Partners
The annual Harney County Migratory Bird Festival would not be possible without our many partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Cash contributions, donated lodging, discounted prices for event purchases, tour guides and activity leaders, raffle and drawing prize donations, event planning and execution – it truly takes a village to make this happen and we are IMMENSELY grateful for everyone who plays a part. Please take a minute to give your attention to these great organizations and people!
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
The BLM was established in 1946, but its roots go back to the years after America’s independence, when the young nation began acquiring additional lands. At first, these lands were used to encourage homesteading and westward migration. The General Land Office was created in 1812 to support this national goal. Over time, values and attitudes regarding public lands shifted, and President Harry S. Truman, by means of a government reorganization, merged the GLO and another agency, the U.S. Grazing Service, creating the BLM. The Bureau of Land Management’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
FRIENDS OF MALHEUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Friends of Malheur Refuge was founded in 1999 to promote the conservation and appreciation of natural and cultural resources at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Oregon. From our office at Refuge Headquarters, we proudly assist Refuge staff with interpretive programs, habitat restoration, visitor services and other Refuge projects. In addition to partnering with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service in supporting the Refuge, we work toward continued recognition of the environmental, spiritual and economic value of our nation’s public lands, lands that belong to all of us.
BIRD ALLIANCE OF OREGON
Bird Alliance of Oregon is devoted to the conservation of Oregon’s last remaining wild places. We promote the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats. Our work includes conservation, education, wildlife rehabilitation, sanctuaries, volunteerism, and birding.
HIGH DESERT PARTNERSHIP
High Desert Partnership brings together citizens, agencies and diverse public interest groups in Harney County Oregon to enhance our communities using a collaborative process. Through the support of High Desert Partnership, collaborative groups are finding common ground on issues and are moving forward with solutions. It can be said that High Desert Partnership is the gas that keeps collaborative efforts creating and sustaining healthy ecosystems, a vibrant community and a strong economy.
HARNEY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Harney County Chamber of Commerce brings value to its members by promoting economic well being through leadership and advocacy for business, industry, education and tourism.
U.S. FWS, MALHEUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 18, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt as the Lake Malheur Reservation. Roosevelt set aside unclaimed government lands encompassed by Malheur, Mud and Harney Lakes “as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.” People and wildlife have been drawn to the resources of this oasis of wetlands in the high desert of Oregon for thousands of years. With over 320 bird species, Malheur is a mecca for birdwatchers.
LIONS CLUB OF HARNEY COUNTY
Lions serve. It’s that simple, and it has been since we first began in 1917. Our clubs are places where individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improving their communities, and the world. Our Mission: To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Our Vision: To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. **The Lions Club of Harney County provides all materials and hands-on support for the kid’s Birdhouse Building Workshop!**
HARNEY COUNTY CATTLEWOMEN
HCCW is a group of individuals who promote beef and the ranching way of life, while enhancing educational opportunities. We provide 5 students scholarships of $500 each year and 2 $600 scholarships to teachers interested in attending Summer Ag Institute in LaGrande, OR for a week in June. Our annual Cattlewomen’s Scholarship Breakfast, held during the Harney Co. Fair and donations help us provide these scholarships. HCCW provides free beef certificates, a western bib and beef nutritional information to every newborn born at Harney District Hospital. We also support our K-12 students by presenting beef and ranching information in various classrooms and assisting them in preparing a beef dish. We then provide free beef certificates to each classroom we visit. Harney County Cattlewomen host the “Working Ranch Tour”.
HARNEY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
With open spaces, shade trees and always improving facilities, the Harney County Fairgrounds provide the residents of Harney County an ideal location for weddings, parties, reunions, meetings and fundraising functions on a year-round basis. In addition, the fairgrounds host the annual Harney County Fair, Rodeo and Race Meet every September. Local families have been coming to the fairgrounds for generations. We invite you to come out and experience everything the fairgrounds have to offer! The Harney County Fairgrounds donates 1/2 of the facility rental fee back to the Bird Festival!
EAST CASCADES AUDUBON SOCIETY
East Cascades Audubon Society is a local organization, specializing in Central Oregon ornithology. We gather local data and both sponsor and participate in projects that help protect local bird populations.
WORTHY BREWING COMPANY
We are driven to challenge the status quo, continually striving for the highest quality craft beers and guest experiences. Worthy Brewing prioritizes education, community, sustainable operations, and responsible innovation. As a solar powered brewery, we put into practice as many sustainable initiatives as possible to steward the environment. We recognize and understand our influence as a local business and always look to do what’s right for the community. Taking care of our backyard, while remembering to enjoy life. Our vision is to challenge the boundaries in craft beer and hospitality with innovation; to be renowned as Central Oregon’s leader in sustainable best practices for brewpubs. Our mission is to create the highest quality craft beer, to cultivate memorable experiences by celebrating community, and to innovate through environmentally responsible processes. Worthy donated spirits for Wetlands Happy Hour!
