Education and Outreach Programs

The Friends of Malheur National Wildife Refuge are committed to connecting our local youth and families to the natural world around us through innovative and engaging programs. We depend on the support of our Friends and Followers to make these programs possible.

  • CBC4Kids ($200)- Encouraging family units to adopt a local area 'count circle' and participate in a socially distanced version of a traditional Christmas Bird Count. Participants will receive bird ID resources and have access to our lending binoculars for the event. Prizes will be given out for Most Birds Seen, Creative Team Name, Mot Quail, and more!  
     
  • Bird Scouts ($7,100) - This NEW program will offer bird and nature themed activities and projects for participants every other month throughout 2021! In addition to receiving materials, Harney County youth will be encouraged to check out Explorer Packs filled with a pair of binoculars, ID guides, bug boxes, a magnifying glass and more. This is a partnership program with Portland Audubon Society and the Harney County Public Library. 
     
  • Artist in Residence ($2,500) -  Annually, a Malheur NWR staff member is joined by an artist and they visit every elementary school classroom in Harney County to deliver a collaborative environmental and art education program. Students produce a piece of art based on what they learned. Over 600 pieces of artwork are then put on display in the store fronts of downtown Burns in celebration of our Harney County youth and the magic of spring migration through the Harney Basin. This program is partially funded through the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival Membership fees.

In addition to these three programs, the Friends of Malheur NWR are always looking for opportunities to support educational opportunities that will spread awareness of the ecological and historical value of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the entire system of National Wildlife Refuges across the nation.

All contributions that are raised through this Education Programming Donation Form will be restricted to funding these programs in 2021 and beyond!