The Environmental Center

Bird Walk
2017-05-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Walk on the wild side! Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars!
Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Face coverings are required while birding. Expect to walk approximately 3 to 4 miles along various trails. Please no strollers or dogs. Wear sturdy and water-resistant footwear and bring a bottle of water and a pair of binoculars with you. Bird walks are geared toward adults.
A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow.

Discover Nature Festival
2017-09-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, Discover Nature Festival offers over 30 outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy! FREE event.

Gear Repair Station with The Gear Fix, Presenting Sponsor
Climbing Wall
Wild Side Play Area
Fire Fighter Challenge
Bat Cave
Read with a Ranger
Bike Obstacle Course
Fly Casting Practice
Story Walk
Watery Wonders
Skulls, Tracks, and Pelts
Nature Mandala
The 10 Essentials
Crosscut Saw Demonstration
Braintan Leather Demonstration
Slacklining
Obstacle Course
Solar Viewing
Mural Project
Tiny Explores Zone for young children
Plus, much more!

This year, raffle tickets will be sold ($5/each) for awesome outdoor gear and experiences including rafting trips, summer camp scholarships, a High Desert Museum membership, and more. Spanish language interpreters will be available to assist families.

PuddleStompers: Watery Wonders
2018-03-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spark a sense of wonder for nature through imaginative play, exploration, songs and stories. This week’s program is Watery Wonders with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. Free!

PuddleStompers is a special series just for ages 3-5 and family. Spark a sense of wonder for nature through imaginative play, exploration, songs and stories. Each event features a different partner and theme, and connects families to plants, wildlife, and local parks and natural places.
Program Dates
03/17/2018- Watery Wonders
04/14/2018- Fledging Fun
05/12/2018- Fantastic Flowers
06/09/2018- Wildlife is Everywhere

Garden Educator Network Meeting
2018-06-04 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Three Rivers Elementary School, 56900 Enterprise Dr, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Please join us at Three Rivers School in Sunriver for an end of year Regional Gathering for farm and garden based educators in Central Oregon. The purpose of the Gathering is to share resources, provide networking opportunities, and address region-specific challenges. Our focus for this June event is to share what you have been up to in your school garden projects this spring, as well as your plans for (or questions about) summer maintenance. Plus, we will hear from the Three Rivers Wellness Committee and see their new small indoor garden made out of shopping carts!
The Environmental Center has taken on a new role as Regional Education Hub Lead for the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network for Central Oregon. In this role, we’ll provide region specific resources and ongoing responsive technical assistance, work to address region-specific challenges and networking opportunities including Regional Gatherings. For questions or support contact Denise Rowcroft, denise@envirocenter.org, 541-385-6908 x14

Discover Nature Day: Beautiful Butterflies
2018-07-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Beautiful Butterflies presented by Children’s Forest of Central Oregon. Butterflies are important pollinators with a fascinating life-cycle. Come learn about their stages of life, and some of the fascinating journeys of our beautiful butterfly friends.

Ages 5-10! Free

Tiny Explorers: Sounds of Nature
2018-07-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Tiny Explorers encourages new parents to kickstart a healthy life enjoying the outdoors by getting their little ones outdoors starting at a young age. The program is targeted at new families with infants and toddlers, from birth to 3 years old.

Each week has a different theme and we’ll explore the outdoors, incorporating activities as we go. Parents will also learn safety tips for bringing little ones outdoors and more ideas for getting your family outside. Families with newborns to 3 year olds are welcome, and older siblings are invited to attend. Activities will encourage exploration of the natural world, connecting with our senses, and play. The activities can be adapted for your child’s age and development, and we’ll provide a space for families to network with each other.
Families with newborns or infants that aren’t mobile should bring a baby carrier and blanket. Families that qualify for the Oregon Health Plan can access free baby carriers and other outdoor gear, including a sunhat and sunscreen.
The program is offered as a 4-week series, and families are welcome to attend as many events as they are able.
Program dates: Thursdays, July 5, July12, July 19, and July 26.

Discover Nature Festival
2018-09-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Riverbend Park, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Discover Nature Festival is a fun and action-packed event that engages families in outdoor recreation and learning. The 4th Annual Discover Nature Festival is a free community event to be held on Sunday, September 9th, 2018 at Riverbend Park in Bend, Oregon. The event will feature:

Over 35 hands-on outdoor activities presented by more than 20 organizations
Recreation activities including climbing wall, archery, fly casting practice, Leave No Trace activities, survival skills, and a bike rodeo
Nature education activities including birding, wildlife tracking, live birds, and volcano demonstrations
Health and wellness activities highlighting the benefits of staying active, getting outdoors, and healthy eating

Discover Nature Festival provides kids and families a fun day to try new outdoor activities, learn about the natural world, challenge themselves, and spend time together!

