The Environmental Center

*RESCHEDULED* Film Screening-Blend: On Being Black in Bend
2024-02-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
“Blend” is a documentary filmed and edited in Central Oregon that asks 10 Black Central Oregonians about their experiences living, working, and playing on the High Desert. Film creator Kenny Adams uses the film to explore and share uncensored lived experiences.
COCC Bend Campus
Hitchcock Auditorium-Pioneer 201

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend – An Annual Fundraiser for The Environmental Center
2024-02-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend for our annual fundraiser – Mountainfilm on Tour!
Featuring unique films each night and a wide variety of raffle prizes, you are sure to leave with a renewed appreciation for the outdoors and incredible filmmaking.
Visit our Mountainfilm on Tour webpage for film synopses and more information about the event. See you at the Tower!
BUY TICKETS FOR FRIDAY, 2/23
BUY TICKETS FOR SATURDAY, 2/24

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend - An Annual Fundraiser for The Environmental Center
2024-02-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Power Hour: Fumes in Focus with Beyond Toxics
2024-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Please not the change of venues to The Environmental Center (formerly COCC). Attendees can now also attend virtually. Please use the same link to register and you will receive an email with the Zoom link.
What’s in the air we breathe inside of our own homes? The Fumes in Focus film helps us visualize the air pollution from gas stoves.
Join The Environmental Center’s Climate Solutions program at our first Power Hour event of the year, featuring Willamette Valley-based environmental justice organization, Beyond Toxics. This year, the Power Hour series will focus on healthy, energy efficient homes and the resources available to improve our living spaces and the built environment.
The event will feature a screening of Beyond Toxics’ eye-opening documentary, Fumes in Focus, highlighting the real health and environmental impacts of natural gas stoves that often go unseen. This project utilized advanced FLIR (forward looking Infrared) technology to capture and visualize the immediate emissions during stove operation.
Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics’ will present more information on their Visualizing Air Pollution in Gas Stoves study and be available for questions from attendees. Other local organizations and businesses who can help connect folks with resources to learn more about upgrading appliances in their homes such as Energize Bend and GreenSavers will be available at the event.
Meet our speaker
Lisa Arkin, the Executive Director of Beyond Toxics, has provided innovative policy leadership and grassroots organizing for Beyond Toxics since 2006. Under her guidance, Beyond Toxics embraced the principles of diversity and equity, and adopted an anti-racist ethos to become Oregon’s first environmental justice organization. Arkin is dedicated to placing human rights, racial and social justice at the forefront of all environmental protection and climate resiliency policies. She serves as an appointed member of a number of commissions and workgroups on issues such as land use, environmental justice, pesticide reform and air quality.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to our sponsors

REEL ROCK 18
2024-03-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presented by Mountain Supply. A benefit for Bend Endurance Academy and Vámonos Outside!
General admission, doors open at 6:30 PM.
Follow the philosophical journey of Japanese climbing phenom Sachi Amma, as he evolves from three-time world champion to traditional climbing purist, culminating in a visionary first ascent on the mythical Mt. Mizugaki. (30 min)
ANGIE SCARTH-JOHNSON & HAZEL FINDLAY IN – YEAH BUDDY
Australian climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, who first made her mark setting records at a young age, teams up with veteran adventure climber Hazel Findlay to explore the best of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. (25 min)
JOSH WHARTON & VINCE ANDERSON IN – JIRISHANCA
Renowned alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 20,000-foot peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure. (40 min)
MATT GROOM & DANYIL BOLDYREV IN – CLIMBING NEVER DIE
Climbing journalist Matt Groom journeys deep into war-torn Ukraine to discover a community held together by climbing and patriotism, but indelibly changed by war. (35 min)
GET TICKETS

March Green Drinks: DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair
2024-03-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
If you truly want to see how the all-terrain wheelchair AdvenChair holds up under the rigorous environment of four days down and back up the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, then come see the premiere showing of DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair, the new 48-minute documentary of Geoff Babb and his expedition team currently in review by film festivals from coast-to-coast, and even Cannes, France. Then, stick around for a moderated panel discussion featuring Geoff Babb, members of his team, and Marcia Volk, the filmmaker, as well as the opportunity to ask questions you may have.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Learn about Geoff’s arduous journey to realize his dream as a survivor of two strokes, taking years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
In partnership with Outback Film, The Onward Project, and COCC, we’re honored to present a debut showing of DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair.
REGISTER HERE!
In advance of College events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact Caitlyn Gardner at 541-383-7237. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact Disability Services at 541-383-7583.

Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land Film Screening Followed by a Panel Discussion
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In partnership, Central Oregon Community College, The Environmental Center, Central Oregon BIPOC, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance are proudly presenting a screening of the documentary Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land followed by a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6 pm in Central Oregon Community College’s Hitchcock Auditorium.
This exclusive screening will mark the Central Oregon debut of Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land from Executive Producer Al Roker. Gaining Ground explores why Black ownership of farmland has dwindled to alarmingly low numbers and examines the causes, effects, and solutions to the issues affecting Black land loss.
After the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a discussion moderated by Marcus LeGrand, COCC’s Afrocentric Program Coordinator that will include. Dr. Dalton Miller-Jones, retired Professor and member Restorative Justice and Equity Group.
Free admission and reservations are not required.

