Nature Night: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Hart Mountain Antelope - HMNAR

 Experience Oregon’s Outback

with Sandy Humphreys

Yes, Oregon does have an “Outback”! The sprawling 435 square mile Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is an oasis in the high desert of southeastern Oregon, providing protection for herds of Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer as well as a key habitat stronghold for Sage Grouse and Mountain Quail. Set atop a massive fault block ridge, Hart Mountain rises 3000 feet above the valley floor in a series of dramatic cliffs on its western side, then slopes gradually to sagebrush-grass rangelands to the east.

Hart Mountain Refuge is renowned for its upland habitat and wildlife. Pronghorn race across the low sagebrush expanses of the refuge's east side; sage grouse nest under large sagebrush bushes in the heart of the refuge; mule deer roam the mountain mahogany and bitterbrush habitats found at higher elevations; and bighorn sheep nimbly scale the rocky cliffs of the refuge's west face. The rugged diversity of the terrain creates a rich mix of habitat types, home to more than 300 species of wildlife.

Explore the wonders of this beautiful, remote area with Educator and HMNAR Board member Sandy Humphreys. She will cover the geology, cultural history and current management of the refuge, as well as the ways you can experience all it has to offer. From hiking, camping and a soothing soak in a natural hot spring; to wildlife observation, participation in wildlife inventories and Sage Grouse lek counts, there are activities for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Please join us for this fun presentation – and possibly win a Hart Mountain door prize!

Nature Night is FREE and open to the public.

Location: Heron Hall, Audubon House 5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland 97210