The pool now known as Marshall Pond at Headquarters of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge has been important to the lives of people and wildlife for at least 7,000 years. Archeologists report that the site has a possibility of an 8,000-year-old archeological record, while projectile points indicate occupation for as long as 6,000 years. Now it serves as a wildlife observation area with a viewing blind dedicated to former Refuge Biologist Dave Marshall. Visitors who may not endeavor to explore the vast expanse of the Refuge are all very likely to experience Malheur here. It's a special place. | | |
The beginning of a new year is often a time for retrospection, and this January is no exception. Ten years ago this month, on January 2nd, 2016, the headquarters of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, was occupied by armed protestors hoping to spark an end to federal management of our nation’s public lands - everything from national parks and forests to our precious system of national wildlife refuges.
I won’t try to provide here the full story of what followed. Suffice it to say that for more than forty days, armed protestors maintained control of the refuge headquarters area and locked out the refuge’s staff and cooperators. In the months that followed, many who had taken part were prosecuted and some convicted.
Ten years later, we have reached a moment that allows us to assess how Malheur has moved forward since those difficult times. Several things stand out.
The best news is that the occupation had little long-term impact on the natural resources that make the refuge so special. This is not surprising because the occupation focused almost entirely on the refuge headquarters complex. When the seasonal wave of northbound migratory birds arrived in the spring of 2016, they found habitats little damaged by human politics.
The human world of the refuge did not fare so well. The refuge’s headquarters complex rests atop a site Native Americans utilized for thousands of years, leaving behind a deep and fragile archeological record. Using purloined government equipment, the occupiers did significant damage to these cultural resources by bulldozing new roads and parking areas and excavating pits in the ground.
The headquarters complex itself was abused in other ways, both the buildings and their utility systems. Much damage was done to offices and residences, which were broken into and occupied, and after the water system failed, human waste piled up in many areas.
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But out of this came something the occupiers certainly did not anticipate - a groundswell of public support for the refuge and its mission. The 'GoHome' campaign raised over $130k from over 1,200 donors. Funds that would ultimately restore and enhance much damage done. And it is not too much to say that the continuing success of the Friends of Malheur today derives in major part from the many who stepped forward after the occupation to support a place they loved.
That energy continues today and is one of the most enduring legacies of those dark times ten years ago. (Photo of protestors to the occupation at The Narrows wayside. By Amanda Peacher, OPB)
Thank you,
Bill Tweed, FOMR Board President
(To anyone wondering, Janelle's monthly reflection will return next month. She is keeping busy with plans for FOMR and wishes you all a very Happy New Year.)
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Momentum for Malheur; Looking Back, Moving Forward
Written by Bill Tweed, FOMR President
As president of this organization, I spend a lot of time checking in with Janelle, our wonder-working executive director. We bounce ideas off each other, test possible visions, and just try to keep each other informed. In this way we seek to find the magic balance between vision, planning, and reacting to our ever-changing circumstances. We need to consistently pursue all three. When we succeed, good things happen.
As an organization, we have made several breakthroughs in the past twelve months. These started with adding a new cadre of board members to our board of directors. By year’s end six new persons had stepped forward to join our volunteer group, bringing with them high-level skills in the fields like business management, biological science, communications, fundraising, and economic analysis. Each is contributing not only their skills but also their energy to FOMR. READ MORE
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Wright's Pond Project & CPR Closure
Written by Janelle Wicks & Carey Goss
Open article for larger image of closure location
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will begin an infrastructure improvement project at Wright’s Pond in early January, replacing aging pipes and water control structures that are critical for managing water across Refuge wetlands.
To support construction, the northern portion of the Auto Tour Route (CPR) will be temporarily closed for the first two weeks of January, weather permitting. Access to the Auto Tour Route from the Malheur Field Station will remain open. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly, and Refuge staff appreciate the public’s patience during this short-term closure. READ MORE
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Osprey Platform Installation Complete
Written by Janelle Wicks, FOMR Director
Picture of Burns HS students observing installation taken by FOMR Volunteer Ian Snyder
Tuesday, December 16th, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge celebrated a meaningful conservation milestone with the successful installation of a new osprey nesting platform. This project was coordinated by Friends of Malheur Director, Janelle Wicks, who brought together local students, community partners, and Refuge staff in support of wildlife through hands-on learning.
