Dive into the Hive: Explore the World of High Desert Bees
2024-01-23 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
January 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Online, Free
Discover Oregon’s high desert bees in a captivating online presentation by Lincoln Best where he’ll explore their diversity, habitats and crucial ecological roles. Register here.
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We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

January Green Drinks: Learn About Wildfire in the Deschutes National Forest
2024-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Cascade Lakes Pub, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Discover Your Forest’s Wildland Fire Education Coordinator will host an evening of conversation and trivia focusing on wildland fire and Central Oregon’s forest ecosystems. The conversation will highlight Discover Your Forest’s partnership with the Forest Service and other local organizations to create public education opportunities supporting the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
REGISTER HERE!

A Journey Through the Owyhee Canyonlands
2024-02-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
February 8, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Online, Free
Embark on a journey with ONDA board and staff through Oregon’s awe-inspiring Owyhee Canyonlands. They’ll highlight this region’s natural landscapes, cultural significance, wildlife habitats and ONDA’s conservation efforts. Register here.

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We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

Raise the Deschutes - A River Runs Through It
2024-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Meadow Lakes Golf Course & Restaurant, 300 Southwest Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville, OR, United States
Collaborative Strategies for the Future of the Crooked River
Join us for a discussion focused on balancing water conservation, agricultural needs, and sustainable management of the Crooked River. This seminar unites experts and community members to explore joint efforts in securing a resilient water future for Crook County — for fish, farms, and families alike.
Panelists:
Bill Nasham – Crook County Water Master
Bruce Scanlon – General Manager of Ochoco Irrigation District
Peter Lickwar – US Fish and Wildlife Service
Moderator: Lisa Seales – Program Manager – Deschutes River Conservancy
REGISTER HERE

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

Science Pub: Klamath Dam Removal and Beyond
2024-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The largest dam removal in U.S. history is underway on Oregon’s Klamath River. Come hear from OSU’s biological engineer Desiree Tullos and anthropologist Bryan Tilt about the complex issues involved in the project including the hopeful impacts for ecosystems and Native peoples.
When: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 6 p.pm, Networking
9 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Presentation and Q&A
Registration Fee:
$22 per person includes:
Networking
Heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by OSU-Cascades’ Edge Catering
No-host bar with beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.
Event Limited to 100 people
Where:
OSU-Cascades
Edward J. Ray Hall
1500 SW Chandler Ave
Bend Oregon 97702
For any questions regarding payment for registration or event, please email events@osucascades.edu
Full refunds provided for cancelations submitted 48 hours prior to event start day/time (no later than 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 17th)

Cultivating Partnerships: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Science in Land Stewardship
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Experience an enlightening evening with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg as she delves into ecocultural restoration and the fusion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science in land stewardship. ONDA Stewardship Director Gena Goodman-Campbell will explore current ONDA initiatives to restore Oregon’s high desert and foster partnerships with the region’s tribes. Buy tickets in Bend.
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We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

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.

Wild Wednesday Event: What's With All The Stumps?
2024-03-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Have you noticed all of the logging happening near the Phil’s trail complex and other favorite nearby trails in central Oregon? If you’re like us, you might have thought some of it looked fine and some looked too aggressive. Join Oregon Wild in Bend on March 27 for a discussion about what’s going on with all the logging on the Deschutes National Forest. How do these forest management decisions impact recreation, wildlife, climate change, and fire risk? We’ll explore what’s happening in our local forests, its impacts, and how you can engage to influence what happens in the future.

Webcast: Geology and Natural History of the John Day River Basin
2024-04-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
The geology of the John Day basin is complex and records a rich history of changing environments including deep oceans, subtropical rainforests, temperate forests, and sagebrush steppes. Volcanic and tectonic activity in the region not only built the land that we see today, but also helps us to know the age of the rocks that the land is built from. The John Day River and its tributaries, both current and ancestral, have helped to expose many of these rocks and to even deposit some of them, allowing us to learn and explore these stories. The John Day River basin is critical to our understanding of the past of the region which is preserved through a variety of public and private land.
Join us on April 3rd at 6pm as we welcome Nicholas Famoso, Paleontology Program Manager for the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to take us on a journey through the geologic and natural history of the John Day River basin.
We will be raffling off a copy of Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A Hiking Guide and a “Wild: The Oregon Way” t-shirt. Tickets are $5 and are an optional purchase below. Raffle tickets not only help us continue these Wednesday presentations but also support our work safeguarding Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters.
REGISTER HERE

Tracing Geological History Through Rocks and Minerals in Oregon's Desert
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Immerse yourself in the world of Oregon’s desert rocks and minerals as Alison Jean Cole explores the region’s geological history through rock collecting in balance with conservation. Buy tickets in Bend.
—
We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

Deschutes RiverFeast
2024-05-04 17:00 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Join us for a night dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the majestic Deschutes River. The Deschutes River Conservancy’s annual River Feast Dinner and Auction on May 4th will showcase an evening of gourmet dining, engaging conversation, and exciting silent and live auctions; all in support of the Deschutes River. Secure your ticket today for a memorable night that contributes to a thriving river ecosystem for future generations.
Interested in buying a full table? Simply add 8 seats and we will set aside a table just for you and your friends! Contact rebekah@deschutesriver.org with questions.
Get tickets here!

