According to its website, Oregon Wild is an organization that works to keep Oregon “a special place to live, work, and play” by protecting and restoring the state’s wildlands, wildlife and waters.

I think that’s a mission we can all agree with.

But this is the music section, and we’re not about missions here, unless we’re talking Mission to Burma. And what caught my eye about Sunday’s benefit concert for Oregon Wild at Volcanic Theatre Pub wasn’t so much the cause, but the headliner: David Dondero, a terrific singer-songwriter who, as far as I can tell, last played Bend in 2007 as an opener for Against Me!

Dondero is a wonderful, wandering folk singer who lives on the road, powered by DIY spirit. His songs are sometimes sad, sometimes triumphant and always beautiful; he recalls Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst at his most starkly personal, with a similar poetic writing style and just a bit less quiver in his voice.

Dondero’s catalog, including last fall’s fine “This Guitar,” is available to stream at www.daviddondero1.bandcamp.com. Tune in and hear why the Houston Chronicle called the man “this generation’s Townes Van Zandt” and NPR’s music dude Bob Boilen called Dondero “one of the best singer/songwriters I’ve ever heard.” He’s heard a few.

Opening the show will be local protest singer William Valenti, who’s also a treasure.

Oregon Wild benefit concert with David Dondero and Bill Valenti; 4-7 p.m. Sunday; $20-$25 suggested donation, register in advance at www.orgeonwild.org; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 S.W. Century Drive, Bend; www.volcanictheatrepub.com, jj@oregonwild.org or 503-283-6343, ext. 224.

— Ben Salmon