School of Ranch - Seed Start Basics
2024-03-19 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Redmond, Oregon
It all starts with a seed! At this hands-on workshop you’ll learn the “when”, “where”, “why” and “how” of seed starting. You’ll leave knowing how to successfully prepare for and start plants from seeds, as well as how to care for your seedlings from germination to transplanting. Each participant will go home with a personally planted seed tray to get them started! Bonus: Potluck Dinner!
3 hour workshop – $40.
Held in the Redmond area (address provided upon registration)
REGISTER HERE!

Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-04-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-04-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-07 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-21 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-07-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-07-16 16:00 - 18:00 and 4 more dates | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in our Kansas Avenue Learning Garden for our ongoing volunteer work party series. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 200 hours to help keep our learning garden maintained over the growing season. We couldn’t do it without you!
This event is open to all ages and gardening abilities! No experience or tools required. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for all who volunteer. Each event includes seasonal ongoing tasks as well as special projects as needed throughout the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to pop in for an hour or stay the whole time. No need to RSVP or commit ahead of time. (Pro tip – put the following dates in your phone calendar now – then when it pops up you can decide if it works out for you or not!)
In 2024, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4-6pm. This schedule throughout the extent of the growing season offers meaningful volunteer experiences for all who come, and deeper care for the garden when it needs it.

Know Gardens: Stories in the Garden at The Environmental Center
2024-04-05 10:30 - 11:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Enjoy a story time and explore the wonders of gardening!
Space is limited. Registration is required. This event is suggested for children ages Kindergarten and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Children and families are invited to explore the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center. The event will begin with a nature-based story time, provided by Deschutes Public Library, followed by a chance for caregivers and little ones to get their hands dirty with Denise Rowcroft. Some or all of this program will take place outside, so please bring appropriate layers, snacks, and sun protection.
Denise Rowcroft joined The Environmental Center in 2006 and is responsible for the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden and the Garden for Every School program. The Garden for Every School program exists to connect youth to nature through food. This program includes food-based education in classrooms, cafeterias, school gardens and field trips. It also supports youth organizations, schools and districts with annual garden grants and on-going technical assistance.
The Environmental Center’s mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. The organization’s programs and advocacy efforts focus on building community connections, educating students, revolutionizing energy, and rethinking waste.
REGISTER HERE!

8th Annual Locavore Gala & Fundraiser
2024-04-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Tetherow, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Locavore Hosts 8th Annual Gala and Fundraiser at Tetherow Resort on April 19th
Central Oregon Locavore, a non-profit organization committed to supporting local food and farmers, is thrilled to announce its 8th Annual Gala and Fundraiser, taking place at the prestigious Tetherow Resort on April 19th.
This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with a gourmet multi-course farm-to-table meal, engaging activities, and a celebration of CO-llaboration and CO-operativism in the agricultural community. The theme emphasizes the importance of farmers working together, sharing resources, and supporting one another in an era where competition often overshadows collaboration.
The event will feature a variety of attractions, including a silent auction, live auction, golden ticket raffle, photographic narrative showcasing the hardworking farmers and ranchers of the region, and the infamous dessert dash – an exciting race to claim delectable desserts.

2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade
2024-04-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Save the Date! The 2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade will take place on Saturday, April 20th. An Annual Celebration of Earth And Community.
This family-friendly event typically features a lively and inclusive parade through downtown Bend where folks are encouraged to wear costumes to showcase their favorite thing about planet earth. During the fair, food vendors, booths, and performers offer something for everyone.
Stay tuned for updates on performances that will take place on Troy Field!

