To foster an understanding of and a connection with Malheur Refuge, the Friends of Malheur engage our members, supporters, and the public through a variety of events. Our events are varied and range from Spring and Fall members events to on Refuge events like the annual Summer Carp Roundup.
To fulfill our outreach mission, we also continue to look for opportunities to participate in other organization’s events.
- Member Events
- Refuge Events
- HC Migratory Bird Festival
Member Events
The Friends of Malheur member’s events are important avenues for acknowledging the role that Friends members play in achieving our refuge support mission. These seasonal events provide an opportunity to engage Friends and their quests and celebrate our accomplishments. The events coincide with peak Harney Basin birding activity in the Spring and the National Refuge Celebration week in the Fall.
FOMR Member’s Spring Gathering
Spring is the time to celebrate the arrival migratory birds to Malheur Refuge. But birds are not the only arrivals. Where you find birds, you’ll find Birders and other nature enthusiasts! In May, usually to coincide with Memorial Day, the Friends of Malheur invites our members and friends to the Refuge and hosts our annual Spring Gathering. The event weekend includes FOMR’s Annual Board Meeting, members and friends refuge tours and culminates with a Saturday evening gathering including a keynote presentation, silent and live auction, dinner and fun for all.
Celebrating Malheur Refuge-A Fall Event
The second week of October is National Wildlife Refuge Celebration week. This week presents an opportunity for Refuge Friends to rediscover the wonders of Malheur Refuge. This celebration week concludes with a Saturday evening event where the Friends of Malheur invite our community of Friends, conservationists, naturalists, birders, and more to gather in Bend, OR and celebrate Malheur NWR. The event is held at Worthy Brewing and features presentations by the FOMR Board president, a Friends update by our Executive Director, and an invited guest presenter. The evening festivities also include a Fundraiser dinner, silent and live auction, and a raffle. And of course, if you are so inclined, there is beer sampling available. See you there!
FOMR Event Sponsors
Support from these Sponsors has helped make these member events possible.
Sponsorships Available
Refuge Events
Malheur Refuge provides an opportunity for people to gain an understanding and appreciation for the role refuges play in conserving critical habitat and protecting wildlife populations. Friends of Malheur’s refuge events foster this connection by engaging visitors and providing learning opportunities and in some cases fun recreational activities for both children and adults.
Carp Roundup - An Annual Fishing Event
In August, the Friends of Malheur and select partners host the annual Malheur Refuge Carp Roundup. This event which began in 2010 is a one-day fishing event held every year along the Blitzen River at Malheur Refuge Headquarters. The Roundup event serves promote the limited carp fishing season in this section of the Blitzen River from August 1st -September 15th. It provides an opportunity for visitors to come to the Refuge and participate in a fun fishing competition, as well as learn more about non-native common carp, their negative impact on Malheur Lake and Harney Basin aquatic systems, and the management issues they pose for Refuge staff. This event puts a light-hearted spin on this serious conservation issue. The Carp Roundup is designed primarily for kids and family, but everyone is welcome to participate. The day’s activities include education stations with games and activities, plus age category prizes for the best fishing outcomes provided by local and regional sponsors. To top off the event, a barbecue lunch is provided by the Friends of Malheur.
Malheur Refuge Celebration Week
National Wildlife Celebration Week is observed each year during the second full week of October and celebrates the diversity and resources of America's 548 national wildlife refuges. To celebrate Malheur National Wildlife Refuge during this week, Friends of Malheur in partnership with Malheur Refuge may offer virtual and in-person activities. Program offerings and Refuge Celebration Week volunteer activities and schedules vary from year to year so check the Friends of Malheur's website in early September for scheduled October events.
Refuge Event Sponsors
Support from these Sponsors has helped make these refuge events possible.
Sponsorships Available
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
As birds are attracted to the Harney Basin during spring migration so are bird enthusiasts. In 1981 the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival was created by the local community to celebrate the amazing Spring bird migration and to honor Malheur Refuge’s Manger of 34 years, John Scharf. Since founding, the festival has become a favorite with birders from around the region.
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
This annual Festival is held over 3 days in mid-April during the Pacific Flyway migratory peak for waterfowl and waterbird migration. The Friends of Malheur, along with other Harney County community organizations are instrumental in planning, organizing, and executing the festival. The Bird Festival is headquartered in Burns/Hines, OR and features birding and cultural Van tours that range throughout Harney Basin but often revolve around Malheur Refuge. In addition to the tours, the Festival offers a line-up of children’s education activities and birding presentations. Another Festival highlight is the Saturday evening banquet featuring a Keynote speaker and auction. While attending the Festival, your invited to explore the Art Show and vendor space where you will also find the Friends of Malheur providing information about the Refuge, promoting membership and selling merchandise from the Crane’s Nest Nature Store.
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Join the growing number of volunteers that help create a better Malheur Refuge. Sign up to stay informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities.
