Discover Nature Festival
2022-09-17 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Global Climate Strike Bend
2023-09-15 17:00 - 20:00 | 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.
