Welcome Friends of

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

We promote conservation and appreciation of natural and cultural resources at Malheur Refuge through education, outreach, advocacy, and on-the-ground stewardship.

Alan Nyiri Marshall Pond Sunset

It's Friendsgiving Season!

Help us Conserve *Restore* Inspire in 2022

We have many plans for the coming year and are inviting you to help support them by contributing to our End of Year Fundraising goal of $20,000! 

187,757 Acres of Wildlife Habitat

The Refuge is famous for its tremendous diversity and spectacular concentrations of wildlife. With more than 340 bird species and 58 mammal species, Malheur Refuge is a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Planning to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge? Allow us to assist you! Learn more about the history and why it was created in the early 1900s.

Our Work
Past and present

Over the past 20 plus years, our team of volunteers and partners have developed a myriad of projects, programs, and events that have helped enhance one of the crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Learn about the Projects, Programs, and Events that we are working on. Join the Friends with volunteer, sponsorship, and giving opportunities.

Latest from Malheur Refuge

Russian Olive Treatment

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is native to Europe and western Asia and was introduced to North America in the early 1900s. It was widely distributed across the United States...

Deferred Maintenance at Unit 7

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photos by MNWR A deferred maintenance project is currently underway in Unit 7 on the northern end of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.  This project will rehabilitate...

Malheur’s NEW Refuge Manager

Jess Wenick is Malheur National Wildlife Refuge's new Project Leader, more commonly referred to as a Refuge Manager. Malheur Refuge has been under the Leadership of Lisa Wilson, Regional...

Malheur Musings

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A muskrat pauses mid-chew for the camera. • Malheur Refuge is home to two similar semi-aquatic rodents: beaver and muskrat. Most know that the beaver’s tail is distinctively wide and flat, covered not in hair but scales. The muskrat’s tail, while similarly scaly, is long, thin and slightly flattened vertically. While swimming, a muskrat’s tail sweeps side to side, like a fish’s; the beaver’s paddle-like tail pumps up and down, like a dolphin’s. 📸: Terry W. Smith #muskrat #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur

A muskrat pauses mid-chew for the camera. • Malheur Refuge is home to two similar semi-aquatic rodents: beaver and muskrat. Most know that the beaver’s tail is distinctively wide and flat, covered not in hair but scales. The muskrat’s tail, while similarly scaly, is long, thin and slightly flattened vertically. While swimming, a muskrat’s tail sweeps side to side, like a fish’s; the beaver’s paddle-like tail pumps up and down, like a dolphin’s. 📸: Terry W. Smith #muskrat #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur ... See MoreSee Less

15 hours ago

1 CommentComment on Facebook

I enjoy this page so much. Thank you.

During its characteristic “hunting stoop” in pursuit of prey, the peregrine falcon reaches speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on earth! These superlative raptors are uncommon visitors to Malheur Refuge. 📸: Dan Streiffert #peregrinefalcon #falcon #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur

During its characteristic “hunting stoop” in pursuit of prey, the peregrine falcon reaches speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on earth! These superlative raptors are uncommon visitors to Malheur Refuge. 📸: Dan Streiffert #peregrinefalcon #falcon #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

They actually exceed their terminal velocity by turning upside down to generate negative lift.

I like the little turbinates in their nostrils - like jet engines, keep that air flowing.

They nest every year on the cliff above my place in the North Cascades.

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