DREAM BOLDLY: The Grand AdvenChair at The Belfry
2024-05-23 17:30 - 19:30 | The Belfry, 302 E Main Avenue, Sisters, 97759, United States
Local Bend adventurer Geoff Babb, a survivor of two strokes, takes years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
Currently in review by film festivals across the country and in Cannes, France, DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair will leave you inspired by human resilience, moved by first-hand accounts of an amazing adventure, and believing in the power of dreams to make the world a better place.
DOORS OPEN AT 5:00 PM
Run time: 48 minutes, followed by a Q&A with the AdvenChair visionary, Geoff Babb, other members of the Grand AdvenChair, and Director Marcia Volk.
The Belfry will be hosting their bar. After the show and Q&A, you can hang out with Geoff and the gang until 7:30 pm.
GET TICKETS HERE!

DREAM BOLDLY: The Grand AdvenChair at Open Space
2024-05-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Local Bend adventurer Geoff Babb, a survivor of two strokes, takes years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
Currently in review by film festivals across the country and in Cannes, France, DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair will leave you inspired by human resilience, moved by first-hand accounts of an amazing adventure, and believing in the power of dreams to make the world a better place.
DOORS OPEN AT 5:00 PM
Run time: 48 minutes, followed by a Q&A with the AdvenChair visionary, Geoff Babb, other members of the Grand AdvenChair, and Director Marcia Volk.
Open Space Event Studios will be hosting their bar. After the show and Q&A, you can hang out with Geoff and the gang until 7:30 pm.

Line 3 Documentary: Stop New Gas Infrastructure in Central Oregon
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:15 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join 350 Deschutes – We’re organizing to Stop the GTN Pipeline Gas Expansion. RSVP Now!
Speakers:
Riccardo Waites: Executive, Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly will discuss the effects of gas expansion on vulnerable communities. Will your neighborhood be affected?
Nora Harren, 350 Deschutes, will discuss the health and environmental impacts of the compressor stations in SunRiver, and elsewhere. How can you protect yourself and your family?
Watch the award winning documentary: “LN3: Seven Teachings of the Ashinaabe Resistance,” a powerful documentary that delves into the resilience and teachings of the Ashinaabe people in the face of pipeline development in their region.
Following the screening, we will engage in a panel discussion focusing on the impacts of the GTN Xpress pipeline project on Central Oregon communities and the environment. Our panelists will explore the environmental, social, and economic implications of the project and discuss Steps we can take to stop the pipeline in our backyard.
This is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vital conversation!
RSVP Now: https://actionnetwork.org/events/line-3-documentary-stop-new-gas-infrastructure-in-central-oregon
$5 donation per family appreciated, but not required.

Film Screening: Crown Jewels The Mission To Save America's Oldest Trees
2024-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join Central Oregon LandWatch and Oregon Wild for a special screening of the documentary “Crown Jewels” to learn more about the value of mature and old-growth forests, and the fight to protect them. The event will feature a panel discussion with Q&A and an opportunity to write a letter to the US Forest Service calling for safeguards to ancient forests in Oregon and across the country.
Featured Panelists:

Victoria Wingell – Forests and Climate Campaigner, Oregon Wild
Erik Fernandez- Wilderness Program Manager, Oregon Wild
Fiona Noonan – Wild Lands and Water Program Manager, Central Oregon Landwatch

This event is free and open to all.
Register here.

The Journey of the Monarch Butterflies in the Learning Garden
2024-09-20 16:00 - 19:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in celebrating Welcoming Week 2024! This will be a family-friendly event at the Environmental Center’s Learning Garden, focusing on the journey of the Monarch Butterfly! There will be a film about monarchs, kids activities, food, and resources to take home.
No RSVP required!

September Green Drinks with Deschutes Trails Coalition
2024-09-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
The Deschutes Trails Coalition is thrilled to be co-hosting the September Green Drinks with the Environmental Center on September 26th from 5:30-7:30pm at The Embark Coworking Community. For the event, they will be showing two thought-provoking films that are closely tied to their pillars of social, environmental, physical, and economic sustainability. Please join us as we are thrilled to show these two award-winning films: The Right To Joy and The Hypocrite.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2024-10-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday, October 4, 2024 — an unforgettable evening of captivating short films that address pressing environmental issues, highlight incredible work being done by activists around the world, and celebrate the beauty of our planet.
Our carefully curated lineup will take you on a breathtaking journey through the natural world, showcasing awe-inspiring landscapes and emphasizing the urgency of protecting our wild places.
There will be an in-person show at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon as well as a virtual version streamed online. Join us for a night of inspiration and discovery!
GET TICKETS HERE

To What Remains - Filmscreening and Discussion
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Film screening and Discussion on To What Remains.
About the film: To What Remains is the story of Project Recover, a team of scientists, oceanographers, archaeologists, historians, researchers, and military veterans, who have dedicated their lives to scouring the depths of the ocean and the farthest corners of the earth, to search for, recover, and repatriate the remains of the more than 80,000 Americans missing in action since WWII.
In breathtaking imagery and intimate interviews with Project Recover team members and MIA families, To What Remains takes viewers inside this journey to honor our fallen servicemen, from the discovery of wreckage on the seafloor in the South Pacific to the living room of a stunned family in middle America, to a well-deserved final resting place at home.

