The Environmental Center

Global Climate Strike Bend
2023-09-15 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall St, Bend, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition and Fridays for Future Bend, along with other local partners, for the Global Climate Strike at Bend City Hall on September 15th, starting at 5pm.
“This is a family-friendly, peaceful strike put on by Fridays for Future Bend, Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition, and many other organizations. Anyone who loves the Earth and wants to fight for it is welcome!”

Discover Nature Festival
2023-09-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Alpenglow Community Park, 61049 SE 15th St OR 97702, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Discover Nature Festival is returning in 2023! Discover Nature Festival celebrates the diversity of ways that we all connect with nature. The event will provide something for everyone, including nature arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, music, food, and more. Bring your family out to try a new outdoor activity, connect with amazing community organizations, and learn how we can all help take care of our environment and community. The event is made possible by 20+ community partners, including Bend Park and Recreation District and Deschutes National Forest.
Saturday, September 23
11 am-3 pm
NEW LOCATION: Alpenglow Park, Bend
61049 SE 15th Street
2023 Partners and Activities

Climbing wall with Bend Park ad Recreation District
Fire Truck and Fire Fighter Challenge with Deschutes National Forest
Introduction to Mountain Biking with Cog Wild/Cascadia Junior Cycling
Natural Dyes with Wildheart Nature School
Deschutes County Public Health
Watershed Exploration with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Who Lives Here? with Discover Your Forest
10 Survival Essentials and Pine Cone Bird Feeders with Camp Fire Central Oregon
Monarch Butterfly Crafts and plants with Deschutes Land Trust
Fruit and Veggie Spin Wheel with OSU Extension
Art Activity with Juntos Aprendemos
Pop-up Poetry with Deschutes Public Library
Pedestrian Safety Activity with Commute Options
Wildflower Seed Bombs with Think Wild
Wander and Wonder in Nature with Oregon State Parks
Great Garbage Game with The Environmental Center
Night Sky Education with DarkSky Oregon
Games with Mosaic Medical
Nature Color Match with Family Resource Center
Craft and medication with Take Care with Autumn
Mud Kitchen and Nature Crafting with Bend Forest School
Bird of Prey and Nature Journaling with High Desert Museum
Leaf Rubbings and Magnet Fishing with the Oregon Department of Human Services
Wondery Art and Adventure School
Green Leadership Coalition
Vámonos Outside and Camp Chica
Treasure Hunt with Children’s Forest of Central Oregon
and more!

Food Vendors

Central Oregon Pupuseria
Acme Hot Dog Co.
The Sweet Retreat

Stories in the Garden at The Environmental Center w/ Deschutes Public Library
2023-10-02 10:30 - 11:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
This is an in-person program. Registration is required. This event is suggested for children ages Kindergarten and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Children and families are invited to explore the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center. The event will begin with a nature-based story time, provided by Deschutes Public Library, followed by a chance for caregivers and little ones to get their hands dirty with Denise Rowcroft. Denise joined The Environmental Center in 2006 and is responsible for the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden and the Garden for Every School program.
Part of this event will occur outdoors — please bring appropriate layers, water, and sun protection.
Register here!

Finding the Magic in Middle School Talk and Book Signing by Chris Balme
2023-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
This evening community gathering is intended to support the wellbeing and growth of parents, educators, and mental health professionals. While this talk is geared toward the development of adolescence, anyone who helps to raise our children -of any age- will benefit from the brain-body science that is presented.
In this talk, author and acclaimed educator Chris Balme shows how to tap into the positive potential of middle school. It begins with understanding what’s going on inside the middle school brain. Balme introduces three key developmental needs for middle schoolers, offering practical tips to support them at each step of the way. Drawing on his experience as a middle school founder and principal, as well as the latest neuroscience, he offers a fresh and uplifting take on the transformative years of middle school.
This talk is based on Balme’s book, Finding the Magic in Middle School, which was published in 2022 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller for adolescent psychology. Renowned adolescent psychologist and author Madeline Levine called it “a must-read for anyone who has a tween or works with tweens.”
This event is organized by the Interconnected Diversity team and is being supported financially by many individuals and organizations, including each ticket purchased and donation at checkout.
Generous sponsorships have been provided by Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks Schools. Our list of in-kind donors and financial supporters continue to grow and include: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, Insight Counseling, Natalie Houston, Amy Bahrman, The Base at Franklin, High Desert Makers, Brightways Counseling Group, Roundabout Bookstore, Spencer Mitchell Photography, , Kap Seidel and Upstream Parenting, Tim Burnett, Carrie Hicks, Samara Learning Center, Andy Slavin and Amity Creek Elementary. A Heartfelt THANK YOU to all those contributing, for making this event possible.

