Bird Walk
2021-10-30 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, 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.

Mad Science Family Program
2021-10-30 | 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.

Trail Day at Camp Tamarack
2021-11-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
High schoolers: Sign up for Trail Day at Camp Tamarack.
Camp needs you! Join Camp Tamarack for an afternoon at camp – volunteer to help care for our trails, learn about Heart of Oregon & Camp Tamarack and job opportunities! Hot chocolate and smores!
Camp Shuttle from Culver High School, Redmond Proficiency Academy, and Sisters Library!
Learn more here!

Raptor Party Family Program
2021-11-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Party with SNCO’s birds of prey during this family program. You’ll learn all about what makes a raptor different from other birds while getting to know an owl, eagle, and falcon on a first-name basis. Your family will enjoy meeting a zookeeper, learning they care for these special birds, and creating and testing out enrichment items for the raptors.
Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. This program will take place fully outdoors and masks are required for ages 5+. This family program is for all ages, but all groups require at least one participating adult.

Raptor Party Family Program
2021-11-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Party with SNCO’s birds of prey during this family program. You’ll learn all about what makes a raptor different from other birds while getting to know an owl, eagle, and falcon on a first-name basis. Your family will enjoy meeting a zookeeper, learning how they care for these special birds, and creating and testing out enrichment items for the raptors.
Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. This program will take place fully outdoors and masks are required for ages 5+. This family program is for all ages, but all groups require at least one participating adult.
Program registration includes daytime admission to the nature center.

Winter Wonderland Family Program
2021-12-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Gather your family and help kick off winter in SNSC’s very own wonderland! SNCO will start out on a short nature hike to learn about the high desert’s winter animal residents. Then celebrate the season and help wildlife by making birdseed ornaments and garland. Last, but not least you’ll be able to share your love of nature in winter by creating nature themed cards for friends and family.
Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. This program will take place indoors and outdoors. Masks are required for ages 5+. This family program is for all ages, but all groups require at least one participating adult.
Program registration includes daytime admission to the nature center.

Classroom Greenhouse Educator Workshop
2022-01-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Start a Classroom Greenhouse!
Grow plants in your classroom with a pop-up greenhouse! Participants of this workshop will receive a classroom greenhouse and materials to start seeding plants in the classroom. Guest speaker and former classroom teacher Dawn Alexander will share tips and tricks of utilizing this system in the classroom with students.
Apply now! Limited space available! Applications will be selected based on first-come, first-serve basis, student reach and new to network teachers to meet the requirements of the grant funding this workshop.

Snowshoes and Stars Family Program
2022-02-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Explore the twilight wonder of wintertime in Sunriver as Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory sets off on a snowshoeing adventure in search of animal tracks and our favorite crepuscular critters. You will take a short hike around the lake and toward the Deschutes River in search of their nighttime residents. As the sun sets, you will turn your attention to the wonders of the winter sky with a constellation tour.

Know Underground – Birds Who Burrow
2022-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Take a tour of Oregon’s burrowing birds and their habitats.
What do Tufted Puffins, Leach’s Storm-Petrels, Belted Kingfishers, Bank Swallows, Rough-winged Swallows, and Burrowing Owls have in common? They nest in Oregon and in unusual places: underground. Take a tour of the state’s birds of burrows and their habitats– from the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge to riverbanks and the high desert. Presenter Marina Richie also will share personal stories from her observations of kingfisher nests, including a citizen science discovery of aerial ramming of an earthen bank.
This is an in-person program. Masks are required at all in-person library events.

EARTH DAY FAIR & PARADE
2022-04-23 11:00 - 15:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
After a two-year hiatus from large, in person events, we’re so excited to bring back the annual Earth Day celebration. At this time, we are planning to move forward with a street fair on Kansas Ave and a short parade route in downtown Bend. This family-friendly event features live music and performances, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a variety of local environmental organizations who can help you get connected to local initiatives. Stay tuned for more information and ways to participate. We will be announcing the 2022 Earth Day local artist SOON!

Discover Nature Festival
2022-09-17 11:00 - 15:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Guided Family Nature Walks
2022-11-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Enjoy a stroll along lake, forest, and meadow habitats guided by a naturalist. You will search for daytime residents of Lake Aspen and learn about all the local wildlife and habitats. This family-friendly program is suited for all ages. You’ll be exploring along trails, so make sure to bring water and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. This program will take place outdoors and is for all ages. Program registration includes daytime admission.

Galaxy Family Programs
2022-11-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come learn about galaxies at SNCO! In this program, you and your family will learn about how galaxies form, how scientists classify them, and you will make your very own galaxy to take home. Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. This program will take place indoors and outdoors. This family program is for all ages, but all groups require at least one participating adult. Program registration includes daytime admission to the nature center.

Kids' Business Shopping Event
2022-12-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Kids in our community who make and sell their own products & services. (with minimal help from parents). See fresh business ideas from young minds in our community. Come support these young entrepreneurs and empower them to dream big! There will be crafts, food, gifts, toys, games, and more!

Bring: Friends and Cash
FREE to shop, $5 to participate.