Earth Day Fair & Parade
2019-04-20 11:30 - 15:00 | Downtown Bend, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
FOR FULL EVENT INFO, VISIT OUR EARTH DAY WEBPAGE.
Join The Environmental Center for a fun and festive celebration of the natural world! Our day of festivities kicks off with a colorful, creative parade and with tunes from B Side Brass Band. You’re sure to feel the energy at one of Bend’s best parades!
11:00 am: Assemble on Louisiana Avenue next to McMenamin’s
11:30 am: Parade starts (about 8 blocks through downtown Bend)
No motorized vehicles in the parade. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. Costumes encouraged!
The fair takes place on Kansas Avenue in front of The Environmental Center (downtown Bend) from 12pm – 3pm. Featuring live music from Maxwell Friedman Group and a street fair with local businesses, nonprofits, and a variety of food carts. Head over to Troy Field for the Kid’s Zone to enjoy interactive activities and games for all ages.
Big thanks to local artist Megan Marie Myers for creating this year’s original Earth Day artwork! Her design is a beautiful interpretation the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world. Be sure to visit Megan’s booth during the fair!

Eco Hero Adventures Summer Camp [Session 2]
2019-07-22, 2019-07-23, 2019-07-24, 2019-07-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What is sustainability and how can I live lighter? Your child can discover the answers to these questions and more while biking, swimming, and exploring our town. Campers will learn about sustainable food, renewable energy, environmental ethics, and how to bike safely around Bend.
Ages: Entering grades 4, 5 and 6
Times: 9AM – 5PM (Drop off 8:45)
Cost: $275/child or $225/child for 2+ siblings
Session 1 : July 8 – July 11, 2019
Session 2 : July 22 – July 25, 2019
Session 3 : August 5 – August 8, 2019
REGISTER HERE!
Scholarships may be available. Contact Jackie Wilson for more info.

Discover Nature Festival
2019-09-21 11:00 - 15:00 | Riverbend Park, Bend, OR, 97702, United States

Postponed: Central Oregon Outdoor School Community Network Gathering
2020-04-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Aninformal gathering of people who love Outdoor School. Connect with one another, look to the future of Outdoor School, and explore opportunities to help support Outdoor School in Central Oregon.
No matter your skill set, time availability, or experience level, there are opportunities for you to publicly express you commitment to and belief in the benefits of this amazing program and transformative experience for students. Let’s explore some of the challenges local Outdoor Schools have and work together to solve issues and achieve our shared vision: that EVERY student in Oregon attends a week of Outdoor School! Come celebrate and learn how you might choose to be involved.

Bird Walk
2020-07-11, 2020-07-18, 2020-07-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Walk on the wild side! Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars!
Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Expect to walk approximately 3 to 4 miles along various trails.

Animal Storytime
2020-08-24, 2020-08-25, 2020-08-31, 2020-09-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for a family storytime with an appearance by a live animal guest.
Pre-registration is required and storytimes are limited to four families (up to five people per family).
Masks are required (ages 3+). Please bring a blanket or towel to sit on.
Check in for storytime at the nature center.

Twilight Talk: Eurasian Eagle-owl
2020-09-01, 2020-09-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory newest animal ambassador, join for a twilight talk outdoors featuring the owlet. You’ll hear from SNCO’s animal care team all about how the owl came to live at the nature center and what it takes to raise a baby owl.
This program will take place outdoors in the amphitheater. Masks are required (ages 3+) and capacity is limited to allow for physical distancing.

Twilight Talks
2020-09-09 - 2020-09-30, 2020-09-13 - 2020-10-04, 2020-09-16 - 2020-10-07, 2020-09-20 - 2020-10-11, 2020-09-23 - 2020-10-14, 2020-09-27 - 2020-10-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join members of the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory team as they share their passion for science through a series of engaging twilight talks throughout the fall. Talks will take place outdoors in the amphitheater and a different topic will be presented each night. Questions are always welcome and lively discussion is encouraged!
SNCO Members receive a 20% discount.
Face masks are required for all registrants and capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. All programs are weather permitting.

Twilight Talk: Mighty Jupiter
2020-09-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador Ian Sherman for a detailed look at Jupiter. Ian’s passion for Jupiter will give you new insight into the wonders and mysteries of this mighty planet.
