The Environmental Center

Animal Storytime
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, 2020-09-30 - 2020-10-21 | 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.

Virtual Program: Growing Up Owl
2020-12-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Luna, the Eurasian Eagle-owl, will soon turn 6 months old and she’s done a lot of growing up during that time. Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for a family-friendly virtual program that takes a look back at all the exciting milestones in her first half year through stories, photos, and a live appearance by Luna!
This program will be presented virtually through Zoom. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to access the program.

Family Birding Adventure
2021-01-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join a naturalist as they explore the botanic garden, nature trail, and shore of Lake Aspen in search of Sunriver’s birds. You’ll learn how to spot, identify, and count common birds in the area. This family-friendly program is suited for all ages.
Bring your binoculars if you have them. Additional binoculars will be available to borrow. Expect to walk up to 2 miles. Capacity is limited and masks are required during the hike. Please no dogs or strollers for this program.

Sunriver Nature Hike
2021-03-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spring is in the air, so gather your family and explore! During this naturalist guided hike you’ll journey through forest and meadow habitats to the river looking for signs of wildlife awakening with spring.
This family-friendly excursion requires walking along muddy trails. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Masks and social distancing are required for this hike.

Sunriver Nature Hike
2021-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR

Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
2021-04-22 - 2021-04-25 | OR
Spend an amazing weekend witnessing the spectacular spring migration in the Harney Basin of Southeast Oregon. View thousands of migratory birds as they rest and feed in the open spaces of Oregon’s high desert. Held annually in April in Harney County.
The Harney County Migratory Bird Festival was first held in 1981 ​to celebrate the large annual migration of birds passing through Harney Basin on the Pacific Flyway. Harney Basin is one of the three most important areas left in the western United States for spring migratory birds stopping on their way north.
​Over 300 species of birds use the refuge throughout each year, making Harney Basin a bird watcher’s paradise. Today, we continue to celebrate the migratory birds’ return each year with guided tours led by experts, workshops, and fun activities for both youth and adults.

Family Birding Adventure
2021-05-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join a naturalist as you explore the botanic garden, nature trail, and shore of Lake Aspen in search of Sunriver’s birds. You’ll learn how to spot, identify, and count common birds in the area. This family-friendly program is suited for all ages.
Bring your binoculars if you have them. Additional binoculars will be available to borrow. Expect to walk up to 2 miles. Capacity is limited and masks are required during the hike. Please no dogs or strollers for this program.
Daytime admission to the nature center is included in your program registration. Please feel free to enjoy the nature center upon your return.

Bird Walk
2021-05-08 08:30 - 11:30 | OR
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.

Family Birding Adventure
2021-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | OR

Virtual Workshop: Looking Out for Neonatal Wildlife
2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30 | OR
One of the most exciting parts of spring is the arrival of baby season. Baby birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer and other wildlife can be easily observed in the landscape. Some animals are fiercely independent within a few days of life while others need longer term care by a parent. This virtual workshop will review the development and behavior of commonly encountered wildlife in our area to help you better recognize when a baby animal may need help and intervention from humans.

Farm Kids Spring 2021
2021-05-27, 2021-05-28, 2021-06-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Farm Kids! is an educational program that collaborates with teachers to educate school-aged children about where their food comes from through experiential, curriculum-based activities including field-trips to local farms and classroom presentations.

Spring Field Trips will be held at Windy Acres Dairy in Prineville, DD Ranch in Terrebonne, and Golden Eagle Organics and Juniper Jungle Farm in Bend
Farm Kids is geared toward students in kindergarten through second grade
Students will be in pods of 10 with a dedicated educator leading them through learning stations at the farm

Bird Walk
2021-06-26 08:30 - 11:30 | OR
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!

Family Nature Hike
2021-08-14, 2021-08-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join a naturalist for a guided hike to explore our favorite spots in and around the nature center. We’ll be on the lookout for wildlife as we journey from the forest to the river. Hikes are about an hour long and include admission to the nature center.

Mad Science Family Program
2021-10-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Unleash your inner mad scientist while your family experiments with colorful, fun, and messy chemistry! See if you can inflate balloons using chemical reactions, discover membrane madness to create bouncy eggs, and experience the chaos of making slime, elephant toothpaste and more. Capacity is limited, so secure your family’s spot early.

Transplanting Forest Seedlings Workshop
2021-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During this hands-on workshop and field trip, you’ll learn how to identify and incorporate a variety of native forest seedlings into your landscape. Workshop will take place outdoors.

Amplify Fall Fest
2021-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Educators of color and students of color pursuing a career in education! Check out Amplify Fall Fest by the Central Oregon Regional Educator Network. This is a family-friendly gathering on Saturday, October 23rd from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Tumalo Community School with catered lunch and raffle prizes. For more information, go to www.centraloregoneducators.org.

Bird Walk
2021-10-30 09:30 - 12:00 | OR
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.