Nature Kids: Flower Power!
2024-05-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10. Kids and their families can explore, imagine, and grow through hands-on activities and experiences outside. During May, we’ll explore the world of flowers! Learn how a flower’s size, shape, color, and smell have the power to attract unique pollinators. Meet other families, learn more about the natural world around us, and have fun! Offered on the second Wednesday and last Saturday of the month April-October at Land Trust Preserves and in Bend. Perfect for kids ages 5-10 with a grown-up in tow. Registration is helpful, but not required. Registrants will receive important event details and directions leading up to the outing. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
REGISTER HERE!

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.

Oregon Active Transportation Summit
2024-06-05 - 2024-06-07 | Leftbank Annex, North Weidler Street, Portland, OR, 97227, United States
This year’s Oregon Active Transportation Summit, Move Oregon Forward, will ground our community of advocates, organizers, professionals, and decision-makers in the shared belief that a better future is possible. Register today and join us June 5-7 at the Leftbank Annex in Portland, OR.
Who Should Attend?
Each year, hundreds of professionals and advocates from Oregon and SW Washington convene to discuss cutting edge transportation issues. Attendees include: state legislators; policy makers; local and national figures in the biking, walking, and active transportation movement; directors of transportation departments and community-based organizations; engineers and planners; land managers; business owners; health professionals; and community advocates. We hope you will join this wide array of leaders to share lessons and learn. Active transportation advocates and practitioners bring energy and passion for change to this event, and the result is a powerful conference that advances our shared goals.
What to Expect
We’re planning a myriad of presentations, workshops, and field trips to bring attendees together to problem-solve and build community in real time. Expect a full schedule of fun and interesting activities!

Line 3 Documentary: Stop New Gas Infrastructure in Central Oregon
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:15
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.

City Club: How Wildfire Decisions are Made
2024-06-20 11:30 - 13:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
The focus of this forum is to discuss how decisions are made to fight a wildfire when they start. Particularly, how decisions differ based on the area and/or type of land where they start: wilderness, urban interface, grasslands and tribal lands.

What agencies are involved and how do they coordinate?
What are decision-making points for fire managers?
Where does funding come from?
Why do some fires receive massive resources and others do not?

Speakers:

Kevin Moriarty, Deschutes County Forester
Shawn Jaca, Central Oregon Fire Management, US Forest Service
Trey Leonard, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
James Osborne, Central Oregon Fire Management, BLM

Moderated by: Jessica Neujahr, Oregon Dept of Forestry
A feature story on the topic will appear in the June 16 issue of The Bulletin.
REGISTER HERE

Wildflower Show & Pollinator Festival
2024-06-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Wildflower Show & Pollinator Festival
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9am – 3pm
Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the High Desert Chapter of the Native Plant Society as we celebrate the diversity of wildflowers in Oregon and the pollinators who love them. Fun for the whole family includes:

Wildflower display showcasing hundreds of native wildflowers
Guided wildflower walks in the botanic garden
Guided wildflower and pollinator walks
Educational talks and demonstrations
Children’s activities and crafts
Native plants for sale
Educational stations and resources
Local art and photography vendors

AdvenTours: Scenic Hike at Smith Rock State Park
2024-07-13 08:30 - 12:30 | Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR, 97760, United States
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that initially may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, we will enjoy the reward of stunning views and learn about the incredible geologic history of Smith Rock State Park!
Naturalist Guided Experience: Arriving at the awe-inspiring Smith Rock State Park, we. will begin our descent into the Crooked River canyon and hike along the spectacular riparian habitat. From here our options are many, from a beautiful and flat wander along the river scouting for otters and osprey to a steeper hike up a ridge for stunning views of the Cascade Mountains! Both hikes will enliven the senses and spark wonder at the fantastic geology that shapes this incredible canyon.
Learn more and register here!