Register here!

Garden Educator Network School Garden Tour
2023-10-18 16:30 - 18:00 | M. A. Lynch Elementary School, 1314 SW Kalama , Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Let’s get together! We’ll get a tour of the school garden at MA Lynch Elementary School in Redmond from new FoodCorps Service Member Kat Rains, and you’ll hear from Redmond School District’s own FoodCorps School Nutrition Service Member, Somer Eckhert. We’ll wrap up with a group share out of one thing that you did in the garden this fall that went really well that you’d love to share with the group! There will be opportunity to discuss ideas and plans for our garden grants as well as the ODE Farm to School Education Grant, so come with your questions! Food & beverages will be provided, as well as an educator stipend and mileage reimbursement.
Please RSVP! Email denise@envirocenter.org to RSVP.

Interpretive Beaver Walk
2023-11-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Shevlin Park, 18920 Shevlin Park Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Think Wild and Beaver Works staff on an Interpretive Beaver Walk on Saturday, November 11th from 2-4 pm at Shevlin Park. This walk will be led by Sadie Pollock, Education and Volunteer Manager, and Maureen Thompson, Beaver Works Program Manager. Learn to identify beaver evidence, understand the critical role that beavers play in our ecosystem, and more! We will meet in front of Aspen Hall.

Family Fiesta! with Justin Favela
2023-11-18 13:00 - 17:00 | High Desert Museum, 59800 Hwy 97, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Artist Justin Favela brings his signature event to the Museum. Family Fiesta celebrates the exhibition Vistas del Cielo as well as the Latinx communities of Central Oregon with food, music, piñatas and artmaking.
FREE with Museum Admission

Venue: High Desert Museum
Venue Phone: 541-382-4754
Address:
59800 South Highway 97, Bend, Oregon, 97702, United States

Bend High DECA Fundraiser: Kiss the Ground Screening and Raffle!
2024-01-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Bend High School, 230 NE 6th St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Showing: Kiss the Ground film, plus raffles, food and beverages, and merch! All ages welcome, no sign up necessary!
Fundraiser for Pilot Butte Middle School – all profits go towards implementing a composting system at Pilot Butte Middle School!
Friday, January 12 at Bend High Auditorium (230 NE 6th St)
6pm – event begins
6:30pm – film showing
$4 student ticket; $5 non-student ticket

RESCHEDULED - Garden Educator Network: Nurturing the Soil, Nurturing the Soul
2024-01-25 16:30 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
We are partnering with Shiv Shakti to bring our Garden Educator Network a free training titled “Nurturing the Soil, Nurturing the Soul”.
From Shiv: “This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a love letter to the land and the magic it holds. Imagine understanding the earth beneath your feet not just as dirt, but as a dynamic, living canvas. Learn how every scoop of soil and each seed you plant can be a step towards a greener, happier life. We’re diving deep into the roots of organic gardening, unraveling the mysteries of nature, and, most importantly, having a whole lot of fun while doing it! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie with an aspiration to cultivate, this event is your chance to let your gardening dreams sprout wings (or leaves)! So, mark your calendars, bring your curiosity, and prepare to be both educated and entertained. Trust me, you’ll leave this event with more than just knowledge – you might just find yourself talking to plants (and having them talk back in their leafy language)!”
Shiv installed the greenhouse at Three Rivers School, as well as designed an educational course: “Organic Gardens: A Garden & Greenhouse Blueprint Manual for All, available online.
This event is free for our Garden Educator Network, beverages and snacks will be served.
RSVP HERE!

Drum-Making Class: Celebrating the Work of Frederick Douglass and Bob Marley
2024-02-06 16:00 - 17:30 | COCC Redmond, 2324 NE College Lp, Redmond, OR, 97756 , United States
Black History Month is celebrated in part because of the contributions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and activist Bob Marley, who exposed racism, poverty, and violence in the world while teaching all to passionately advocate for humanity. Come celebrate their contributions by creating joy with this drum-making event.
COCC Redmond Campus, Student Commons (RTEC). Space is limited. RSVP to Marcus LeGrand at mlegrand2@cocc.edu or call 541-330-4376
Events are FREE and OPEN to the public.

