All-inclusive programs with comfortable lodging, fresh meals, and expert guides.

For nature lovers seeking an enriching escape from civilization.

Our nature and wildlife programs offer world-class birding in the Malheur Basin.

Please enable JavaScript for calendar filters. The dated program list is below.

Past program · April 9–12, 2026

Casual Birding at Malheur

3 nights · 4 days · With Cliff Mitchell

An unhurried introduction to the basin’s birdlife, led by retired wildlife biologist Cliff Mitchell. Observation and curiosity take the lead.

Program details

For: Beginning birders & relaxed hobbyists

The 2026 offering included private-room lodging and meals, with shared bathrooms and common areas.

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Past program · April 23–28, 2026

Water Fowl Wonders

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Explore the wetland habitats and changing birdlife of spring with author and birding guide Harry Fuller.

Program details

For: Birders interested in spring migration

The 2026 offering included dormitory lodging, meals, and daily outings.

This date has passed. Ask about future offerings.

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Past program · May 21–26, 2026

Spring Malheur Basin Birding

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

A field-based look at spring birdlife across the basin and the foothills of Steens Mountain.

Program details

For: Birders exploring basin and foothill habitats

The 2026 offering included dormitory lodging, meals, and daily outings.

This date has passed. Ask about future offerings.

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Past program · September 10–15, 2026

Fall Malheur Basin & Steens Birding

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Study the changing season across the basin and Steens area, with time to watch, identify, and discuss the birds along the way.

Program details

For: Birders interested in autumn field exploration

The 2026 offering included dormitory lodging, meals, and daily outings.

This date has passed. Ask about future offerings.

Ask about future offerings

The Milky Way above a dark silhouetted horizon.

Upcoming program · April 3–6, 2027

Star Party & Introduction to Astrophotography

3 nights · 4 days · With Dr. Robert Browning & Chris Hill

Study astrophotography and astronomy by day, then explore the night sky with Dr. Robert Browning and Chris Hill. The retreat includes telescope viewing and a daytime refuge tour.

Program details

For: Dark-sky and astrophotography enthusiasts

Lodging, meals, daytime learning sessions, nighttime observing, telescope use, and a refuge tour.

Bird specimens in an educational display.

Upcoming program · December 27–31, 2026

Through a Different Lens: For Teens on the Spectrum

4 nights · 5 days · With Field station educators

Explore birds, landscapes, and dark skies through introductory photography. Structured, flexible activities emphasize curiosity, comfort, choice, and each teen’s way of connecting with nature.

Program details

For: Teens on the spectrum and accompanying parents

Photography kits and materials, guided activities, group lodging for teens and educators, on-campus lodging for parents, and shared meals.

Upcoming program · April 15–19, 2027

Spring Wings & Yoga All-Inclusive Retreat

4 nights · 5 days · With Susan Lamberson & Karen Jacobs

Combine relaxed morning birding with gentle afternoon yoga, shared meals, and evening stargazing. Explore wetlands and riparian habitats at an unhurried pace.

Program details

For: All experience levels; no birding or yoga experience required

Comfortable lodging, fresh meals, guided birding, and yoga instruction.

Upcoming program · April 20–25, 2027

Harry Fuller Early Spring Birding

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Explore the refuge and surrounding habitats with birding expert and author Harry Fuller. Small-group outings make room for shared observations and individual interests.

Program details

For: Beginning and experienced birders

Shared group-lodge accommodations, hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners, and guided birding.

Upcoming program · May 7–12, 2027

Harry Fuller Mid Spring Birding Program

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Explore the refuge and surrounding habitats with birding expert and author Harry Fuller. Small-group outings make room for shared observations and individual interests.

Program details

For: Beginning and experienced birders

Shared group-lodge accommodations, hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners, and guided birding. Group-van transportation is provided.

Upcoming program · June 4–9, 2027

Harry Fuller Late Spring Birding Program

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Explore the refuge and surrounding habitats with birding expert and author Harry Fuller. Small-group outings make room for shared observations and individual interests.

Program details

For: Beginning and experienced birders

Shared group-lodge accommodations, hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners, and guided birding. Group-van transportation is provided.

Upcoming program · June 4–7, 2027

Nighthawk Program with Dr. Gretchen Newberry

3 nights · 4 days · With Dr. Gretchen Newberry

Observe Common Nighthawks at dusk and learn about their behavior, calls, and high-desert habitat with Dr. Gretchen Newberry. Combine evening viewing with wetland visits, roost searches, and an art activity.

Program details

For: Birders and nature enthusiasts

Comfortable lodging, fresh meals, and expert-led activities.

Upcoming program · June 10–14, 2027

Recording Natural Sounds at Malheur Program

4 nights · 5 days · With Nick McMahan & Dr. Ron Larson

Learn to record and edit natural soundscapes in high-desert wetlands and sagebrush habitats. Practice with microphones and digital recorders, then develop a sound project for your own collection and the field station archive.

Program details

For: Beginners and experienced listeners; limited to 13 participants

Lodging, meals, expert instruction, and recording equipment for workshop use.

Upcoming program · September 9–14, 2027

Harry Fuller Fall Birding Program

5 nights · 6 days · With Harry Fuller

Explore the refuge and surrounding habitats with birding expert and author Harry Fuller. Small-group outings make room for shared observations and individual interests.

Program details

For: Beginning and experienced birders

Shared group-lodge accommodations, hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners, and guided birding. Group-van transportation is provided.

Upcoming program · September 16–20, 2027

Fall Wings & Yoga All-Inclusive Retreat

4 nights · 5 days · With Susan Lamberson & Karen Jacobs

Combine relaxed morning birding with gentle afternoon yoga, shared meals, and evening stargazing. Explore wetlands and riparian habitats at an unhurried pace.

Program details

For: All experience levels; no birding or yoga experience required

Comfortable lodging, fresh meals, guided birding, and yoga instruction.

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All-inclusive programs with comfortable lodging, fresh meals, and expert guides.

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