The Environmental Center

Environmental Priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session
2017-01-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Environmental Priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session at Pints and Politics
Join OLCV and Oregon Conservation Network Director, Paige Spence, for an exciting discussion about this year’s legislative session and how it could impact Oregon’s natural legacy. Learn how, together, we can make important progress for the environment in 2017!

Forest 'restoration' and biomass: trouble for Central Oregon?
2017-01-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Take a trip up the Cascades Highway and you’ll see what the Forest Service is doing in the name of ‘restoration’. This is just the beginning of an extensive, but questionable, attempt to preclude large wildfires in the Deschutes National Forest.
The slash piles from these fuel reduction efforts are slated to feed local biomass projects. Biomass is being hyped as “green” renewable energy, yet is anything but that considering its carbon and air pollution impacts.
In this talk, we will present research debunking forest ‘restoration’ and biomass myths.
Q&A to follow. Seating limited, sign up today.
Speakers:
George Wuerthner is an ecologist who has published 38 books including ‘Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy.’ Hans van Naerssen is a local environmentalist and former international business/government consultant.
Moderator: Laurie Lakin

Safe Routes to School Redmond Town Hall
2017-01-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The For Every Kid Coalition is hosting a Safe Routes to School Town Hall on Wednesday, January 25th in Redmond.

In 2017, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put kids and families first. Let’s seize this moment and make our roads safe so that every kid can walk, bike, and access transit to school. Join the For Every Kid Coalition for this community event; bring your friends, and find out how!
Childcare will be provided upon request.
At this event you will learn:

What’s new with the Safe Routes to School programs in your area.
How to provide public testimony, as well as other things you can do to make sure that every kid in Redmond and Bend has a safe route to school.
Why local leaders love Safe Routes to School and why streets matter for all generations.
How the For Every Kid Coalition needs your to help to make it safe for every kid to walk, bike, and access transit to school in Redmond, Bend, and all across Oregon.

RSVP today!
This is our second in a series of six events across the state for Safe Routes to School. Read about and see pics of the December Safe Route to School Town Hall in Eugene.
Doors open at 4 pm. Snacks provided! Please RSVP and join the Facebook event here!
Thanks to our event partners: Commute Options, the City of Redmond, The Street Trust, and Alta Planning and Design!

Energy Education with NeighborImpact
2017-01-31, 2017-02-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save Money & Save Energy by attending a NeighborImpact Energy Education Workshop!
Each Energy Education participant will receive an Energy Toll Kit with energy savings for items for your home.
Sign up today by emailing: HomeWX@neighborimpact.org or calling: (541) 316-2034.

Solar for Oregon Communities Workshop
2017-02-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Solar power means cleaner air, new jobs and can even lower energy bills. But due to high up-front costs and other barriers, low- and moderate-income families and the organizations that serve them are a small fraction of Oregon solar customers.
We’re working to make sure all Oregonians can benefit from solar energy. Join us Thursday, February 2, in Redmond to learn how to connect your community to innovative state and federal programs that are bringing solar power to low- and moderate-income families.
At the workshop, you’ll get to:

Learn about new solar programs and understand how your organization and your clients can participate
Hear about the community solar program, now in development at the Oregon Public Utility Commission, that will make it possible for renters, low-income households and others to participate in solar
Develop solutions to solar challenges unique to your community
Connect with other groups interested in collaborating on solar programs or projects that can benefit low-income residents
Learn how to help shape future opportunities for solar in Oregon by sharing your organization’s perspectives and experiences

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 30, to reserve a spot.

Energy Education with NeighborImpact
2017-02-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save Money & Energy by attending a NeighborImpact Energy Education Workshop!
Each Energy Education participant will receive an energy-saving tool kit.
Sign up today by emailing: HomeWX@neighborimpact.org or calling: (541) 316-2034.