Participation Details: www.izzaroo.com/KidsBizEvent

City Club Forum-Youth Sports in Crisis: Local Hurdles
2023-01-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Participation in youth sports in Central Oregon is competitive, understaffed and not all kids have equal access to play. This forum will be a discussion with leaders in this space to answer three key questions:

What are the purposes of youth sports?
Who is benefiting and who isn’t in Central Oregon?
How can we increase positive outcomes in our communities?

Fungi in the Forest: 2023 Nature Nights series
2023-01-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save the date! The Land Trust is pleased to present its 2023 Nature Nights series.
Central Oregon is home to a broad range of fungi. Many of them play an important role in forest health and are adapted to our fire-dependent region. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Oregon State University Extension Service regional fire specialist Ariel Cowan to learn all about fungi including fascinating fungal communication networks and how these inhabitants can even help our forests recover from fire. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-03-21 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-04-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-06 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-20 16:00 - 18:00 | 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 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. 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.
For Spring 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
March & April Happy Hours sponsored by Wild Ride Brewing

March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18

May & June Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

May 2 & 16
June 6 & 20

Stay tuned for confirmation of dates for July through October, as these might switch to the 2nd & 4th…)
Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

Kids' Business Shopping Event
2023-04-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-04-18 16:00 - 18:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

VIRTUAL Workshop: Supporting Gender Expansive and Transgender Youth
2023-05-30 15:00 - 18:30 | Online Event
The TransActive Gender Project is based in Portland and provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transgender and gender expansive children, youth, and their families to live healthy lives that are free of discrimination. Workshop participants will gain a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths, and stereotypes and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children. This workshop will focus on demonstrating inclusive language, how to address bullying, and ways to analyze curriculum and programs. We’ll also be joined by Jamie Bowman, a local LGBTQIA+ advocate who is co-founder of the Central Oregon Transgender Health Coalition.
All educators are welcome to attend though the content will focus on out-of-school and summer programs.
This workshop has been organized by The Environmental Center, Camp Tamarack, and the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon with support from High Desert ESD.
REGISTER HERE FOR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Note: Registration is separate for the in-person workshop on June 12th.

IN PERSON Workshop: Supporting Gender Expansive and Transgender Youth
2023-06-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Bend Parks and Rec District Office, 799 SW Columbia St., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The TransActive Gender Project is based in Portland and provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transgender and gender expansive children, youth, and their families to live healthy lives that are free of discrimination. Workshop participants will gain a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths, and stereotypes and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children. This workshop will focus on demonstrating inclusive language, how to address bullying, and ways to analyze curriculum and programs. We’ll also be joined by Jamie Bowman, a local LGBTQIA+ advocate who is co-founder of the Central Oregon Transgender Health Coalition.
All educators are welcome to attend though the content will focus on out-of-school and summer programs. Lunch will be provided.
This workshop has been organized by The Environmental Center, Camp Tamarack, and the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon with support from High Desert ESD.
REGISTER HERE FOR IN PERSON WORKSHOP
Note: Registration is separate for the virtual workshop on May 3oth.

Youth Climate Roundtable 2023
2023-07-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join OLCV for a youth-led roundtable discussion with some of Oregon’s state lawmakers about their climate priorities, as well as the trials and tribulations that go into successfully passing environmental policy. We’ll also discuss ways young people can make their voices heard in the fight against the climate crisis. You’ll get to ask questions and share ideas about ways youth would like to engage in climate advocacy and the political process.
WHEN: Thursday, July 20th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Zoom
WHO: Oregonians aged 13-24 & Oregon state lawmakers

Guest Panel Speakers:
Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (Beaverton & SW Portland)
State Rep Khanh Pham (outer SE Portland)
State Rep Pam Marsh (Ashland/Southern Jackson County)

RSVP and submit your question/s using the form below.
Sign up here!

Youth Vote Roundtable
2023-07-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join us for a a Youth Democracy Roundtable to foster a back-and-forth discussion between young Oregonians and our state decision makers.
This youth-led virtual event is your chance to hear from dynamic state and local elected officials on the work they do to strengthen democracy, increase access to the ballot box, and improve election transparency in Oregon and beyond. We’ll also demystify the voting process for new and soon-to-be voters.
We know it can be challenging for young people to make their voices heard or feel like they’re being taken seriously. Our goals with this event are to break down some of those barriers, connect youth with lawmakers, empower young people, and talk about the ways Oregon can dream bigger in terms of making democracy more accessible to more people.

Register here!

Our Disrupted Learning Environment: Schools and Student Behavior
2023-08-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 2850 Rippling River Court, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join City Club and The Bulletin for a discussion about the current state of student behavior in schools, the consequences, and how schools are responding.
More information available soon as the forum is planned.

Plastic-Free Back to School
2023-08-17 14:00 - 15:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
With summer winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s back-to-school time for many students. While back-to-school time is usually associated with plastic binders, water bottles, pens, and other single-use plastics, it’s possible to avoid a school year filled with toxic plastic—and Plastic Pollution Coalition will show you how. On August 17, learn why reusable, refillable, non-plastic school supplies like stainless steel lunch boxes and food storage containers are better for student health, the planet, and wallets—and how to incorporate them into the school year. You will also discuss how schools can incorporate reusable, plastic-free items and practices into their operations.