Know Gardens: Garden Fair at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall
2024-04-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Sisters Firehouse Community Hall, 301 S Elm St, Sisters, 97759, United States
Description
Learn about composting, pollinator habitat, growing vegetables, seed bombs and more.
Learn from local experts how to help pollinators, compost, roll up seed bombs, grow vegetables in our climate, create paints from your garden, and more! Join Deschutes Public Library and the following community organizations for this free, fun event:
– Artist Lee Kellogg
Outdoors is where Lee Kellogg would rather be just about any day and anytime. Sketchbook in hand, she records the world around her. A bird watcher from a young age, Lee has long been interested in the natural world around us. From working summer camp as a teen to the Adult Education Coordinator at the Audubon Society of Portland to owning a retail business focused on art and craft, Lee has had much experience that all focuses on her love of the outdoors and art. Inspiring others to be creative and become aware of the world around them is part of her mission when she teaches. https://www.leekellogg.com/
– DPL Community Librarian
– Deschutes Land Trust
The Deschutes Land Trust’s mission is to conserve and care for the lands and water that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
– OSU-Master Gardeners
“The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. OSU Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators, neighbors, and on-the-ground researchers who serve their community with solid training in science-based, sustainable gardening and a love of lifelong learning.” https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg
– Pollinator Pathway Bend
Pollinator Pathway Bend is a community-wide effort to create and connect pesticide-free habitat for imperiled native pollinators in the city of Bend and beyond. https://pollinatorpathwaybend.org/
– Seed to Table
“Seed to Table envisions a vibrant and resilient community where all people, regardless of race, gender, geography, ability or socioeconomic status, have access to fresh produce that is nourishing, locally grown, and in keeping with their preferences. From our 4-acre farm plot, we strive to model a food system that restores ecosystems while providing equitable access to fresh foods and opportunities for community members to engage positively with farm-fresh foods.” https://www.seedtotableoregon.org/
– Sisters Garden Club
“The Sisters Garden Club, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1988 by 13 original members who wanted to spread the joy of gardening to this wonderful community they called home. The goals of our club are to stimulate increased knowledge of our unique local environment and how it affects our gardens; aid in the protection of native plants and wildlife including our essential beneficial insects; and encourage the sharing of this information with others in the community to make it even better.” https://www.sistersgardenclub.com/
– The Environmental Center
In 1989, The Environmental center was born to inspire locals to live lighter on the planet. “Our mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. To us, that means driving local change that makes a world of difference.” https://envirocenter.org/

Crook County On The Move’s Community Garden Party
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Prineville Presbytarian Church, 1771 NW Madras Hwy, Prineville, OR, United States
Free Family Fun! Bring the whole family to meet red wigglers, plant a garden salad bowl, get free seeds, experience the pollinator station, visit with Master Gardeners, talk with Search & Rescue to learn about Hug A Tree, get free plant starts, composting tips, play games and win prizes!
Lots of information is shared to help you grow your own fresh produce. Don’t have space for your own garden? Come by and learn how to utiltize our local community gardens!

COCC Salmon Bake
2024-05-18 11:00 - 15:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

May Green Drinks
2024-05-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Kobold Brewing The Lair, 1043 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join the staff of The Environmental Center and host Kobold Brewing for a social gathering on Thursday, May 23rd for May Green Drinks.
Have a cold one, on us– join us at Kobold Brewing for Green Drinks! Over appetizers and beverages, you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow sustainability enthusiasts and hear about Kobold’s commitment to sustainability in their business. Curious about The Environmental Center? Staff will be there to answer your questions about our mission to embed sustainability into daily life here in Central Oregon.
This is a great opportunity to pick up a Rethink Waste Guide for your home or business and learn about energy savings through our new Home Energy Assessment Program.

Volunteer at Native Plant Giveaways
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-08 09:00 - 13:00 | OR
June 1, 9:00-12:00 PM at Caldera High School (60925 SE 15th St, Bend)
June 8, 9:00-1:00 PM at Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd, Bend)
Volunteer to hand out plants or staff the info table by completing this form. We will give away plants to 560 households this year thanks to the City of Bend, Wintercreek Nursery and Worthy Environmental. That means we need a lot of help!
Please note that there was a separate registration for plants and both dates are sold out.

Juneteenth Central Oregon
2024-06-15 11:00 - 2024-06-16 17:30 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get ready for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Central Oregon celebration on June 15th and 16th, 2024 from 11am to 5:30pm! Rooted in education, entertainment, and fostering a vibrant and safe environment for the community, this year’s theme, “Jubilee,” marks a joyous celebration of the emancipation of African Americans. Joined by the African and Caribbean Community, our two-day event promises an immersive experience filled with authentic African, Caribbean, and African American cuisine, art, music, and education. Embrace the cultural tapestry through enlightening educational activities, captivating entertainment, and a shared culinary journey that celebrates the diverse heritage of our communities.

Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Workshop
2024-06-19 13:30 - 15:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Did you know that wasted food makes up over 25% of waste at Knott Landfill by tonnage – making it the largest category of waste in the landfill? Yet, in Deschutes County, 1 in 8 people is food insecure, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. In addition, the average family of four tosses $1,800 worth of food every year ($150/mo on just wasted food!) and wasted food uses the same energy and water as 50 million homes. It’s time to rethink food waste, and we want to help you do it.
We will start with a brief presentation on why food waste matters, how to prevent food waste, and strategies for composting. Afterwards, a small group of us will walk over to the Bend Farmers Market to the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA) booth for an intro and demo to food rescue. If you’re interested in both, the presentation and the demo, be sure to select the appropriate ticket below. There are only 15 spots open for the demo, so once it is sold out, that option will no longer be available. Please reach out to kavi@envirocenter.org with any questions.
REGISTER HERE

Native Pollinator Walk with Pollinator Pathway Bend
2024-06-20 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
June 20th, Worthy Brewing
June 21st, Franklin’s Corner

Food Waste Prevention and Composting Workshop (Virtual)
2024-07-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Did you know that wasted food makes up over 25% of waste at Knott Landfill by tonnage – making it the largest category of waste in the landfill? Yet, in Deschutes County, 1 in 8 people is food insecure, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. In addition, the average family of four tosses $1,800 worth of food every year ($150/mo on just wasted food!) and wasted food uses the same energy and water as 50 million homes. It’s time to rethink food waste, and we want to help you do it.
This free virtual workshop will dig into why food waste matters, how to prevent food waste in the first place, and strategies for composting. We will be joined by Diane Simunek from Deschutes Recycling/Composting who will share information on food waste in our composting and answer any community questions.
RSVP HERE!

Howdy Do: Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
2024-07-18 17:30 - 20:30 | Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Join your neighbors, School of Ranch, High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, and Pine Meadow Ranch and Nate Stacey, Small Farm Agent for OSU Extension, for our first Howdy Do! Share your best ideas, experiences, ask questions, and let the wisdom of the crowd guide you to a more productive future. There’s nothing like kicking back with fellow farmers, ranchers and gardeners, swapping ideas, and meeting new friends. Come and share! Pot luck too!
When:July 18 5:30 to 8:30
Where: Pine Meadow Ranch in Sisters
Price: Contribute What You Can
REGISTER HERE

CityFest 2024
2024-08-15 16:00 - 19:00 | 9th Street Village, 911 SE Armour Road, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and the City of Bend for CityFest community gathering on Thursday, August 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 9th Street Village, 911 SE Armour Road.
CityFest creates an opportunity for City departments, staff, and Bend City Councilors to meet the community in a dynamic, family-friendly space! Bevel Craft Brewing, the awesome food trucks hosted on their property (Tacos el Nava, IndoDaddy, Nosh Street Food, Little Red Kitchen), and local ice cream extraordinaire Bonta will be onsite as our food (yes, ice cream is food!) and beverage partners. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We’ll also have music by the talented DJ Jah Yogi!
The event will feature a short message from Mayor Kebler regarding the “State of the City” (touching on goals and priorities for Bend’s future), live music from DJ Jah Yogi, family-friendly activities, police, fire, and streets vehicles, plus information and staff from various City departments regarding their programs and services.
Bring the whole family and meet the folks who work for your City of Bend!

Únase a la alcaldesa de Bend, Melanie Kebler, y la Ciudad de Bend para la fiesta comunitaria CityFest el jueves 15 de agosto, de 4 p.m. a 7 p.m. en 9th Street Village, 911 SE Armour Road.
CityFest es una oportunidad para que los departamentos de la ciudad, el personal y los concejales de Bend se reúnan con la comunidad en un espacio dinámico y familiar. Bevel Craft Brewing, los increíbles camiones de comida ubicados en su local (Tacos el Nava, IndoDaddy, Nosh Street Food, Little Red Kitchen), y el extraordinario helado local Bonta serán nuestros socios de comida (¡sí, el helado es comida!) y bebida. Habrá comida y bebida a la venta. ¡También tendremos música en vivo por el talentoso DJ Jah Yogi!
El evento contará con un breve mensaje de la alcaldesa Kebler sobre el “Estado de la Ciudad” (compartiendo las metas y prioridades para el futuro de Bend), música en vivo, actividades para toda la familia, la policía, y los vehículos de bomberos y calles, además de información y personal de diversos departamentos de la ciudad con información sobre sus programas y servicios.
¡Traiga toda la familia y conozca a la gente que trabaja para su Ciudad de Bend!

The Power Of Food Sovereignty: Diane Wilson And Spring Alaska In Conversation
2024-09-17 11:30 - 12:30 | Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Renowned author of The Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson (Dakota), and founder/CEO of Sakari Farms, Upingaksraq Spring Alaska Schreiner, will discuss the transformative power of literature and food sovereignty work in creating positive change. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so registration is required.
REGISTER HERE