Climate Change Trivia on Tap!
2017-03-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Trivia on Tap! An evening of fun at Broken Top Bottle Shop. Join us for food, drinks, climate themed trivia and a raffle all to benefit your local climate change non-profit; 350Deschutes. Saturday March 18th at 6 PM. $12.00 per person. Please register in advance.
For more information visit 350Deschutes.org

Clean Green Lobby Machine
2017-03-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join OLCV and the Oregon Conservation Network for an important day at the State Capitol. Learn the ropes of the process, politics, and then lobby your own legislators on the 2017 Priorities for a Healthy Oregon.
If we want our state to take meaningful action on climate change, protecting our wildlife and wild places, and ensuring a healthy Oregon, then we need your voice in Salem.
RSVP today! Sign up at olcv.org for updates or follow online at facebook.com/oregonolcv.

People's Climate March Bend
2017-04-29 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Downtown Bend, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Now more than ever, it is important to let people know that you believe that Climate Change is real! It’s time to protect beautiful Oregon, the world and our quality of life! Let our politician’s know that we want to transition towards a cleaner energy economy! Come down and show your support for a JUST TRANSITION to a CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY with NEW JOBS and JUSTICE for all! A fun, peaceful, family friendly time will be had with music and speakers! Check out the details and look for updates on Facebook at the 350Deschutes People’s Climate March event page: https://www.facebook.com/350Deschutes/.

Family friendly event includes:

Climate Change Action Fair
Street Theater
Chants
Music by Chiringa

Email: actnowforclimate@gmail.com

Power Past Paris Rally
2017-07-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Bring your signs, wear green and blue to this peaceful nonviolent protest of US Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Meet at Peace Corner, Wall and Greenwood in Bend. At 6:30pm, there will be a social hour at McMenamins.
RSVP please.

Community Conversation About Climate
2017-08-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Al Gore’s new movie, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power is opening in Bend on Friday, August 11.
The Community Conversation About Climate will take place on Sunday, August 13th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall St., Bend. This event is free and open to the public.
The movie will show several times before the day of the Community Conversation. Please see the movie first ath the REGAL CINEMA, then come join the discussion on Sunday where a panel will lead the discussion.
You may also purchase the book at locally owned Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe at 135 NW Minnesota.
The Conversation is supported by member organizations of the Central Oregon Climate Change Coalition and others, including the Juniper Group of the Sierra Club, the Bitterbrush Broads Chapter of Great Old Broads for Wilderness, 350Deschutes, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon’s Social Justice Committee, the Vocal Seniority, Citizens Climate Lobby, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Indivisible Bend.

Climate Change: The Science, Solutions, and How to be an Agent of Change
2017-08-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn more about climate change and how we can work together to achieve a more sustainable future for our planet. Bend resident, Caroline Skidmore, who was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Leader will be giving a presentation on the science behind climate change, the global impacts, how it affects the Pacific Northwest, renewable energy, public lands, and how we all can be agents of change.

Feast for the Planet
2017-10-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Chef Bethlyn Rider of Global Fusion will provide Asian-inspired cuisine at this 350Deschutes fundraiser dinner. Inspirational speakers will engage you while a raffle and silent auction of gifts will offer value and interest. Food choices include options for vegetarians, dairy, and gluten free. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to mingle with people who care about our planet.
Includes an appetizer, meal, beverage, beer or cider.
Advance tickets required at: http://350deschutes.org/1418-2/

Clean Energy Jobs Bill Kick-off
2017-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join City Councilor Dr. Nathan Boddie and other leaders for this fun event
This is a statewide event that will be live streamed from every county in the state to show support for and build momentum to get the Clean Energy Jobs bill passed in the 2018 legislature! A coalition team will be running the livestream agenda through Facebook live from a Portland rally; they will periodically connect live to other locations throughout the state. Help make Central Oregon’s Support for this bill memorable for our representatives!
The current event event collaborators are 350Deschutes, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Renew Oregon.

Environmental Trivia at Pints and Politics
2017-11-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Oregon League of Conservation Voters for a fun night of environmental trivia, hosted by OLCV’s local Leadership Committee.
Come test your knowledge of Oregon’s environment, politics, and OLCV history, or just come to learn a thing or two at the last Pints and Politics of 2018. Snacks and prizes provided!
*This event will also double as a volunteer appreciation event.

