To Those Who Love and Support the Malheur Field Station:

“Wow! Just WOW!!” MFS is definitely not going “Bottoms Up!”

Two months ago, in spite of all of our efforts at seeking grants, cutting expenses, and holding our breath, we did not know, as The Great Basin Society Board, how, in the midst of losing a significant portion of our seasonal revenue due to COVID 19, that we were going to keep our doors open, never-mind keeping our two amazing staff members, Rose and Jody, from being furloughed, at best, or laid off, at worst. At that time, we barely had enough cash on hand to keep our operations going through September.

As a board, we really did wonder if we were indeed going to go “Bottoms Up.” We received strong support from all of you for the water supply emergency of two years ago, and our annual fund-raising campaign had already produced what we budgeted in early 2020. But COVID 19 really upended our “ducks in a row” (so to speak) and things looked bleak.

So, we created a budget that we thought would take us through 2020 at a bare minimum, and set a special fund-raising goal of $25,000. We hoped you would all respond, but two fund appeals in one year? Since we really had no other identifiable options, we sent out the appeal, not knowing what kind of response we would get.

You all more than righted the “duck” of MFS once again. To date we have raised over double our goal, and funds are still coming in. Every donation has been significant, and your generosity has given us what we need to not just survive 2020, but to move into the coming year in the strongest shape we have ever been in. As I said, “Wow, just WOW!”

Know that we do not take your financial support for granted and that we will use your gifts wisely as we position MFS for the future. New programing is planned, once COVID allows; reaching out to public and private schools to offer an Outdoor School option; facility maintenance and improvement; site development. All of these are possibilities as we look ahead with the confidence your vital and generous giving has given us.

So, thank you. Thank you for helping us continue to be caring stewards for a truly remarkable place in the world. We wanted to let you know your giving has made a huge, significant difference to the future of Malheur Field Station.

We are indeed open and we are moving strongly forward. So come on out! Make your reservations now for the coming year and come spend some time with us, explore the amazing local geology and history, and especially enjoy the birds and critters in this unique corner of the world. It all awaits YOU!

In Sincere Appreciation,

The Board of Directors
The Great Basin Society Inc., dba Malheur Field Station