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Does a burrowing owl see beauty or notice destruction?
Or does it simply see home and accept both as equals in its reality?
Photo by Ian Snyder, FOMR Conservation Stewardship Technician
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Last week I ventured out to Malheur for a trip that was long overdue and for which the urgency was growing in me. Most of you will recall that in January of 2025, I moved with my family back to Klamath Falls where I now work almost entirely remotely in this work of championing Malheur. I cherish the trips over to Harney County which are mostly for meetings or events, like Malheur After Dark which I had been looking forward to and which had to be cancelled as a result of the recent wildfires.
I made the trip over and back in about 24 hours but like to think that I made the most of every moment. The highlight of the visit was certainly an excursion from Hines out to Buena Vista and back with Senator Merkley's Senior Natural Resources Advisor & Eastern Oregon Field Representative, Jessica Keys, and Washington DC Natural Resources Policy Advisor, Meredith Booker. We discussed many things, but top of mind were the many local, regional, and national challenges facing Refuges from invasive grasses to flat or even shrinking budgets being exacerbated by inflation, the ongoing staffing crisis's and ultimately, the role of Friends groups like FOMR in the midst of all of this.
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These conversations, as we drove along the scorched landscape, were as timely as you could imagine. It was an opportunity for me to gain valuable perspective on the pressure that our public lands resource managers are under. The decisions they have to make with the best available science and their deep, abiding commitment to doing the very best thing they can with the resources they have available to them. (Photo left of Buena Vista Overlook Trailhead sign.)
We are a resource that is available to them. In a world of resource scarcity, this is a rather special position to be in and knowing that this resource is STRONG in its commitment to supporting the Refuge... it's heartening, to say the least. These opportunities and ensuring that we are well positioned, both with funds and the capacity in our staff and volunteer corps, to 'meet the moment' is the primary reason that our Night with Friends fall fundraiser in Bend on October 10th is so critical. More info HERE or below.
For the Future of Malheur,
Janelle Wicks
FOMR Director
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President's Message
Written by William Tweed, FOMR President
Photo of Blitzen River by Rebecca Pickle
Water is the key to almost everything natural that happens at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. That much is clear. But what is the outlook for our upcoming “wet season?” The answer, it will come as no surprise, is far from clear.
The Harney Basin receives nearly all its relatively scant annual precipitation between September and May. In a statistically average year —not as common as you might think— the lowlands of the basin receive roughly 10-11 inches of precipitation including about 20 inches of snow. But reality is more complicated than that. READ MORE
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NOTICE: Narrows Carp Barrier Removal
Written by Jess Wenick, US FWS and Janelle Wicks, FOMR
Photo above of Carp Barrier installation in 2006. (US FWS)
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began removing the carp barrier between Malheur and Mud lakes at the Narrows on September 3, 2026. The removal reflects changing conditions in the lake system and will eliminate a known hazard to grebes and other diving birds. READ MORE
Public access to the Narrows viewing area west of Highway 205 is temporarily closed while removal work is underway.
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Season for the Birds
Written by Brianna Bajakian, Bird Alliance of Oregon Associate Biologist
Photo by Ian Snyder, FOMR Stewardship Tech
Living and working on-site for my first season at Malheur NWR provided a great opportunity for gaining insight into the landscape and also showed just how quickly that landscape can change. As Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Associate Eastern Oregon Biologist, my primary responsibility for the spring and summer was monitoring the refuge’s bird populations through several types of surveys.
My field days were spread out across a variety of habitats. Sometimes I was in wet meadows or dense riparian areas doing general bird counts, while other times I focused on the waterfowl and shorebirds around various refuge impoundments. READ MORE
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Remembering the Historic Buena Vista Barn
Written by Carla Burnside, Retired USFWS Archaeologist
Photo above of Buena Vista Barn (2008) by Steve Halpern
A July 24th lightning storm ignited the Jackass Butte Fire west of Highway 205 and the Refuge. Just after midnight on July 25th the fire moved east; jumped the highway and raced into Buena Vista Station. Two historic structures were lost – a 1937 shop/storage building and a 1959 horse barn. Fortunately, the 1936 constructed stone residence was not severely impacted by the fire.
Buena Vista Station was the site of the first permanent Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp on Malheur Refuge when it was established in October 1935 (Camp Sod House at Refuge Headquarters was not established until May 1936). Wood structures constructed at the site included four barracks, a mess hall, infirmary, officers' quarters, wash house, recreation hall, office and library. READ MORE
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An Arborists Update
Written by Jon Brown of Prunus LLC and Janelle Wicks, FOMR Director
Photos by Jon Brown and Travis Miller, Malheur NWR Habitat Ecologist and Supervisory Biologist
The conversations about response and restoration began nearly as soon as the lightening ignited both the Stubble and Jackass Butte Fires. As the fire slowed and immediate risks subsided, those conversations made pathways for the start of tangible support that Friends of Malheur could offer the Refuge. We are concerned with the needs now as much as the plans for the months and years to come and we intend to be ready to help however help is needed. We see it as our role as Friends to be at the ready for our Refuge.
The work we have put into building relationships and resources over the last several years has already proven useful in meeting the mandate of our Friendship. Not only has employing a Conservation Stewardship Technician meant that FOMR could engage in post-fire impact survey and photo documentation needs (Thanks, Ian! More to come on that in a future article.), but our history and ongoing arrangement with Prunus LLC arborists Jon Brown and their skilled crew meant that when Travis shared a concern about hazard trees at critical access points for fire personnel and Refuge staff I could respond with, ‘FOMR can help with that!’. READ MORE
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Refuge Closure Updates
Visitors are now welcome to use both the Buena Vista Overlook and the vault toilet, which are open and accessible.
The northern loop of the Auto Tour Route (CPR) which connects Malheur Field Station to headquarters and Sodhouse Lane is open now and will remain open during hunting season, ensuring that access is maintained for everyone.
The Buena Vista hunt will not be held this year. This choice was made thoughtfully to reduce fire hazards, protect important cultural sites, and lessen the impact on local wildlife.
Lastly, the historic Sod House Ranch will remain closed for the time being.
BV HUNT UNIT CLOSURE MAP
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SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Western Meadowlark
Written by Janelle Wicks/Photo by Dan Streiffert
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a common breeding bird of open grasslands and shrub-steppe habitats across western North America, including Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. It is a member of the blackbird family, Icteridae, although its shape, feeding behavior, and song differ noticeably from many familiar blackbirds. Fun fact: The Western meadowlark is the official bird of six US states, including Oregon.
Adults are brown and streaked above with yellow belly and a distinctive black V-shaped marking on the upper breast. The species is often detected by its song: a series of clear, whistled notes usually delivered from an elevated perch. READ MORE
| | Volunteering with Friends | | |
SIGN UP NOW!
September 18-20 | email stewardship@malheurfriends.org
Enjoy FOMR sponsored lodging has been arranged at Malheur Field Station Dorm E
Volunteers will engage in a variety of tasks, but the primary goal is to enhance the Desert Rock Garden and Worthy Pollinator Garden in addition to the many flower beds at Refuge Headquarters. Plants will be planted, weeds will be pulled, and with any luck - mulch will be spread!
Additionally, we are working with Refuge Staff to understand how FOMR can help enhance the fire safety around the buildings and other resources at Refuge Headquarters.
| | Friends of Malheur NWR Executive Director, Janelle Wicks, will be in attendance at both of the events promoted above and very much hopes to see YOU there! | | |
CLICK BELOW to RSVP for your seat at the 2026 Night with Friends annual fundraiser. We are focused on the Future of Malheur Refuge and how we are positioned to be the air beneath its wings. This year's event will feature a panel discussion and Q&A with a former Malheur Bio Tech turned Board Member, current Conservation Stewardship Tech, and Director Wicks. Food by Bowtie Catering, beer donated by Worthy Brewing, dessert auction, live auction, games, and raffles!!!
BONUS: Stay tuned for information on our first ever ONLINE auction so that EVERYONE can get in on the fun regardless of your location or ability to attend the event in Bend.
| | Friends of Malheur NWR Executive Director, Janelle Wicks, will be sitting on a panel during the 2026 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit. Together, the panelists will highlight how bird festivals and birding draw urban visitors into rural communities, boost local economies, and cultivate excitement for Oregon’s outdoors. They will also discuss intentional approaches to inclusivity, such as youth programming, accessibility measures, culturally relevant partnerships, and outreach designed to welcome new participants. | | | | |
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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Friends Membership
Membership does more than contribute funds that sustain our work in service to Malheur NWR. FOMR's 1400+ 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
| | Other Ways to Support Your Friends at Malheur! | | | | |
Buy a Bird Feeder from Kingsyard!
On a mission to turn bird feeding into conservation funding, Kingsyard Feeders welcomes FOMR into their Give Back Program. YOU get 15% off when using code FRIENDS15 and they send 10% of what you spend back to Friends of Malheur!
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Turn Spare Change into Support!
We've joined RoundUp.org. Round up your everyday purchases on your connect cards and support Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge with your spare change!
Every donor who signs up now and rounds up for 3 months unlocks an extra $25 donation. This match is UNLIMITED! Click below to sign up today!
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Amazon Wish List!
We have added a few new items in anticipation of the 2026 field season with increased volunteer and seasonal lodging at Historic Buena Vista House!
Please consider an in-kind donation to support these programmatic needs.
| Note: Amazon is not the only way to support FOMR with tangible gifts. As an organization, we are aware of and sensitive to our environmental impact. Please think of this 'Wish List' as just that and consider purchasing needed items from small or local to you businesses. | | |
Crane's Nest Nature Center & Store
OPEN 7 Days/Week 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Can't make it to the Refuge?
Check out our ONLINE STORE!
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Malheur HQ Visitor Center
OPEN 7 Days/Week 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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