Know Gardens: Stories in the Garden at The Environmental Center
2024-04-05 10:30 - 11:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Enjoy a story time and explore the wonders of gardening!
Space is limited. Registration is required. This event is suggested for children ages Kindergarten and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Children and families are invited to explore the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center. The event will begin with a nature-based story time, provided by Deschutes Public Library, followed by a chance for caregivers and little ones to get their hands dirty with Denise Rowcroft. Some or all of this program will take place outside, so please bring appropriate layers, snacks, and sun protection.
Denise Rowcroft joined The Environmental Center in 2006 and is responsible for the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden and the Garden for Every School program. The Garden for Every School program exists to connect youth to nature through food. This program includes food-based education in classrooms, cafeterias, school gardens and field trips. It also supports youth organizations, schools and districts with annual garden grants and on-going technical assistance.
The Environmental Center’s mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. The organization’s programs and advocacy efforts focus on building community connections, educating students, revolutionizing energy, and rethinking waste.
REGISTER HERE!

Kids' Business Spring Market
2024-04-19 14:30 - 17:30 | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States

2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade
2024-04-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Save the Date! The 2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade will take place on Saturday, April 20th. An Annual Celebration of Earth And Community.
This family-friendly event typically features a lively and inclusive parade through downtown Bend where folks are encouraged to wear costumes to showcase their favorite thing about planet earth. During the fair, food vendors, booths, and performers offer something for everyone.
Stay tuned for updates on performances that will take place on Troy Field!

Know Gardens: Garden Fair at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall
2024-04-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Sisters Firehouse Community Hall, 301 S Elm St, Sisters, 97759, United States
Description
Learn about composting, pollinator habitat, growing vegetables, seed bombs and more.
Learn from local experts how to help pollinators, compost, roll up seed bombs, grow vegetables in our climate, create paints from your garden, and more! Join Deschutes Public Library and the following community organizations for this free, fun event:
– Artist Lee Kellogg
Outdoors is where Lee Kellogg would rather be just about any day and anytime. Sketchbook in hand, she records the world around her. A bird watcher from a young age, Lee has long been interested in the natural world around us. From working summer camp as a teen to the Adult Education Coordinator at the Audubon Society of Portland to owning a retail business focused on art and craft, Lee has had much experience that all focuses on her love of the outdoors and art. Inspiring others to be creative and become aware of the world around them is part of her mission when she teaches. https://www.leekellogg.com/
– DPL Community Librarian
– Deschutes Land Trust
The Deschutes Land Trust’s mission is to conserve and care for the lands and water that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
– OSU-Master Gardeners
“The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. OSU Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators, neighbors, and on-the-ground researchers who serve their community with solid training in science-based, sustainable gardening and a love of lifelong learning.” https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg
– Pollinator Pathway Bend
Pollinator Pathway Bend is a community-wide effort to create and connect pesticide-free habitat for imperiled native pollinators in the city of Bend and beyond. https://pollinatorpathwaybend.org/
– Seed to Table
“Seed to Table envisions a vibrant and resilient community where all people, regardless of race, gender, geography, ability or socioeconomic status, have access to fresh produce that is nourishing, locally grown, and in keeping with their preferences. From our 4-acre farm plot, we strive to model a food system that restores ecosystems while providing equitable access to fresh foods and opportunities for community members to engage positively with farm-fresh foods.” https://www.seedtotableoregon.org/
– Sisters Garden Club
“The Sisters Garden Club, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1988 by 13 original members who wanted to spread the joy of gardening to this wonderful community they called home. The goals of our club are to stimulate increased knowledge of our unique local environment and how it affects our gardens; aid in the protection of native plants and wildlife including our essential beneficial insects; and encourage the sharing of this information with others in the community to make it even better.” https://www.sistersgardenclub.com/
– The Environmental Center
In 1989, The Environmental center was born to inspire locals to live lighter on the planet. “Our mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. To us, that means driving local change that makes a world of difference.” https://envirocenter.org/

ZUMBA FIESTA-FREE event
2024-05-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
On May 3rd, from 6-9 pm, a special ZUMBA FIESTA-FREE event. We will have a significant presentation by Oscar Gonzalez from the Latino Community Association, to honor Cinco de Mayo, for the Battle of Puebla. Children from 8 years old can come on this day. (Further details on the flyer)
El 3 de mayo, de 6-9 pm, un evento especial de ZUMBA FIESTA-GRATIS. Tendremos a una presentación significativa a cargo de Oscar Gonzalez de la Asociación de la Comunidad Latina, en honor a las celebración del Cinco de Mayo, por la Batalla de Puebla. Niños a partir de los 8 años pueden venir este día. (Mayores detalles en el volante)

