The Environmental Center

Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-08-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-09-03 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-09-17 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Green Building Tour 2024
2024-09-28 09:00 - 18:00 | OSU Cascades, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
REGISTER HERE!
The Green Building Tour is a showcase for real-world solutions that address the climate impact of buildings in Central Oregon. From architects and contractors to DIYers, the tour’s sites illuminate how high performance structures can be healthy, cost effective, and impactful options for all. Green buildings’ benefits are often invisible to both consumers in addition to building sector professionals. The Green Building Tour addresses this by connecting attendees with the tools and know-how that break down barriers to building more sustainably. This highly anticipated event brings building better enthusiasts into conversation with one another about paths to climate-resilient living.
For the 22nd year of the Green Building Tour we are excited to try a slightly different structure. Themes include Building Dense Livable Cities, Electrification, Water Resiliency in the High Desert, and Healthy Materials Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). The Environmental Center will host participants for a full day of theme-based activities on September 28th. Part I: Summit – From 9:00 to 1:00 community members gather at OSU Cascades, Tykeson Hall for featured speakers, community workshops, and educational booths. Part II: Tour – From 1:00-5:00 pm, we’ll see themes demonstrated in the field with a tour of four community sites that highlight local energy-saving solutions that connect to our themes. The Green Building Tour will inspire attendees to take action wherever they are on their journey to living more sustainably.

REGISTER HERE

Fall Social and Seed Swap
2024-10-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Welcome to the Fall Social and Seed Swap! Join us on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 at 5:30 PM at Worthy Brewing Company for a fun evening of mingling, swapping seeds, and sharing garden stories. Whether you’re a seasoned native plant gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for connecting with fellow native plant enthusiasts .
We’ll provide some light refreshements. Drinks avaialble for purchase.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the Pollinator Pathway, make new friends, and enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere. See you there!
Register here

Livable Future Forum
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How do we meet our community’s needs without compromising the environment and all that makes Central Oregon so incredible?
Through our Livable Future Forum, we’ll explore that question and more as LandWatch program directors chat with knowledgeable local leaders about land use and livability topics. From the fascinating life and times of mule deer to the reality of farming in the high desert to the creative work of developing Complete Communities, you’ll gain new insight into the many ways land use decision making is foundational to life in our region — and learn how you can participate in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for Central Oregon.
Events will be on Oct. 3, Oct 23, and Nov. 13. All events will start at 7 pm and take place at Open Space Event Studios in the Bend Central District.
Each event in this three-part series will feature a LandWatch program director in conversation with fellow local experts covering a range of topics on land use and regional livability.
REGISTER FOR ALL THREE EVENTS
On October 3, we’ll start out by looking closely at the lives of mule deer, with the High Desert Museum’s Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. You see deer often, but how much do you know about this shy, fascinating species? Find out.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 3 ONLY
On October 23, we’ll talk about farming in the high desert with local farmers and ambitious entrepreneurs Megan Kellner-Rode and Cate Havstad.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 23 ONLY
And, on November 13, following hot on the heels of the national election, we will host a lively session all about how we can act locally to create Complete Communities to ensure a more equitable, climate-resilient future.
GET TICKETS FOR NOV 13 ONLY

Climate Resilience in Housing Panel
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
RSVP HERE!

Home Energy Assessment: Empower Your Home
2025-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Becky Johnson Community Center, 412 SW 8th St, Redmond, OR 97756, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Do you qualify for upgrades to lower home energy costs?

This event will be recorded. A link will be available here later.
Join The Environmental Center (TEC) for a hands-on session on improving comfort and reducing energy costs for your home! TECs mission is to weave sustainability into the everyday lives of Central Oregon residents, and we’re committed to helping underserved communities access resources for a healthier, greener future.
The Environmental Center and Energy Trust of Oregon are collaborating to provide energy-saving solutions to communities that have often been overlooked, including low- to moderate-income households, people of color, Indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, and rural residents. Through our free energy assessments, you’ll be connected to incentives and resources that make home upgrades like insulation, efficient heating, hybrid water heaters, and new windows more affordable, comfortable, and accessible.
In addition to sharing resources for TEC’s free program, resources for standard incentives beyond the program will be shared, so there’s something for everyone trying to have more sustainable, low-cost upgrades for your home. Find out more about the Home Energy Assessment program at https://envirocenter.org/programs/the-energy-challenge/hea/
Event Highlights:

Learn how the Home Energy Assessment program works and whether you qualify for assistance.
Get guidance on signing up and accessing free or low-cost energy upgrades.
Connect with Environmental Center staff ready to answer your questions about sustainability upgrades.

Questions? Contact laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org

Happy Hour in the Garden - Bend
2025-03-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-04-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-06 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-20 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Come join us in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden in Downtown Bend for Happy Hour in the Garden! This is an ongoing volunteer drop in event, where you provide the help and we provide beverages. No experience necessary, family friendly event. All tools and tasks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves if you like. No need to RSVP, come for an hour or both. Dates are currently scheduled for the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4-6pm, March through May. Stay tuned for future Happy Hour opportunities!

Sustainable Growth & Land Management in Bend: Balancing Development and Retaining Bend's Uniqueness
2025-03-20 11:30 - 13:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Join City Club for an engaging discussion on growth and land management in Bend. As the city continues to experience rapid expansion, this event will explore strategies for balancing sustainable development with environmental conservation and community needs. Hear from local experts, policymakers, and urban planners about innovative approaches to land use, protecting natural resources, and fostering a resilient future for Bend, while preserving what helps make Bend unique.
Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community advocate, this event is an opportunity to learn and collaborate on shaping Bend’s growth responsibly.

Happy Hour in the Garden - Bend (April 1st cancelled due to weather)
2025-04-01 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
