The High Desert Chapter was named for the high elevation, semi-arid to arid region of Oregon that dominates the central and southeast parts of the state. While chapter membership is concentrated in central Oregon, from Madras to La Pine and Camp Sherman to Prineville, the chapter has wider interests, stretching from the volcanic peaks of the High Cascades to the basin and range landscape of Oregon’s “Outback”. Encompassing parts of five major ecoregions, the settings for botanical exploration include mixed conifer forest, ponderosa pine forest, arid grasslands, pumice plains and lava beds, fens and sedge meadows, scablands, juniper and mountain mahogany woodlands, and shrub-steppe. Many rare and endemic plant species inhabit the region, including pumice moonwort (Botrychium pumicola), Ochoco lomatium (Lomatium ochocense), Peck’s milkvetch (Astragalus peckii), Lemmon’s milkvetch (Astragalus lemmonii), and Henderson’s needlegrass (Achnatherum hendersonii).

Founded in 1980, the High Desert Chapter has been involved in numerous conservation projects including partnering with the Sunriver Nature Center for an annual wildflower show and pollinator festival; assisting Forest Service botanists in monitoring scabland habitats on the Ochoco National Forest; evaluating control treatments for medusahead (Taenatherum caput-medusae) on the Crooked River National Grasslands; partnering with East Cascades Audubon Society to restore Greater Sage Grouse habitat; and conducting rare plant monitoring throughout the region in collaboration with Citizen’s Rare Plant Watch.

Upcoming Chapter Events: