harney's keepers: the hands that shape the land
Ranch families, conservationists, tribal members, local artisans, and dedicated partners that make up the fabric of life in the high desert–all of these people and partners work together to steward Harney’s land, culture, and spirit.
Conservation partners
Harney County’s vast landscapes thrive through a network of collaborative partnerships spanning federal and state agencies, tribal nations, ranchers and farmers, local districts, dedicated nonprofits and community members. These organizations and individuals embody a shared commitment to maintaining the ecological integrity, cultural heritage, and sustainable use of Harney County’s remarkable natural resources for current and future generations. Visit High Desert Partnership to learn more.
Ranching Stewards
Harney’s ranching heritage thrives through families and operations that steward the land with purpose—blending generational knowledge, conservation partnerships, and quality local food.
Whitehorse Ranch
Established in 1869, Whitehorse Ranch stretches across more than 63,000 acres of private land and nearly 287,000 acres of public grazing allotments. In the late 1980s, the ranch became a leader in collaborative land care by working with the Trout Creek Mountain Working Group to protect riparian areas and improve watershed health. That partnership led to a major shift in grazing practices—reducing herd size and giving the land space to recover. Today, Whitehorse continues to demonstrate how ranching and conservation can go hand in hand, managing livestock in close coordination with the BLM and U.S. Forest Service.
Alvord Ranch
Alvord Ranch is a four-generation family ranch operated in the Alvord Valley at the base of Steens Mountain. Its mission is to raise all-natural beef while maintaining the sustainability of the land for future generations. Calves graze native desert pasture before a 60-day grain finish, balancing taste and landcare. In partnership with Alvord Hot Springs, guests can enjoy “cowboy style” steaks while learning about the ranch’s sustainable ethos.
Doverspike Beef (Hotchkiss Company)
A fifth-generation family ranch founded in 1888, Hotchkiss Company raises all-natural, grass‑fed, grain-finished beef in the Harney Basin. The Doverspike family maintains integrated operations—from spring calving on native pasture to fall finishing—while using USDA-inspected facilities and humane, quality-first practices. As active Chamber members, Doverspike Beef connects land stewardship to community economy through retail engagement and regional food identity.
Double‑O Ranch (Historic Site)
Established in the 1870s, Double‑O Ranch once spanned more than 8,600 acres and played a major role in Harney County’s early cattle industry, eventually becoming part of the holdings of well-known rancher Bill Hanley. In 1941, the property was sold to the U.S. Government and incorporated into the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, where it now supports wildlife habitat and conservation. Today, the site includes historic buildings and wetlands, offering insight into ranching heritage and the region’s shift toward public stewardship. Double‑O Station remains a cultural landmark, with interpretive signage and access via refuge roads.
Tribal Stewards
Harney County’s indigenous nations have lived in relationship with this land since time immemorial, shaping its ecology, culture, and traditions. Through practices of stewardship, ceremony, and collaborative management, tribal members continue to honor ancestral responsibilities—ensuring that water, wildlife, and traditional foods remain for future generations.
Burns Paiute Tribe
The Burns Paiute Tribe descends from the Wadatika band of Northern Paiute people, whose homeland spans across what is now eastern Oregon, northern Nevada, and parts of Idaho and California. Today, the Tribe manages approximately 14,000 acres of reservation land near Burns, Oregon, and continues to strengthen cultural and ecological resilience through conservation and restoration projects.
Tribal Conservation Partnerships
The Tribe works closely with agencies and organizations—including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and local watershed councils—to expand habitat restoration and protect culturally significant landscapes. Through co-management agreements and collaborative planning, the Burns Paiute ensure that tribal knowledge informs decisions about water, wildlife, and land. This includes projects such as wetland restoration at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and long-term fish passage planning in regional rivers and streams.
Cultural Continuity and Education
Beyond ecological stewardship, the Tribe emphasizes cultural continuity through education, youth programs, and community events. Language preservation initiatives, storytelling, and intergenerational teaching help carry forward Wadatika traditions, while outreach programs invite the broader community to learn about the Tribe’s heritage and ongoing stewardship role. These efforts ensure that Harney County’s identity remains tied not only to its ranching heritage but also to the deep, enduring presence of its first people.
Event Organizers & Cultural Stewards
These signature events reflect Harney’s deep roots in community, land, and culture—bringing people together in stewardship and celebration:
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
Hosted each April by Bureau of Land Management, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Alliance of Oregon, High Desert Partnership, the Harney County Chamber of Commerce and many others, the Migratory Bird Festival celebrates Harney County’s significance as a stop on the pacific flyway and boasts migratory bird tours, educational workshops, art booths, and habitat-focused programming.
Harney County Fair & Rodeo
A long-standing September tradition, the Harney County Fair & Rodeo brings the community together with rodeo competitions, livestock shows, 4‑H programs, carnival rides, and local vendors. Organized by a fair board and ranching families, it’s a vibrant celebration of Harney County’s heritage, showcasing the people, skills, and stories that shape life in the high desert.
High Desert Fiddlers Jamboree
Held every June under the Harney County Fairgrounds’ big skies, this free country‑bluegrass gathering is spearheaded by local players and families, with performances, jams, and dancing.
Skull Gravel Grinder Bike Race
Skull Gravel Grinder is a famously challenging not-for-profit bike race that benefits the public lands of Harney County. Produced by dozens of local, regional, and national partners and sponsors, the race funds stewardship and conservation projects and spotlights Harney County’s rugged and wild beauty.
Artisans, Makers, and Storytellers
Harney County’s creative spirit is rooted in tradition, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to place. From saddle stitching to museum archives, local artists, craftspeople, and historians carry forward the stories and skills that define life in the high desert.
Alden’s School of Leather Trades
This hands-on school in Burns offers immersive workshops in traditional leathercraft—from boot making to saddle stitching—preserving skills passed down through generations of Western makers. Courses are taught by working artisans and attract students from across the country.
Harney County Historical Society & Museum
Located in downtown Burns, this small but vibrant museum preserves the stories of Harney County’s past through exhibits, artifacts, and archival collections. Run by a dedicated group of local historians and volunteers, it also hosts seasonal events and educational programs for all ages.
Local Artisans & Galleries
Harney’s creative community includes painters, leatherworkers, woodcrafters, photographers, and silversmiths—many of whom sell their work at local shops or pop-up markets during events like the Bird Festival and County Fair. Galleries in Burns and Hines feature original artwork, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds that reflect the land and culture of the region.
Sod House Ranch
Part of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Sod House Ranch offers a glimpse into the area’s homesteading and ranching history. Seasonal programs and interpretive signage help visitors explore the intersection of human settlement, land use, and wildlife habitat in the Harney Basin.
Be Part of the Story
Join the people who help shape and sustain Harney County—from restoring wetlands to preserving heritage, hosting events, and creating local goods. Volunteer, explore, learn, and celebrate alongside the stewards who make this place what it is.
Volunteer with Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge or High Desert Partnership for restoration, education, or collaborative efforts.
Ride or Root for the Skull Gravel Grinder—race or support this ride that gives back to public lands.
Attend & Shop at the Migratory Bird Festival, Rodeo & Fair, and Fiddlers’ Jamboree—discover local art, crafts, foods, and land‑based programming.
Learn & Experience more about Harney County through local workshops, galleries, and museums.
See More about our history & people
Harney County’s history is shaped by the resilience of its people, from Indigenous communities to early settlers and today’s residents. Together, their stories continue to define the character and spirit of Oregon’s high desert.
