High Desert Museum Opened 2027 Prize Nominations
The annual award recognizes innovative work addressing conservation challenges throughout the American West.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
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The High Desert Museum has officially opened the nomination period for the 2027 Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West. This initiative highlights efforts to solve critical environmental and conservation issues across the region.
Why it matters
The prize honors collaboration and innovation in addressing the complex legacy of challenges found in the American West. By supporting such work, the program aims to amplify impactful solutions for the region's future.
The prize includes a $50,000 cash award and a piece of original artwork. Nominations are currently evaluated by an advisory panel of 13 experts based on impact, innovation, and collaboration.
The players
High Desert Museum
Established in 1982, this institution focuses on the natural and cultural history of the High Desert region.
Brad Parry
He was the inaugural winner of the Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West for his work in Preston, Idaho.
The details
Individuals and organizations working to improve the American West can submit nominations through the High Desert Museum website. An expert advisory panel reviews all submissions before selecting a recipient to be honored at an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.
Timeline
1982: The High Desert Museum was founded.
1863: The Bear River Massacre occurred.
2026: Four finalists were recognized for the prize.
December 31, 2026: Nominations for the 2027 prize close.
Culture Shift
The award marks a departure from traditional history-only grants by funding active solutions to regional environmental and historical challenges. This approach aligns the museum with broader efforts to reconcile the legacy of sites like the Bear River Massacre through forward-looking stewardship.
Residents and professionals in Bend can participate by submitting nominations for projects that address regional conservation issues. The process requires individuals to utilize the official museum website to ensure their work is considered by the advisory panel.
The takeaway
The Jordan Schnitzer Prize emphasizes that solving environmental challenges in the West requires both collaborative efforts and innovative thinking. Applicants should focus their nominations on projects that provide measurable, long-term impacts for the region.
What happens next
Nominations for the 2027 prize will close on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural recognition and honors in our Awards section.
More information
Access the prize nomination and eligibility information to view submission requirements.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cascade Business News.
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