Spring into Nature Festival
2024-05-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Sahalee Park, 1 SE 7th Street, Madras, OR, 97744, United States
Visit the Deschutes Land Trust at the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon’s Spring Into Nature Festival! The Spring Into Nature Festival celebrates the many ways that we all connect with nature. Stop by our table to plant native milkweed seeds to add to your garden or yard and create a monarch butterfly craft. Learn more about the Land Trust’s work while also providing habitat for Western monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Family Zumba classes
2024-05-07 18:45 - 19:45, 2024-05-09 18:45 - 19:45 | Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Starting in May, BPRD will begin with Family Zumba classes at Larkspur. The first two classes on May 7th and 9th will be FREE, so you can meet instructor Perla Ruiz and explore to see if this class is suitable for you and your family. BPRD is promoting this class first within the Spanish-speaking community. BRPD aims to provide a suitable space for families who can come with their children from the age of 5. Parents or adult caregivers must supervise them at all times. This is the first time we will offer this class in this way, so please bear with them. Any questions you may have please call at 541-706-1212.
A partir de mayo empezaremos con clases de Zumba en Familia en Larkspur. Las dos primeras clases del 7 y 9 de mayo serán GRATIS, así podrá conocer a nuestra instructora Perla Ruiz y explorar y ver si esta clase es conveniente para usted y su familia. Estamos promocionando esta clase primero con la comunidad hispanohablante, deseamos proporcionar un espacio adecuado para las familias que puedan venir con sus hijos a partir de los 5 añitos. Los papás o personas adultas deben supervisarlos todo el tiempo. Es la primera vez que ofreceremos esta clase así que ténganos paciencia. Cualquier pregunta que tengan los padres pueden llamarme al 541-706-1212.

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!

COCC Salmon Bake
2024-05-18 11:00 - 15:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

“Shark Heart” in Real Life – The Science of Studying Sharks
2024-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about sharks and current research with Dr. Alexandra McInturf.
Sharks play a critical role in maintaining vibrant ecosystems in Oregon and around the world. Yet, considered “dangerous” by popular media and threatened by human activity worldwide, these organisms have faced global population declines. Dr. Alexandra McInturf has been studying shark species worldwide for the last decade, including those among the most vulnerable. As an animal behaviorist, she researches some of the most understudied components of these organisms, including their social behavior. In this presentation, she will introduce some of the key characteristics of sharks (what makes a shark, a shark), talk about shark diversity, and finally discuss some of the projects she and other researchers are undertaking on different species (including white sharks) in the Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University.

"Shark Heart" in Real Life - The Science of Studying Sharks-Sisters Library
2024-05-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Deschutes Public Library – Sisters, 110 N Cedar St, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States

SheJumps x USFS | WILD SKILLS | Junior Wildland Firefighter Day Camp | OR
2024-06-01 09:30 - 15:30
Join SheJumps & USFS Junior Wildland Firefighter for a day camp at Scout Lake Campground on Saturday, June 1st in Sisters, Oregon!

Eggshell Garden Starts at The Environmental Center's Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-06-04 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Make cute garden starts in eggshells and explore a garden!
Stop by the Environmental Center’s Happy Hour in the Garden to plant some eggshell starts, and feel free to volunteer in the Environmental Center’s learning garden afterwards (optional). This is a family friendly event – no experience or tools necessary. Beer and bubbly will be provided!
In 1989, The Environmental Center was born to inspire locals to live lighter on the planet. Their work began with a handful of people and a building in the center of Bend. Today, they’ve grown to become a regional leader in environmental education, engagement, and action. Their team works alongside people of all ages, local businesses, and elected officials to create and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
Through unique programs and partnerships, the Environmental Center engages as many people as possible in their mission: To embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon.

Juneteenth Central Oregon
2024-06-15 11:00 - 2024-06-16 17:30 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get ready for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Central Oregon celebration on June 15th and 16th, 2024 from 11am to 5:30pm! Rooted in education, entertainment, and fostering a vibrant and safe environment for the community, this year’s theme, “Jubilee,” marks a joyous celebration of the emancipation of African Americans. Joined by the African and Caribbean Community, our two-day event promises an immersive experience filled with authentic African, Caribbean, and African American cuisine, art, music, and education. Embrace the cultural tapestry through enlightening educational activities, captivating entertainment, and a shared culinary journey that celebrates the diverse heritage of our communities.

Native Pollinator Walk with Pollinator Pathway Bend
2024-06-20 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
June 20th, Worthy Brewing
June 21st, Franklin’s Corner

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

Youth Climate Action Meet-Up
2024-06-22 15:00 - 16:30 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Fridays for Future Bend and Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition on Saturday, June 22 in Drake Park. We want to have a conversation with any young people in town interested in climate action and getting involved!

BPRD Summer Community Celebration
2024-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Big Sky Park, Neff Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come visit The Environmental Center’s booth!
Enjoy fun, interactive activities provided by Bend Park and Recreation District as well as other community organizations. There will be music, entertainment, treats and much more to contribute to an evening of summer fun! Spanish-speaking staff on site.
