People Who Collaborate

Misty Lambrecht's story doesn't follow a conventional arc — and that's exactly what makes her such an effective advocate for entrepreneurs who've had to chart their own course.

"What drives me most is helping others see that where you start doesn't have to define where you end up," she says. "Coming from a family where neither parent finished middle school, education and entrepreneurship became both my escape and my purpose." READ MORE.

Harney County Community Projects Awarded Civic Experiment Grants Through Trust for Civic Life Initiative

Thanks to funding from the Trust for Civic Life, seven Harney County projects, from 15 total applicants, have been selected by community volunteers to receive funding to support bringing a season of community-building events, youth programs, and cultural opportunities throughout Harney County. The grants support a diverse slate of projects — from free swim lessons and children's theater to art enrichment and community concerts — each designed to reduce barriers to participation and bring Harney County residents together. "These projects reflect exactly what makes Harney County resilient," said Denise Rose, Youth Changing the Community Collaborative Coordinator. "When local organizations create welcoming spaces for people to gather, learn, and contribute, the whole community benefits." READ MORE.

Pictured above of youth trying their hands at playing some Peruvian music during the 2024 Art in the Park series. Photo by Brandon McMullen.

Support from More Perfect for Community Led Groundwater Management

Harney County has a long history of working through hard issues together.

As groundwater levels decline and new state regulations approach, our community is choosing working together over conflict. With support from the Trust for Civic Life and a partnership with More Perfect—and their bipartisan initiative supporting community-led problem solving—HDP will be working to support locally driven efforts of voluntary actions to sustain groundwater availability and community livelihoods that support natural resources, the local economy and the community.

We’re grateful to partner with organizations investing in rural communities and locally led civic infrastructure. To learn more, you can read the full press release from MORE PERFECT.

Bird Festival!!

Harney County Migratory Bird Festival is coming soon; tours and events are filling up and waiting lists are forming.

There's great information HERE about the event and more HERE with the latest news.

Coming to Harney for this year's bird festival? Find fantastic information about Harney County HERE and HERE about this special place along the Pacific Flyway.

Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in 2025

Oregon's Rangeland Fire Protection Associations — 1,200 volunteers across 28 associations who protect 17.7 million acres of eastern Oregon rangeland. After the devastating 2024 fire season: Governor Kotek signed House Bill 3349, investing $1 million and unlocking surplus firefighting equipment for local associations; a new Interim Leadership Committee united all 28 RFPAs under a coordinated voice; burned acreage dropped from 747,822 in 2024 to 168,272 in 2025 despite responding to more fires. From the 95,000-acre Cram Fire to the Flat Fire in Jefferson and Deschutes Counties, RFPA volunteers logged over 45,000 total volunteer hours — neighbors helping neighbors, holding the line when it mattered most. READ the RFPA Annual Newsletter.

Marking 19 Years

High Desert Partnership has marked its 19th year and recently did a little celebrating at the Harney County Community Center. We are filled with gratitude for the partners, neighbors, and community members who have made working together possible. What has been accomplished in Harney County — across our watersheds, forests, rangelands, communities and main streets — has happened because of the trust, time, and commitment of the people around the tables. From agency partners and tribal leaders to ranchers, conservationists, youth, and business owners, you have shown what becomes possible when a community chooses to work together across difference. Nineteen years in, your partnership remains the foundation of everything we do — and the reason we look forward to the years ahead.

Pictured: The community center all dolled up for a night of celebrating (photos by Brandon McMullen) and Fred Flippence holding a new sign that now lives in the Harney County Community Center. The plaque honors the role the Harney County Opportunity Team had in bringing the community center to life.

THIS IS HARNEY

2026 Upcoming Events

Wednesday, March 17| Harney County Wildfire Collaborative Meeting

Wednesday, March 24 | Youth Changing the Community Collaborative Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 | Biz Harney Opportunity Collaborative Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 | Harney County Forest Restoration Collaborative Meeting

Monday, March 30| High Desert Partnership Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 31 | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Collaborative Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 | Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative Meeting

Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19 | Harney County Migratory Bird Festival

Monday, April 27 | High Desert Partnership Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 29 | Biz Harney Opportunity Collaborative Meeting

Check out High Desert Partnership's event calendar.

High Desert Partnership 2025 Year In Review

Six Collaboratives Supported By

High Desert Partnership

HDP Website

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