January 2025 Green Drinks Film Screening
2025-01-16 17:00 - 19:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
The Environmental Center is thrilled to be kicking off the 2025 Green Drinks series with the screening of Footprints on Katmai. For this event, we will be showing a thought-provoking film that focuses on Ocean plastic and marine debris in Alaska. We will wrap up with a Q&A with Current and former staff and High School students who will share their own experiences on their ocean plastic cleanup expeditions in Alaska.

Thursday, January 16, 5-7pm.
The Environmental Center: 16 NW Kansas Ave.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Free event, but limited seating, so RSVP today.
Accessibility: The Environmental Center has two gender-neutral restrooms and one accessible/family restroom inside its facility. It also has one accessible parking space behind its facility. For those needing ramp access, there is a ramp behind its facility.
This film will be captioned in English.
Please let us know in advance if there is something our team can do or provide to support you in participating in our event.

Backcountry Film Festival - Bend, Oregon
2025-01-24 15:00 - 21:00 | Volcanic Theater & Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join for the 20th annual Backcountry Film Festival presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance and Discover Your Forest! The Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the power and spirit of humans in winter with a diverse, thought-provoking and artistic lineup of films.
ALL funds from this event go directly towards helping Discover Your Forest maintain free, outstanding hands-on conservation education for thousands of Central Oregon’s youth, and will help them grow their reach to underserved communities by purchasing adaptive equipment and support to ensure that all people, regardless of their ability or identity can experience the thrill of the outdoors.
This year there will be 2 Bend showings at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on Friday, January 24th:
-3pm, doors at 2:30pm
-7pm, doors at 6:30pm
Both shows will run 2 hours with a half hour intermission.
There are some awesome raffle prizes from local partners to give away during the event. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend-Night One
2025-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
We are excited to announce Mountainfilm on Tour – Bend, an annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center. For the 22nd year, this highly anticipated program showcases incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend-Night Two
2025-02-22 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States

March Green Drinks: film screening of ZURAWKSI V TEXAS
2025-03-31 17:00 - 20:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us for a screening of ZURAWKSI V TEXAS, a powerful film that follows three patients from Texas denied abortion care—even while facing life-threatening pregnancy complications—and the courageous attorney fighting on their behalf.
This event will explore the intersections of Environmental Justice, Reproductive Justice, and Gender Justice.
After the film, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring representatives from key organizations working at the forefront of these issues.

Farming While Black: Reclaiming Land and Agricultural Heritage - Film Screening and Discussion
2025-04-08 17:30 - 19:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In this 75 min. feature-length documentary, Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, reflects on the plight of Black farmers in the United States. From the height of Black-owned farms at 14% in 1910 to less than 2% today. Leah and her Soul Fire family help propel a rising generation finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism – and its potential to save the planet.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information, visit cocc.edu/snv

Location
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus, 97703

Tertulias . . . ¡de película!: Santuario
2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Empezamos nuestro ciclo de cine celebrando el día de la Tierra, con el documental “Santuario” de Álvaro Longoria. Un hermoso documental sobre la iniciativa de protección ambiental para crear el santuario marino más grande de la Tierra en el Océano Antártico. Disfruta una noche en comunidad, cine, snacks y reflexiones al final de la película.
Tertulias . . . ¡de película! es un programa que busca proveer espacios de conexión para comunidades hispanohablantes. Durante estas tertulias hablamos abiertamente y sin prejuicios sobre nuestras ideas y sentires a partir de la interacción con el arte cinematográfico y documental. Un lugar en el que se le de rienda suelta al mundo de las ideas y de autoeducación popular, con el lenguaje español como el vehículo que conecta.
Ubicación: Envía un correo electrónico a juliana@oregonhumanities.org para registrarte y recibir la dirección.
Organizan: Oregon Humanities en colaboración con BENDITAS, The Environmental Center, y OSU Cascades.
¡Pregúntanos por el apoyo que ofrecemos para cuidado de niños!

Mountainfilm on Tour - Bend: Night One
2026-02-06 17:30 - 21:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for Mountainfilm on Tour – Bend—an annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center.
Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world.

Doors open at 5:30pm, films begin at 6:30pm.
Same lineup both nights
All films will be captioned in English.
ASL interpretation will be available both evenings.
