Press Release: May 13, 2025

The Mazamas Announces Recipients of 2025 Expedition, Research, and Conservation Grants

PORTLAND, OR – The Mazamas announced today the recipients of its Expedition, Research, and Conservation Grants for 2025, totaling $25,000. Oregon’s oldest outdoor organization, the primary function of the Mazamas as described in its 1894 charter is "to explore mountains, to disseminate authoritative and scientific information concerning them, and to encourage the preservation of forests and other features of mountains in their natural beauty." Its mission of exploration, research, and conservation are carried out in part through the distribution of grants to qualified individuals and institutions who share these goals.

Expedition Grants Fund High-Altitude First Ascents and Technical Climbing

The Mazamas awarded $13,000 in Bob Wilson Expedition Grants to support mountaineering achievements that push the boundaries of technical climbing.

Aimee Filimoehala and her team received $9,000 for "Entering the Frey: Granite Spire Odyssey." This all-female team of experienced Mazamas aims to accomplish what has never been done before—ascending all major granite spires in the Frey Cirque near San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The grant includes sharing beta and connecting with the sharing beta and connecting with the Bariloche Andean Club, a sister organization to the Mazamas.

Ethan Berman was awarded $4,000 for the "Hidden Pillar Project 2025," a bold first ascent attempt on Ultar Sar's Southeast Pillar in the Pakistan Karakoram. Having reached 6,000 meters in 2024, Berman and his team will apply lessons learned to attempt this technically challenging route that has stymied many strong climbing parties since 1992.

Research Grants Support Glacial Cave Mapping and Wildlife Interaction Studies

The Mazamas awarded $5,000 in Research Grants to two projects advancing scientific understanding of mountain ecosystems and geology.

Lara Volski and Vivian Hawkinson received $2,490 for "Merging camera traps and local ecological knowledge to examine interguild interactions within montane rangelands in the Southern Cascades." This groundbreaking study will use camera traps and local interviews to understand how the presence of livestock affects wildlife interactions, particularly following the establishment of the Big Muddy wolf pack near Mt. Adams. The research incorporates local ecological knowledge from hunters, ranchers, and farmers to build community trust while advancing scientific understanding.

The Mt. Baker Glaciovolcanic Cave Team was awarded $2,510 for "One Does Not Simply Walk into Mordor...(2025 Mt. Baker Glaciovolcanic Cave Expedition)." Led by Lee Florea, Christian Stenner, and Jill Mikucki, this expedition will map and study the Morgoth Cave System in Sherman Crater, examining the unique environment where volcanic heat and glacial ice create rare cave systems. The research will provide critical data for volcano monitoring and advance understanding of these extreme environments.

Conservation Grants Support Forest Protection and Wildlife Conservation

Organizations across the Pacific Northwest received $7,000 in Conservation Grants to protect federal forests, enhance wildlife habitat, and defend critical environmental policies.

Oregon Natural Desert Association received $1,750 to support development of a new Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, protecting 293 square miles of essential wildlands that host more than 340 bird species along the Pacific Flyway.

Bark was awarded $1,750 for "Base Camp 2025: Watchdogging in an Era of Timber Expansion," hosting a public campout in the proposed Stone Creek EA project area to raise awareness about threats to public forests.

Oregon Glaciers Institute received $2,000 to develop GlacierTracker, a mobile app for citizen scientific research and field education that will help document glacier retreat due to climate change.

Forest Stewards Guild was awarded $500 for "Forestry for the Birds: Mt. Hood Workshop," providing landowners and Mazama members practical knowledge about forest management and bird habitat conservation.

Crag Law Center received $500 to support legal advocacy protecting the Northwest Forest Plan, which governs management of over 24 million acres across 17 National Forests in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.

Oregon Wild was awarded $500 to defend the Northwest Forest Plan and Mt. Hood National Forest against proposed rollbacks that could dramatically increase logging on public lands.

Grant Programs Continue the Mazama Tradition of Supporting Mountain Exploration, Research, and Conservation

The 2025 grants continue the long tradition of the Mazamas supporting mountain research, conservation efforts, and expedition climbing. Research grants advance scientific understanding of mountain environments, while conservation grants protect wilderness areas and wildlife habitat. Bob Wilson Expedition Grants support challenging mountaineering objectives that demonstrate technical excellence and contribute to the climbing community's knowledge.

All grant recipients must share their experiences and findings with the Mazama community through presentations, articles, or other educational opportunities. The grant cycle for proposals targeted for 2026 completion will open fall 2025.

More information about Mazama grants, including criteria, review process, and past recipients, can be found at mazamas.org/grants.

About the Mazamas

Established in 1894 on the summit of Mt. Hood (Wy'East), the Mazamas is an Oregon-based 501(c)(3) with a proud tradition of providing excellence in climbing education, leadership, and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission – to inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains – is carried out in partnership with more than 300 highly dedicated volunteers through education programs, climbs and hikes (about 1,000 annually), stewardship activities, and scientific research. With a membership of about 3,000 individuals, the Mazamas maintains two facilities, including the carbon neutral Mazama Mountaineering Center in Southeast Portland and the Mazama Lodge in Government Camp.