Nature Journaling at Whychus Canyon Preserve
2024-07-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Interested in learning how to combine outdoor writing and sketching with your joy of exploring nature? Join Deschutes Land Trust volunteer and passionate journaler, Kolby Kirk, for a morning of learning tips and techniques for keeping a journal while exploring Whychus Canyon Preserve’s hiking trails! We’ll discuss ways of seeing and recording the landscape, explore reasons for keeping a trail journal, and learn tips for quickly sketching flora/fauna for later identification. No journaling experience needed. Registration is required.
REGISTER HERE

Tree-Mendous Victory Party
2024-07-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come celebrate a momentous legal victory that preserved large and mature trees across 7 million acres of Oregon’s and Washington’s eastside forests with live reggae from Rubbah Tree and many tree-themed activities! Hosted by Worthy Brewing, featuring activities from Central Oregon LandWatch, Crag Law Center, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Greater Hells Canyon Council, Oregon Wild, Sierra Club Juniper Group, and WildEarth Guardians.
This event is free and open to all. RSVP online here or at colw.org/events

River to Fields: Explore How Irrigation Affects Our Landscape
2024-07-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Pioneer Park, Northwest Wall Street, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Tour the Irrigation Diversions Along the Upper/Middle Deschutes River.
Learn where the water goes, how it’s used on the land, and what happens downstream. Get an on-the-ground look at local water management and the related environmental impact. Great for anyone interested in water conservation and river health in the Deschutes Basin.
The tour starts at Pioneer Park and will move to the point of diversion (across from Fyre of Bend) before ending at Sawyer Park. Drinks will be provided after the tour at the park.
Tour Leaders:

Josh Bailey, General Manager, North Unit Irrigation District
Baxter Davies, Operations Manager, Central Oregon Irrigation District
Jeremy Giffin, Watermaster for Central Oregon, Oregon Water Resources Department

This event is free, but please only register if you are sure you’re planning to come.
We encourage carpooling as parking will be limited near the irrigation diversion.
REGISTER HERE!

2024 Annual Deschutes River Cleanup
2024-07-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Farewell Bend Park, 1000 SW Reed Market Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is hosting the 28th annual Deschutes River Cleanup! Cleanup activities will take place at six different sites on the Deschutes River where volunteers will help pull invasive weeds and remove litter from the river and its streambanks. The cleanup sites are Farewell Bend Park, First Street Trail, La Pine State Park, Riverbend Park, Sunriver, and Tumalo State Park.
You will register for a specific site when you sign up. While much of the work will take place along the streambanks, we are excited to once again have several scuba divers from Central Oregon Diving and Deschutes County Search and Rescue join us this year! We are seeking fifty paddlers to support our divers on the water in the Old Mill District during the cleanup.
One week prior to the event, you will receive an email with specific site details and meeting logistics. On the morning of the cleanup, you will meet your volunteer host at 9:00 am at the site you selected. Please double-check your email to make sure you are going to the correct cleanup location. We encourage all volunteers to come prepared with sturdy shoes, a hat and sun protection, gloves, a water bottle, and snacks.
For all volunteers who register for Farewell Bend and Riverbend Park, please meet your site host at the Farewell Bend shelter at 9:00 am. There will be a brief introduction and thank you to partners and sponsors prior to cleanup activities. If you registered as a paddler, you will be partnered with a scuba diver to assist them on the water. You must bring a whistle, PFD, and a throwable safety device in order to participate on the water.
Thank you to our fabulous event sponsors: Bend Park and Recreation District, Car Stickers, The City of Bend, Confluence Fly Shop, Luno, Mt. Bachelor/Sun Country Tours, Qorvo, REI, SOLV Energy, Tumalo Creek, and Visit Bend!
The volunteer appreciation celebration will take place near Confluence Fly Shop in the afternoon following the cleanup from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Wrap-up activities will include volunteer acknowledgment, thank you to sponsors, door prize giveaways, beverages, and food. What a wonderful way to celebrate a day of hard work and active stewardship!
The Deschutes River Cleanup is an opportunity for us to come together to steward the Deschutes River and its riparian areas. Recreation in and around the Deschutes River has led to significant impacts to the health of the river and in order to keep our river beautiful and protect water quality for fish and wildlife, the Watershed Council coordinates the Deschutes River Cleanup every year. Thank you for your support as a river steward!
REGISTER HERE

Greater Hart-Sheldon Comment Writing Workshop
2024-07-30 17:30 - 18:30
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association’s Conservation Director Mark Salvo for a workshop on how to write compelling comments to conserve 3.2 million acres of public lands in the Greater Hart-Sheldon. The focus of the workshop will be the Bureau of Land Management’s draft Lakeview Resource Management Plan Amendment.
This event is free and open to the public. Please register and join us for the workshop!

