Community conversation on youth mental health
2020-12-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
As we head into winter break and our 8th month living in a global pandemic, mental health and wellness is top of mind. What are the mental health concerns facing our young people? How can we promote mental wellness during such an isolating time?
Join Camp Fire of Central Oregon to share ideas around these and other pressing questions regarding youth and mental health.

2020 SAGE: Stories of Resilience (Episode 1)
2020-12-17
Register and be among the first to watch episode 1 of the 2020 SAGE: “Stories of Resilience” Campaign! Powered by US Bank, this video series will shine a light on accounts of survival and innovation, told by our local Central Oregon business community, as they weather a global pandemic.
Featured companies:
– Collective Pallet
– Mosaic Medical
– Broken Top Candle Co
– Guardian Group
– Heartwarmers
– Holiday Inn Express South Bend
– Pine Mountain Sports
– Red Cross
– St. Charles
– Tower Theatre
– Webfoot

Snowshoeing Northwest Oregon
2021-01-06
New Year, New Adventures!
Oregon Wild snowshoeing presentation was such a success they’re hosting another presentation, this time focused on Northwest Oregon. Oregon Wild’s Wilderness Campaign Coordinator Erik Fernandez will have tips and suggestions regarding everything from safety to gear to picking the most scenic trails. Included will be “Snowshoeing 101” for those new to the activity as well as some tips on locations in the Portland-area and Northwest Oregon area that would be applicable to all ability levels. The presentation will include:

Photography of recommended scenic snowshoeing destinations in Northwest Oregon
The basics of learning to snowshoe
Reference map
What to bring
How to be safe when snowshoeing
Gear (snowshoes and clothing)
End of session Q&A

2020 SAGE: Stories of Resilience (Episode 2)
2021-01-07
Register and be among the first to watch episode 2 of the 2020 SAGE: “Stories of Resilience” Campaign! Powered by US Bank, this video series will shine a light on accounts of survival and innovation, told by our local Central Oregon business community, as they weather a global pandemic.
Featured companies:
– Aperion Management Group
– Baptista Tile Company
– Heart of Oregon Corps
– Leading Edge Aviation
– Northwestern Home Loans
– Redmond Proficiency Academy
– Shift
– The Haven
– Wren and Wild
– Crux Fermentation
– Humm Kombucha
– OSU-Cascades

2020 SAGE: Stories of Resilience (Episode 3)
2021-01-14
Register and be among the first to watch episode 3 of the 2020 SAGE: “Stories of Resilience” Campaign! Powered by US Bank, this video series will shine a light on accounts of survival and innovation, told by our local Central Oregon business community, as they weather a global pandemic.
Featured companies:
– Bunk and Brew
– Cascade Relays
– Furnish Hope
– Production Prints
– MountainStar
– Shepherd’s House Ministries
– The Bulletin
– The Yoga Lab
– Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village
– Volunteers in Medicine
– Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

Bend Chamber Webinar Series: Homelessness Impact and Assistance
2021-01-19
Join the Bend Chamber and panel of experts they discuss the issues our community is facing surrounding the topic of homelessness.
Colleen Thomas: Deschutes County Homeless Services Coordinator
Carolyn Eagan: Economic Development Director for the City of Bend
Cheri Helt: Former State Representative
John Lodise: Director of Emergency Services at Shepherd’s House Ministries

Native Story Hour
2021-01-20
Join Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation) for this story hour featuring songs and books from Native cultures.
Sing, listen, learn, and celebrate. Join Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation) for this story hour featuring songs and books from Native cultures. Children, families, elders, aunties and uncles — everyone is welcome.
Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund.
All abilities are welcome. For disability accommodations, call 503.988.5123 or email help@multcolib.org 2-3 days before a program.

Webcast: Canines for Conservation
2021-01-27
Join Oregon Wild and learn about the remarkable Rogue Detection Teams, rescued dogs and field researchers help scientists tackle important conservation concerns – like collecting data on endangered species through scat detection in remote locations.

Oregon Trails Funding Opportunities Webinar
2021-02-04
How do trail projects in Oregon get funded? Learn more about upcoming opportunities and recent success stories.

About this Event

Learn about grant programs and other funding opportunities for trails in Oregon as well as hear a case study for how the City of Portland and Friends of Gateway Green put a variety of funding sources together to develop a site in East Portland with a system of soft-surface and paved multi-use trails and pump track.

Know Place - Habitat Restoration & Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
2021-02-04
Staff from the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council will give a presentation about the work done by a watershed council and the types of programs and services they provide to Central Oregon. Presenters will give a brief overview of their restoration, monitoring and education programs and also share some of the highlights and stories about specific projects completed in recent years along Whychus Creek that flows through the community of Sisters, Oregon.

Webcast: A First Look at Oregon's River Democracy Act
2021-02-10
Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced the Oregon River Democracy Act of 2021 to better protect clean drinking water sources, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. This historic bill proposes expanding Oregon’s network of Wild & Scenic Rivers by nearly 4,700 miles and would protect segments of numerous key rivers across the state, from the desert streams of Owyhee country to the roaring rivers of the Coast Range.