Climate Solutions for Future Pow Days | Jan. Green Drinks
2018-01-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our January Green Drinks event will be a unique collaboration! We’re partnering with Protect our Winters and others to learn more about carbon pricing legislation. Please note the date and time, as logistics are a little different than our usual Green Drinks event. Hope you can join us! No need to RSVP in advance.
One of the best ways to ensure a future of powder days is to act on climate change. One of the best solutions to climate change is to put a price on carbon. This February, Oregon has a chance to lead the nation and pass carbon pricing legislation. But what the heck does that even mean? Don’t worry, Protect Our Winters (POW) is here to help! Join POW, their friends at Renew Oregon, and local businesses and athletes at 10 Barrel Brewing Company’s Eastside Pub on Thursday, January 18th for a happy hour and panel discussion to dive a bit deeper into how passionate outdoor enthusiasts can help Oregon put a price on carbon pollution and invest in clean energy jobs. Come for the beer, stay for the future of fresh pow!
Hosted by 10 Barrel Brewing Company, in partnership with the Environmental Center as the January Green Drinks event for Central Oregon.
Read more at the Facebook event.

Texts and Taps for Clean Energy Jobs Bill
2018-01-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Sierra Club and over 40 partnering orgs of the Oregon Conservation Network to make a push for the Clean Energy Jobs Bill in the upcoming short Legislative session. This is a carbon cap and invest bill that will limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels, electric and gas utilities, and large industrial companies, price the pollution our largest polluters are emitting, and invest those funds back into clean energy jobs and community.
Can you spare an hour and a half to help get this bill passed in February? This is like a phone bank but easier, just text messaging to supporters, no phone calls. Bring your laptop or smart phone and we will train users on-site on a cool new app. Let’s get Oregon on the road to a clean energy economy!

The Climate Resistance, Film & Action Night
2018-01-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On January 31st, the day after Trump’s first State of the Union, our movement will come together for Fossil Free Fast: The Climate Resistance.
Movement leaders including Senator Bernie Sanders, Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement, Rev. Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus, Jessica Lorena Rangel of Houston Eyes of a Dreamer, Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org, and many more will deliver the state of our climate movement. They will share stories on the urgency of the current political and climate crises, and light our path ahead: resist the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks on our climate, build power towards the 2018 and 2020 elections, and secure the lasting change we need through local action.
Together, we will end the use of fossil fuels and usher in the fast and just transition to 100% renewable energy for all.

Clean Energy Jobs Lobby Day
2018-02-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Lobby days give you the chance to meet with your legislators and make a lasting impact on them; an opportunity to tell your story, and to urge them to make the environment a priority during the legislative session.
Clean Energy Jobs Lobby Day – February 6th (Focusing only on this climate bill)
The day includes best practices for meeting with your legislators, lunch, a march and rally on the Capitol steps, and then meetings with your legislators.
Register here.
Carpools will leave from several locations throughout the state. OLCV will be sending out all the information via email so you can catch a ride to Salem. Can you drive others? Register as a carpool driver. Can’t drive and need a ride down to Salem? Sign up to join a carpool near you.

Fossil Free Fast: Volunteer Meeting
2018-02-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Concerned about climate change, fracked gas and proposed fossil fuel projects in our region? Join 350Deschutes and keep the momentum going to fight the Pacific Connector Pipeline and Jordan Cove LNG projects and new proposed pipeline projects in the Cascades Range. We need your help with assisting local government make a just transition our region to a clean energy economy.
Watch clips of powerful movement leaders that we missed on the January 31st Livestream. Hear motivating stories on the urgency of the current political and climate crises, to light our path ahead on how local resistance is the key to winning against the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks We are working with groups locally and across the nation to secure the lasting change we need.