AdvenTours: Lava Lands National Monument Hike and Stargazing
2024-08-03 19:30 - 23:00 | Lava Lands Visitors Center, https://www.google.com/maps/place/4354'34.5N+12121'32.9W/@43.909578,-121.359151,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d43.909578!4d-121.359151?entry=ttu, Bend, OR, 97707, United States
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that initially may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, we will explore Lava Lands National Monument, gaining an understanding for Central Oregon’s volcanic history and immersing ourselves under the night sky!
Naturalist Guided Experience: This adventure will take us to Lava Lands, an amazing 10 square mile lava field just south of Bend. We will hit the trail and head towards the incredible Kipuka, an island of trees that thrive amongst a sea of ancient lava flows. Your guide will share stories and wisdom about Central Oregon’s uncanny geology as we search for inspiring vistas as the sun descends behind the mighty Cascade Mountains. Once the sun’s glow has waned, we will turn our attention skyward, as your guide will impart their knowledge of the twinkling heavens above!
Learn more and register here!

Stream Sampling on Whychus Creek
2024-08-15 08:30 - 16:00, 2024-08-16 08:30 - 16:00 | Creekside City Park, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Sampling aquatic insects, including mayflies and stoneflies, provides important insights into the health of Whychus Creek. Volunteers meet at Creekside Park in Sisters for a sampling training, then, in teams of two to four, use nets to collect aquatic insect samples from the stream at sites along Whychus. This event is a great opportunity to learn about habitat restoration on Whychus Creek for salmon and steelhead, spend a day along less-visited reaches of the creek, and contribute to knowledge about how restoration actions are changing stream conditions.
UDWC will host our 14th annual Stream Sampling on Whychus Creek event on August 15th and 16th, 2024! This will be our 14th consecutive year collecting aquatic insect (macroinvertebrate) samples to learn about how physical habitat conditions for native trout and salmon and other aquatic organisms are changing alongside stream flow and stream habitat restoration work by UDWC and our partners.
2024 sample collection will focus on the following reaches of Whychus Creek:

Recently restored reaches at Deschutes Land Trust’s Rimrock Ranch Preserve, and at Creekside Park in Sisters;
Older restoration sites including Whychus Canyon Preserve Phase 1, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve upstream reaches, and Whychus Floodplain on National Forest lands upstream of Sisters);
Samples from unrestored, “control” reaches at Whychus Canyon Preserve; and
Samples from Alder Springs and upstream of USFS Road 6360, both affected by stream flow restoration but where no habitat restoration has occurred.

We will collect 18 samples over two days with restoration partners and community volunteers, working in teams of 2-4. You can register for one day or both at the links below:
Thursday, August 15th REGISTER
Friday, August 16th REGISTER

Shiny Happy People—The Paradoxes of Living in Central Oregon
2024-08-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
In our high desert community of Central Oregon, the allure of natural beauty and a desirable lifestyle often comes with hidden challenges. Residents are frequently faced with the high cost of living, employment hurdles, and soaring housing prices, making it difficult to find the happiness and well-being they sought in arriving here. This City Club Forum will address these unique paradoxes, fostering explorations on self-care and community well-being amidst these realities. We will spark conversations about what constitutes personal happiness in our growing mountain town, including its impact on employment, aspirations and growth.
Objectives

Explore Paradoxes of Happiness: Understand the contrast between the idyllic perception and practical challenges of living here.
Promote Well-Being: Share strategies to enhance personal well-being and community thriving.
Facilitate Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about self-care and communal support, why both matter, and personal next steps.

Forum Benefits

Gain Insights: Learn about the realities of living in a place “everyone wants to move to for the lifestyle.”
Reinforce Self-Care: Discover practical self-care strategies to enhance well-being.
Build Community: Connect with others to create a supportive community network.
Engage in Conversations: Participate in discussions about personal experiences and strategies for well-being.
Access Resources: Get information on local resources for housing, employment, and health.
Foster Support: Share stories and navigate the paradoxes of happiness together.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on balancing the charm and challenges of life in Central Oregon, and discover how to thrive amidst the paradoxes.
REGISTER HERE!

Weeding at Franklin’s Corner
2024-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Franklin’s Corner Pollinator Garden, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
No registration. Just show up.
NE 9th and NE Franklin, Bend
Parking on NE Larch. Drive east on NE Franklin to NE 10th Street, turn right and proceed one block to NE Larch, turn right.
Bring weeding tools, shovel, bucket, gloves, hat, sunscreen, water. Friends and family are welcome. This is an outdoor event. We’ll cancel if it’s too hot or smoky.
Franklin’s Corner pollinator garden demonstrates waterwise landscaping with native pollinator plants. It’s maintained entirely by volunteers.
