Meet your Riddle Brothers Ranch volunteers

HARNEY COUNTY (Released by BLM Oregon & Washington)-Meet your Riddle Brothers Ranch volunteers: Cece and Gregg!

The two serve as seasonal hosts, where each spring through early fall site caretakers welcome travelers into the heart of Steens Mountain at this historic, pioneer house.

Cece stumbled upon the ranch hosting opportunity in July 2023 when their daughter shared a BLM article recruiting caretakers. She asked Cece, “Aren’t we related to these people?” It was serendipitous and true!

“I’m a descendant of the original Riddle family. My great-great grandfather J.B. Riddle came west on the Oregon Trail in 1851. His nephews Walter, Fred and Ben Riddle were the sons of his brother Tobias ‘Stilley’ Riddle,” said Cece. “I grew up hearing about all the Riddle family members from my father, and I remember many times my father and grandparents visited the ranch.”

One of their favorite things about hosting at Riddle is “being able to understand why my parents and grandparents enjoyed going to the ranch so much. It’s a special connection for me,” said Cece.

Cece and Gregg are clever problem solvers with unmatched ambition. “We both have a lot of energy, and we love using it to help others,” said Cece. “Volunteering lets us continue what we liked best about our former education careers: meeting people, sharing information, and using our skills.”

During their time at the ranch, Cece and Gregg have exposed and cleaned the beautiful natural hardwoods in Fred’s Cabin, weeded pathways, cared for flower beds, repaired screens and doors, and much more.

Photos by Cece and Gregg

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