This legislation is the result of a groundbreaking grassroots nomination, multi-year vetting process, and the work of hundreds of activists and river enthusiasts cheerleading for their backyard rivers, drinking watersheds, fishing holes, hiking trails, kayak routes, and love of the wildlands and rivers of Oregon.
Join Oregon Wild and the Oregon Natural Desert Association give an overview of this incredible legislation and the historic opportunity it presents to protect our rivers as a legacy for future generations.

Celebrating Black History Month with Arielle Estoria
2021-02-12
In recognition of Black History Month COCC is honored to welcome MOsley WOtta, Arielle Estoria, and Dr. Doug Luffborough to share stories of black triumph. Through poetry and storytelling we will celebrate the past and present triumphs of the black community while continuing our efforts to challenge oppressive systems and strive toward a more equitable future.
Arielle Estoria is a renowned poet, author, speaker, and emcee who emphasizes the gift of each individual. Arielle uses her words and storytelling to help others unlock their gifts and find beauty in themselves.

Webcast: Breaking Ground on the Blue Mountains Trail
2021-02-17
Oregon’s Blue Mountains region contains some of the most rugged, diverse, and remote landscapes in the state. Join Oregon Wild for a presentation on the new 566-mile trail that connects Joseph to John Day and traverses all seven wilderness areas in Northeast Oregon.

Nature Night-The Importance of Insects
2021-02-17
Insects play major roles in keeping the natural world healthy and functioning. Not only do they feed (and eat) many other animals, but insects also cycle nutrients, aerate soil, decompose decaying matter, and help pollinate over 80% of the world’s flowering plants, including many of our crops. Despite their importance, recent evidence suggests that between 10-40% of insects are at risk of disappearing. These declines are most clearly documented in charismatic insects such as butterflies, bumble bees, and tiger beetles. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Dr. Tara Cornelisse for a talk on the importance of insects in the natural world. Dr. Cornelisse will share details on the role that insects play in nature, major challenges that insects face, and the stories of some rare and some common insects you are likely to encounter in Central Oregon. Dr. Cornelisse will also offer actions you can take to enjoy and protect insects in your own backyard.
***This virtual event is free and registration is required. Registration for this event will open on January 17th.***

Celebrating Black History Month with Dr. Doug Luffborough (Dr. Luff)
2021-02-23
In recognition of Black History Month COCC is honored to welcome MOsley WOtta, Arielle Estoria, and Dr. Doug Luffborough to share stories of black triumph. Through poetry and storytelling we will celebrate the past and present triumphs of the black community while continuing our efforts to challenge oppressive systems and strive toward a more equitable future.
Dr. Doug Luffborough (Dr. Luff) overcame fatherlessness, homelessness, and unjust systems to be the first in his family to attend college. Chosen by his class at Northeastern University to be the commencement speaker, he thoroughly impressed one attendee in particular, President Bill Clinton. President Clinton invited Dr. Luff and his mother to the White House where he promised to write a letter of recommendation for Luff’s application to a Harvard Graduate program. Dr. Luff then went on to the University of San Diego where he received his Ph.D. in Leadership studies.

Summer Camping Opportunities
2021-02-23
Oregon Parks Forever would like share that summer camping opportunities are still available! While you may be frustrated that some of the most popular sites got booked quickly when the reservation window in State Parks was expanded to six months in advance, there are still plenty of other places you can camp and enjoy our gorgeous state. Join representatives of the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management talk about other options available to you to enjoy your summer adventure!

Virtual Lecture: Einstein, Eddington, and the Challenges of Observational Astronomy
2021-02-25
In December 2020, Paul Poncy, observatory staff astronomer, traveled to Chile to help conduct an experiment during the solar eclipse. In partnership with scientists from Portland Community College and the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium, the group set out to conduct a modern version of the Eddington experiment – an observational test of General Relativity that was first conducted in 1919 and led to support of Albert Einstein’s theory. The goal of the experiment was to use modern day cameras and equipment to reproduce more accurate data; in the end however, weather conditions prevented data collection during the actual event. During this lecture Paul will share his experience preparing for the experiment, traveling to Chile, and future plans for this experiment.

Get The Girls Out | Celebrate International Women's Day
2021-03-05 - 2021-03-07
In celebration of International Women’s Day, SheJumps is hosting a FREE, virtual scavenger hunt to get women and girls outside.

About this Event

This year for International Women’s Day, SheJumps is bringing their signature Get the Girls Out! program to women and girls everywhere. A global initiative to encourage outdoor play, Get the Girls Out! on March 5-7, 2021 is a free virtual event that inspires and encourages participants to get outside through fun challenges that can be accomplished anywhere. Regardless of age, ability, geographic location, or experience in the outdoors, Get the Girls Out! celebrates the power of nature to uplift and inspire.

