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

Meet the 2025 Team

I realized that I not only enjoy recreating outdoors but also care deeply about being a good steward to the environment that brings me and others so much happiness....

Species Spotlight: Northern Harrier

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photos by Dan Streiffert and Peter Pearsall The Northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) is a commonly encountered bird of prey found across North America, recognizable by its...

Drone Policy at National Wildlife Refuges

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photo used courtesy of Adobe Stock Areas considered ecologically sensitive—including lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System, which can host threatened or endangered species—can be disproportionately...

Malheur Musings

See our latest monthly newsletter
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
A tender moment between an American coot and its hellspawn. • The American coot is a somewhat drab water bird with gray and black feathers and a white beak, common in wetlands throughout North America. Coot chicks, however, sport outrageously bright orange and red feathers, skin, and beaks. Researchers have found that coot chicks that hatch later than their nestmates are more brightly colored—which signals to parents that the smaller, brighter chicks need to be fed more to catch up with their siblings. 📸 of coot pair by Peter Pearsall #americancoot #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur

A tender moment between an American coot and its hellspawn. • The American coot is a somewhat drab water bird with gray and black feathers and a white beak, common in wetlands throughout North America. Coot chicks, however, sport outrageously bright orange and red feathers, skin, and beaks. Researchers have found that coot chicks that hatch later than their nestmates are more brightly colored—which signals to parents that the smaller, brighter chicks need to be fed more to catch up with their siblings. 📸 of coot pair by Peter Pearsall #americancoot #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #MalheurNationalWildlifeRefuge #friendsofmalheur ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

Photos from Harney County Library's post ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
Load more posts