The nesting platform replaced an insufficient nesting apparatus that was in fact simply the remains of abandoned utility infrastructure on a pole that had previously experienced an electrical fire. In preparation for the new platform Refuge Maintenance employee Zackary McCoy straightened the pole and secured it with over 1,000 pounds of concrete. READ MORE
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People Power: Jess Wenick, Malheur Project Leader
A new Q&A series with Refuge Staff
Jess Wenick pictured here with his two young children.
Q: What is something you have done in the last 6 months that you are proud of?
I rarely feel like I accomplish much on my own, and I mean that sincerely. The things I’m proud of are shared efforts that have grown through trust and teamwork. One example of this is strengthening our relationship with the Burns Paiute Tribe. The new Memorandum of Agreement, spending time together on the Refuge including visiting places that are important but not often seen, and working closely with Tribal staff and leadership on shared interests has been deeply rewarding. It has felt increasingly like a relationship with mutual benefit and real substance.
READ MORE and look for this new series every month throughout 2026!
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Species Spotlight; Introduction to Icteridae
Written by Peter Pearsall
Photo illustration by Peter Pearsall, using photographs by Dan Streiffert
The New World blackbird family, Icteridae, comprises familiar temperate species such as orioles, meadowlarks, grackles, and cowbirds, as well as tropical species such as caciques and oropendolas.
Icterids are native to the Americas, ranging from boreal Canada to the southern tip of South America. One nomenclatural source of confusion comes from the common names “blackbird” and “oriole”, which were given to many of these New World species by European explorers and naturalists to denote visual and behavioral similarities to Old World species. Ornithologists later determined that icterids are distinct from both Old World orioles (more closely related to vireos) and the Old World blackbird (a thrush). READ MORE
| | Volunteering with Friends | | |
2026 Stewardship Work Parties
Save the dates for the following volunteer weekends. Lodging will be provided, FCFS, at the Malheur Field Station.
July/August Bat Flyouts Dates TBD
August 7-9 Sod House Ranch
September 18-20 Tasks TBD
October 16-18 Tasks TBD
Want to join us? Email friends@malheurfriends.org
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Special Volunteer Shout Out!
Thank You to Ian Snyder and Al Huntley
Ian is a new volunteer who recently spent a full week at Malheur assisting with the osprey nest platform installation and bat condo foundation installations. In preparing for the bat condo structures, Ian worked with Al to build a bat 'super sanctuary' that had been in storage but will soon be located at Refuge Headquarters. This 6-chamber condo will be accompanied by another which Al is building in its likeness and the larger bat mansion pictured here. The installation of all three housing units should be complete and ready for residents' arrival this spring!
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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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Virtual Author Talk: James McCommons
Monday, March 16th 2026 | 3PM Pacific
REGISTER NOW: Click HERE
Join the Friends as we host a presentation from James and an opportunity for discussion about his book which will be published on March 17th!
"This dazzling account from journalist McCommons (Camera Hunter) examines how the “meanness... and greed” of the indiscriminate slaughter of birds in turn-of-the-20th-century America prompted a diverse array of figures to take up the cause of conservation." - Publisher's Weekly
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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
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December'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.
December 23, 2025 - You’ve heard of elf on the shelf, but what about…
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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 FOR THE SEASON - WILL REOPEN MARCH 1, 2026
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Got an information itch you just can't scratch? THERE'S A BOOK FOR THAT!
Is your mind on Malheur as you can hardly wait for the opportunity to return to this spring? Our online nature store has the book you didn't even know you needed to curl up with this winter!
SOLD OUT? Check back soon! We are actively restocking inventory DAILY as we prepare for the reopening of the Crane's Nest at Refuge Headquarters.
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Malheur HQ Visitor Center
CLOSED until March 1st
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