Deschutes County Virtual Town Hall
2021-03-06
Join Rep. Jason Kropf and Commissioner Phil Chang for a town hall discussion about our county and state. This will be a great opportunity for Bend residents and constituents to learn more about the legislative process, ask questions, and discuss the issues that impact our communities in Deschutes County and all of Oregon.
The event will be hosted via Zoom on Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Spanish language interpretation will be available during the event. Pre-registration is required.
Link can be found in English here: https://form.jotform.com/repjasonkropf/register_townhall
Enlace se puede encontrar en Español aquí: https://form.jotform.com/repjasonkropf/regstrese-a-la-reunion-municipal.

International Women’s Day: Honoring Indigenous Women as Change-makers in Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems
2021-03-08
In Canada and the United States, there are approximately 4.9 million Indigenous women. They are central in their cultures and societies as leaders and knowledge holders. Indigenous women’s leadership in fields including policy, law, medicine, food systems, research, land stewardship, nutritional health and food sovereignty are setting the course for current and future generations.
On International Women’s Day, join the FAO Liaison Office for North America and the Indigenous Peoples Unit for a webinar honoring Indigenous women of North America as change-makers in their work to achieve zero hunger and end malnutrition for their communities and globally.

International Women's Day, “Honoring our Matriarchs”
2021-03-08
The Papalaxsimisha Program in Warm Springs is putting on a virtual event in honor of International Women’s Day, “Honoring our Matriarchs,” featuring Jillene Joseph, KJ Quaid, Corinne Sams, and Se-ah-dom Edmo. Join zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86547105467

Womxn in Conservation: Lunchtime Chat
2021-03-11
Join Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation for a virtual lunchtime chat with one of their own Central Oregon womxn leaders–Kate Fitzpatrick, the new executive director of the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC). Prior to becoming the executive director, Kate was a program manager for the DRC for 15 years where she led the multi-stakeholder collaborative Basin Study Work Group. During this event, you will hear Kate talk about how she decided to apply for the executive director role, the application and interview process, and leadership throughout her career. Bring your questions and your lunch.

Nature Night-Reciprocity with the Natural World
2021-03-17
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer for a talk on our connections with the natural world. Drawing upon both scientific and indigenous knowledge, Dr. Kimmerer will explore the idea of reciprocity, how we might use the gifts of the Earth, and the responsibilities that humans have to support the mutual thriving of ourselves and the world around us.
***This virtual event is free and registration is required. Registration for this event will open on February 17th.***

Adapting to a Future with Fire: Preparing Our Communities and Our Landscapes
2021-03-23
Great Old Broads for Wilderness are hosting a four-part webcast series this month on fire. While the first of the presentations on March 2nd – Fire in the Forest: A Natural Process and Unnatural Changes -has already filled up (it will simul-cast to their Facebook page), be sure to take a look at the other three offerings. Click here for more details on each presentation and and follow the links below sign up!

Webcast: Old-growth forests across the US
2021-03-24
Joan Maloof was so inspired by what she saw visiting old-growth forests that she founded a national organization to preserve them and help make them accessible for the next generation. Join Maloof as she describes what makes the ancient forests so special, where they are located in Oregon, and how you can help protect them.

Legislative Update with Sen. Jeff Merkley
2021-03-25
Join the Bend Chamber and Senator Jeff Merkley for a legislative update. Senator Merkley will discuss the proposed COVID-19 relief package, a Federal stimulus update and other key legislative proposals planned for 2021.
This webinar will be followed by a brief Q&A session with Senator Merkley.

Oregon’s History of African American and Japanese Timber Workers
2021-03-25
This webinar will provide an introduction to the story of African American and Japanese timber workers in the state of Oregon. We hope you can join to learn more about Oregon’s multicultural timber industry and the communities that helped build it.
Featured speakers:
Gwendolyn Trice, Founder & Executive Director of the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center
Linda Tamura, Professor Emerita of Education at Willamette University and a co-editor-in-chief of The Oregon Encyclopedia
Moderator: Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics.

Exploring Wilderness Using LIDAR Imaging
2021-03-29
How and Why to use LIDAR images in combination with your other mapping resources to get a more complete picture of areas you want to explore.
Online Presentation by Tony Cannon, Chairman of the Umpqua Watersheds Wilderness Committee.
Tony will do a short presentation on what LIDAR is, how to use it, why you should, followed by a real time Q& A from the audience.

Legislative Update with Sen. Ron Wyden
2021-03-30
Join the Bend Chamber and Senator Ron Wyden for a legislative update. Senator Wyden will discuss the proposed COVID-19 relief package, a Federal stimulus update and the Wild and Scenic Rivers legislation.
Session will be followed by a brief Q&A where Senator Wyden will answer your important questions.

The Geological Journey of Desert Rivers
2021-03-30
Join ONDA for the second event in the 2021 High Desert Speaker Series, featuring Dr. Elizabeth Safran, Associate Professor of Geological Science at Lewis & Clark. Follow the course of Oregon’s wild rivers as they journey through the lively geology of the high desert, and learn about how the geologic history of eastern Oregon – from landslides to lava flows – has interacted with and influenced beloved desert waterways like the Owyhee River.
This event will be hosted online, beginning at 5:30 p.m. PST. Registration is free and required. All registrants will be entered to win a giveaway prize package!