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS
Rick Hall (BLM, retired), Rick Vetter (U.S. Forest Service, retired), Joan Suther (BLM/U.S. Forest Service, retired), Jim Soupir, Karen Jacobs, Sharon & Ron Vail (Friends of Malheur Refuge), Dan Streiffert (Friends of Malheur Refuge), Tory Schmidt (Sage Designworks), Bill Ray, Duke Tufty, Matt Hanneman (Burns Paiute Tribe Wildlife Department), Sam Artaiz (Natural Resource Conservation Service), Damian Fagan, Leslie Heart, Bill and Carole Finley, April Jackobsky-Brown, Margaret Bell, Linda Craig, Al & Marcia Huntley, Larry Hill, Cheryl Hunter, Clay Guetling (OSU Extension Service), Peter Olsoy (USDA/ARS), Katie Sorenson (Hines Middle School), Dick smith, Gary Ivey (International Crane Foundation).
SYMMETRY CARE, INC.
Symmetry Care Inc. is focused on providing balanced, effective and compassionate treatment strategies that empower you to overcome these challengers, better manage your mental health, and remove addiction barriers. Our services are designed to work with you in a partnership of wellness; we will collaborate with you, and any family members or others you have chosen, to develop a plan to address and resolve your concerns. Symmetry Care donates two 12-person vans for guided-tours during the festival!
RORY & RYAN INN
The Rory and Ryan Inn is an independent family-owned hotel in beautiful Eastern Oregon and we are the area’s newest hotel. Whether you are looking for a Hines/Burns Oregon Motel, Hotel, or Inn, our well-trained and caring staff will put your comfort first. Our location offers easy access to many recreational sites in the area including the Steens Mountains, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Pete French Round Bard, the Diamond Craters, Malheur Caves, and the Ochoco National Forest. Rory & Ryan Inn offered a discounted rate to Bird Festival partners supporting and attending the event!
HARNEY COUNTY LIBRARY
Honor the Past. Embrace the Future. Learn about the fascinating history of Harney County in the Western Room or through our online resources. Interview family members for oral history in the recording room or listen to one of the more than 500 interviews already recorded. Check out books, movies, audiobooks, magazines, cake pans, games, hotspots, laptops, and more. Use our digital resources to stream movies, download books and audios or learn a new language. Computers are available for public use and the free Wi-Fi is always on. There is a notary public on staff; the service is free. Check out free seeds from our seed library in the spring. Come to one of our interesting, educational, entertaining programs for all ages. The library provides free access to information, a place for dialogue, and a comfortable public space. Everyone is welcome. HC Library hosts the author book talk and the downtown historic walking tours, has the StoryWalk set up for for mini-birders as one of the kids’ activities, and promotes the Bird Festival on their website and social media.
BURNS LLAMA TRAILBLAZERS
Here in the rugged desert of Harney County we breed and train Classic Ccara Llamas for work and performance. Our breeding program is dedicated to producing intelligent, friendly, hardworking llamas with the conformation and spunk of an athlete. Our animals have the endurance to put in a full day on the trail, the elegance to win in the show ring, and the temperament to be a trusted companion. BLT hosts three tours over festival weekend and donates 1/3 of their earnings back to the event!
BIG R STORES
Big R, founded in 1962 in the small towns of La Junta and Lamar, CO, began as a small family owned and operated business. From its inception Big R has strived to be the dominant farm, ranch, and home retail chain for each of the markets it makes home. Big R is the top merchant for your home, farm, and ranch. We supply pet, clothing, footwear, sporting goods, hardware, automotive and more. let Big R be the place to help you out. We’re here for you! Big R donated two $25 gift certificates for festival raffle prizes, as well as bottled water for the Kids’ Fair in the Field event and lunch.
DOVERSPIKE BEEF
Doverspike Beef is a multi-generational family cattle operation in the high desert of Eastern Oregon. We have a long standing tradition of raising superior cattle that start with premium genetics and are humanely raised with the utmost care so that you can know where your beef comes from. Doverspike Beef is always grass-fed, grain-finished, and dry-aged resulting in outstanding flavor and marbling in every bite. Doverspike Beef provides meatballs at our Wetlands Happy Hour event!
GROCERY OUTLET
At Grocery Outlet, we love brands. Like, really love them. That’s why we work so hard every day to bring our customers the brands they love at prices that are nothing short of pure bliss. In fact, we’ve been helping customers save big since 1946. That’s when our founder Jim Read opened his very first store, selling military surplus at deep discount prices. The rest, as they say, is history. And today, the third generation of the Read family is leading the way, with over 400 stores across the nation and more than 1.5 million shoppers hitting the aisles each week. That makes Grocery Outlet the nation’s largest extreme value retailer. A feat we’re more than proud of. Grocery Outlet donates product and monetary support for Wetlands Happy Hour and other needs!
ANNIE’S BAKERY
Annie’s Bakery is located in Burns, Oregon and has been owned and operated by Anastasia Smith since January 1, 2019. Annie’s Bakery offers donuts, kolachis, and an assortment of pastries daily, and takes special orders too! Annie is donating a variety of deliciousness for our “Birds with Brunch” activity!
DUCKS UNLIMITED
Ducks Unlimited is a nonprofit organization established in 1937 to conserve wetlands, grasslands, and associated habitats to benefit waterfowl, other wildlife, and communities. We have 644,000 members nationally, including 39,000 volunteers who organized 4,400 fundraising events in the last year. Ducks Unlimited employs waterfowl biologists, wetland scientists, engineers, fundraising staff, policy representatives, and administrative experts across the country. Ducks Unlimited staff provide support for the Harney County Restoration Tour and Wetlands Happy Hour social event!