four days finished a rainbow. Read More
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Conservation Pruning (un)Update
Written by Janelle Wicks, FOMR Director
Photo taken by Karen Tillou, Prunus LLC
Due to the, now 34 day long, lapse in federal funding from congressional appropriations Malheur National Wildlife Refuge has been unstaffed with facilities shuttered. The refuge is open to the public for access to all of its visitor experience opportunities from wildlife photography to hunting, but it has been closed to Friends of Malheur NWR for accomplishing anything that we might consider ‘good on the ground’. The work described in this article has been a project ongoing, without cessation since 2019, even during the Covid-19 pandemic the work continued.
That stopped this year. The Prunus Crew was scheduled to come and perform a week’s worth of work in late October. Read More at the bottom of the 2024 article.
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News from the Neighborhood: Post Fire Restoration on Hart
Written by Julie Weikel, Friends of Hart Mountain NAR Board Member
Pictured is the view the western slopes of Hart Mtn from the south. Photo by Jim Davis
Following the almost 70,000 acre Warner Peak fire of August 2024 and the 1500 acre Black Canyon fire of July 2025, as well as long standing effects of the Poker Fire of 2019, Hart Mountain Fish and Wildlife staff are busily engaged in major rehabilitation efforts. The major focus of these efforts are aquatic restoration and control of invasive weeds.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a snow dominated watershed so maintaining water in the uplands is a key strategy. While beaver were present on the Refuge historically, they were extirpated in the late 1990’s. Immediately after the Warner Peak Fire, a BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) plan was initiated. Read More
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Species Spotlight; Ferruginous Hawk
Written by Janelle Wicks / Photo by Dan Streiffert
Soaring high above the open sagebrush and wetlands of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most familiar and widespread raptors in North America. Its piercing cry—a rolling “kee-eee-er”—is often the soundtrack to the refuge’s wide skies, a fitting anthem for this adaptable bird of prey.
Adult Red-tailed Hawks are easy to identify once you know the name: their rich, russet-colored tails glow like embers when backlit by the sun. Read More
| | Volunteering with Friends | | |
Due to the ongoing lapse in federal funding, the ongoing government shutdown has forced us to cancel all onsite volunteer opportunities for the month of October.
THANK YOU to Cathy Jones and Berta Varble for showing up ready and eager to work in the Refuge Vistor Center and Crane's Nest Nature Center & Store.
THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered during our Friends Fundraising event in Bend on October 18th. The time and energy that you share with FOMR made it possible for us to raise over $55,000! Thanks go to...
Denny & Bess Schaberg
Steve Siadek & Marcy Ruffo
Christian Dreyer
Erik & Mary Jensen
Karen Swirsky
Lisa & Daryl Alger
Viviane Simon-Brown
Al Huntley
and EVERY BOARD MEMBER who showed up and helped out!
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Sagebrush Sparrow Award
Presented on October 18th, 2025
The following is the remarks associated with the announcement.
We regret that we did not get any pictures of this presentation.
For over 26 years, our organization has never initiated formal recognition of the volunteers who drive this work. Tonight (Oct 18th), we are changing that with the inaugural Sagebrush Sparrow Award in recognition of a volunteer whose commitment, enthusiasm, and generosity in sharing their time, skills, and resources with the Friends in service to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge flies above and beyond anyone’s expectations.
The Sagebrush Sparrow Award celebrates exceptional commitment to conservation stewardship, deevotion as enduring as the sagebrush that anchors this landscape and as inspirational as the song of the sparrow who calls it home.
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Tonight’s recipient has given not only time and talent, but heart; working quietly, persistently, and with grace. Whether welcoming visitors in the Crane’s Nest, tending thoughtfully to the refuge grounds, or sharing their own love of the Refuge with others, their efforts have strengthened the bond between people and place. This volunteer not only logged more hours than any other in 2025 but engaged in additional projects beyond our expectations. Assisting Jill and I with winterizing travel trailers, deconstructing and rebuilding the sales displays and inventory storage throughout the Nature Store, and building and delivering the BIGGEST bat condo I’ve ever seen. Not to mention that he showed up here tonight with handcrafted items to contribute to the silent auction.
On behalf of the Friends of Malheur and all who cherish this refuge, it is my honor to present the very first Sagebrush Sparrow Award to Al Huntley in recognition of his extraordinary dedication, tireless stewardship, and a love of the land that sings as true as the sparrow’s own song.
Thank you, Al, for showing us what it means to care deeply, and to serve generously.
IF YOU ARE A FOMR VOLUNTEER AND HAVE PICTURES OF AL 'ON THE JOB' PLEASE SEND THEM TO ME, FRIENDS@MALHEURFRIENDS.ORG
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Outreach & Events
While we are currently unable to host programs at Malheur NWR we are excited to continue our education and outreach efforts with our partners in Harney County.
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PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
If you know of or are associated with a group that would be interested in a Malheur NWR themed presentation, please reach out to FOMR Director Janelle Wicks to coordinate.
Potential topics are as diverse as the Refuge itself.
Virtual or in-person depending on seasonal availability.
Email: friends@malheurfriends.org
Pictured left: East Cascades Bird Alliance gathering at Worthy Brewing.
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October's Most Popular
Every month there is excellent content on the Friends Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages. Here we will feature the most popular post of the month.
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October 22, 2025 - During a September 2025 visit to the area, @timlabarge_pdx took these stunning images and wrote of the trip: “It’s been many years since Sara and I visited Malheur NWR/Steens Mountain, so we went looking for birds.
We found more than birds, we found incredible moments of peace and we sat silent many times. There was a lot to think about.
We grabbed a few books at the gift shop, and thanks to Berta, who was holding things together at the shop, we’re now proud members of @malheurfriends.
Give a few bucks to the things that make you happy. And sit quietly with a good friend if you can.”
#steensmountain #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur
Follow the Friends of Malheur on Facebook and Instagram at Malheurfriends
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Amazon Wish List!
The needs of the Friends and Refuge's programs are changing all the time. This Amazon WishList will be updated seasonally with items supporting the Biology Dept, Volunteer Program, Stewardship Projects and general operational needs!
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Annual Membership
Membership does more than contribute funds that sustain our work in service to Malheur NWR. FOMR's 1415+ members demonstrate a strength in community and that community's passion for Malheur NWR.
Unsure of your membership status? Email us at friends@malheurfriends.org
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Not a member or need to RENEW?
Simply visit OUR WEBSITE!
Prefer to send a check? Easy.
Fill out THIS FORM and mail it with your dues to:
Friends of Malheur NWR
36391 Sodhouse Lane
Princeton, OR 97721
Photo (left) Sandhill crane by Lane Wintermute
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Crane's Nest Nature Center & Store
CLOSED until further notice
Friends lost an estimated $8,500 in revenue due to the closure mandated by the government shutdown. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support through online store purchases and will work to fill them in as timely a manner as is possible. Proceeds from the online store directly support our mission to promote the preservation and appreciation of Malheur Refuge.
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WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THIS?
There is something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
BONUS: Your purchases directly support Malheur NWR!
You're essentially gifting a little something to Malheur and yourself with every order.
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Malheur HQ Visitor Center
CLOSED until March 1st
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