March for Science Central Oregon
2018-04-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In 2017, more than one million people worldwide gathered together in the largest event for science advocacy in history. In 2018, we unite again to hold our elected and appointed officials responsible for enacting equitable, evidence-based policies that serve all communities and science for the common good.
March for Science Central Oregon will be held Saturday, April 14, 10am at the Drake Park Amphitheater.
Interested in helping with the march? POPC will be hosting a volunteer meeting on April 7 from 12-2:30pm in the Downtown Bend Library Brooks Room to make signs and match volunteers up with day-of tasks.

What Wolves can tell us about the World's Health
2018-06-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What Wolves can tell us about the World’s Health: How the Yellowstone Experiment Led to the Second Warning to Humanity:
Presented by Dr. Bill Ripple, Oregon State University
Free Event @ Worthy Brewing’s Hop Mahal
Dr. Bill Ripple is a distinguished professor of ecology in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University where he serves as the Director of the “Global Trophic Cascades Program”. His latest research involves studying the conservation of megafauna (large carnivores and large herbivores) around the world. To continue with the global environmental concerns of the scientists’ warning, he has recently formed the “Alliance of World Scientists” which includes more than 14,000 scientists from many different countries.
Dr. Ripple will present his work on how the far-reaching impacts of wolves are affecting the ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park. Ripple will illustrate how he transitioned from Yellowstone to other national parks in western North America and beyond to demonstrate both the benefits of large mammals and the costs of their demise. He will disclose how his conservation research and general concern about the global environment and climate change led to him writing the letter “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity.” As a health check-up for planet Earth, this letter has reached millions of people and is one of the most widely discussed and endorsed scientific articles of recent times.

Heathy Food: Healthy Planet
2018-06-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come taste some of the best vegan food in Central Oregon. You’ll be in great company. Professionals will have a short educational panel. Beverages provided. Try to bring your own plate, utensils and beverage cup, although we’ll have extras.
Gluten free options will be available.
This event is cosponsored by 350 Deschutes and VegNet. Suggested $5 donation.
Kids are welcome, and are free, along with Students up to age 20, with valid ID.

National Security & Climate Change: A Free Presentation
2018-09-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Fleeing from Wildfire Smoke? Most people can go indoors. But some don’t have it that easy. Professor Mick McCann will provide a FREE presentation on how water and food shortages, rising temperatures and other climate impacts will cause migrations that may affect all of us, even our national security.
6:00 to 7:00 PM – Planning Local Actions
7:00 to 8:00 PM – Presentation by Mick McCann, COCC Professor of Geography
Please RSVP!

Voices for the Planet
2018-10-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This annual fundraiser for 350Deschutes is essential to supporting their work in Central Oregon. Come celebrate their success, have fun, and learn new ideas! There will be live music by Joyroot, food and drinks, raffle and silent auction.

Waste & Materials Working Group Meeting – Community Climate Action Plan
2018-10-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
Each working group meets twice. The first meeting will focus on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector, and the second meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.
The working group meetings for waste & materials are scheduled for:
Meeting #1: Tuesday, October 9, 3-5 PM, Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
Meeting #2: Tuesday, November 13, 4-6 PM, Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.

Transportation Working Group Meeting – Community Climate Action Plan
2018-10-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
Each working group meets twice. The first meeting will focus on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector, and the second meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.
The working group meetings for transportation are scheduled for:
Meeting #1: Wednesday, October 10, 3-5 PM, Rosie Bareis Community Campus, 1010 NW 14th St.
Meeting #2: Thursday, November 15, 4-6 PM, Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.

Interpreting Climate Change for All Audiences Workshop
2018-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Calling all educators, scientists and communications staff—join OMSI and High Desert Museum staff to learn evidence-based strategies for writing and talking about climate change in a productive and hopeful way. In this free one-day introduction to the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) you’ll learn the basics for framing productive conversations, practicing your new skills and thinking about how you can use them in your own work.

Energy Supply Working Group Meeting - Community Climate Action Plan
2018-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
Each working group meets twice. The first meeting will focus on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector, and the second meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.
The working group meetings for energy supply are scheduled for:
Meeting #1: Tuesday, October 23, 3-5 PM, City Council Chambers @ City Hall
Meeting #2: Tuesday, November 6, 3-5 PM, City Council Chambers @ City Hall
