Who We Are

Nestled within the extraordinary landscapes of southeastern Oregon, Malheur Field Station is a place for discovery, education, and meaningful connection with the natural world.

Operated by the Great Basin Society, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Field Station is dedicated to advancing environmental education and research.

While located within Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the Field Station operates independently of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge.

Our mission

Make discovery part of everyday life.

We support environmental education, field-based learning, and scientific inquiry while welcoming people who simply want to experience this landscape.

Students, researchers, birders, artists, and travelers each bring a different way of seeing. The field station offers a place for those perspectives to meet.

Trail and visitor information at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

A place, continually evolving

Rooted in learning.
Looking ahead.

The beginning

From camp to field station.

A former federal camp became a biological field station, supporting research and field coursework in the northern Great Basin.

Today

A campus for connection.

Public lodging, educational programs, and space for groups make the field station a base for learning and regional exploration.

The next chapter

More opportunities to learn.

Our vision includes renewed school and university programming, a stronger connection between science and the arts, and improvements to campus facilities.

People who care for this place

The Team

Elizabeth Basa

Executive Director

A science educator and curriculum developer, Elizabeth brings experience in education and running a social-based business to the field…

Libby Gillaspy

Service and Outreach Coordinator

Meet Libby. A free spirit with a curious mind, a creative soul, a big heart. I'm drawn to wide-open spaces, winding back roads, spectacular…

Our Board

Matt Medeiros

Board President

Matt Medeiros is a research biologist who splits time between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and…

Jim Monroe

Board member

Janet Lamberson

Board member

Mike Meyer

Board member

Kenneth C. Naito

Board member

Kenneth C. Naito is an Oregon businessman and longtime supporter of Malheur Field Station whose association with the Field Station dates back…

Help shape the next chapter

This place grows through people.

Share your knowledge, volunteer your skills, or help sustain the field station through a donation.

Find your way to help

Who We Are

Make discovery part of everyday life.

Rooted in learning.Looking ahead.

From camp to field station.

A campus for connection.

More opportunities to learn.

The Team

Elizabeth Basa

Libby Gillaspy

Our Board

Matt Medeiros

Jim Monroe

Janet Lamberson

Mike Meyer

Kenneth C. Naito

This place grows through people.

Join our flock!

Help this place thrive.

Rooted in learning.
Looking ahead.