The Environmental Center

Wild Wednesday Event: Alpinism and Advocacy with Graham Zimmerman
2025-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Wild and Protect Our Winters for a special Wild Wednesday event in Bend on March 26. We are excited to welcome award-winning alpinist Graham Zimmerman for an evening of storytelling from some of the world’s great mountain ranges. Through firsthand accounts of high-stakes expeditions, Graham will explore the deep connection between outdoor adventure and the pressing need for climate action, land protection, and support for marginalized communities.
Staff from Oregon Wild, Protect Our Winters, and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters will also discuss current issues related to public lands and climate, and how you can get involved and advocate for a healthy environment and livable climate.
We will be raffling off a copy of Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A Hiking Guide. Tickets are $5 and are an optional purchase below. Raffle tickets not only help us continue these Wednesday presentations but also support our work safeguarding Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters.

Seed Sowing & Transplanting - Sisters
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Find out how and where to choose the right seeds for our shorter growing season in Central Oregon. Learn what varieties of vegetables do well here. The instructor will give demonstrations on how to prepare seed trays, mix the seedling medium, and plant and nurture seeds. There will be information on how to use grow lights and warming mats. You will learn the two stages of transplanting. We will discuss when and how to harden off the young plants so they will thrive outdoors. A long-time successful gardener will teach these “tricks of the trade.”
You will take home the official publication of science-based research, “Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon.” You will learn how to access the Oregon State Extension Service website to get other publications for your gardening projects and concerns. If you need a soil thermometer ($5 each) or row cover ($10 per 6ft x 20ft roll), you will be able to buy those in the classroom. This FREE class is presented by the Central Oregon chapter of OSU Master Gardeners, as part of our Community Education Outreach.
Registration is required.

March Green Drinks: film screening of ZURAWKSI V TEXAS
2025-03-31 17:00 - 20:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us for a screening of ZURAWKSI V TEXAS, a powerful film that follows three patients from Texas denied abortion care—even while facing life-threatening pregnancy complications—and the courageous attorney fighting on their behalf.
This event will explore the intersections of Environmental Justice, Reproductive Justice, and Gender Justice.
After the film, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring representatives from key organizations working at the forefront of these issues.

Happy Hour in the Garden - Bend (April 1st cancelled due to weather)
2025-04-01 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Come join us in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden in Downtown Bend for Happy Hour in the Garden! This is an ongoing volunteer drop in event, where you provide the help and we provide beverages. No experience necessary, family friendly event. All tools and tasks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves if you like. No need to RSVP, come for an hour or both. Dates are currently scheduled for the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4-6pm, March through May. Stay tuned for future Happy Hour opportunities!

Seeing the Forest Through the Trees—A Guide to Low Carbon Buildings
2025-04-01 16:30 - 18:00 | The Breakroom, 1055 "B Northwest, Bend, Oregon, 97703, United States
Join us on April 1 in Bend, Oregon, for a special event focused on a crucial part of the growing demand for housing in Deschutes County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. At this event, Energy Trust of Oregon’s latest Net Zero Fellow, Jeff Stern of LEVER Architecture, will explore the relationship between energy efficiency and building materials on the path to zero-carbon buildings. He will discuss how these concepts shape material and assembly choices to achieve superior building performance while reducing environmental impact.
This event is also a great opportunity to have a dialogue with experts on the topic of mass timber and learn how you can apply to become our next Net Zero Fellow during our open application period. Stick around after the event for an opportunity to network with catered snacks.
Based on his impactful new report, “Seeing the Forest Through the Trees—A Guide to Low Carbon Buildings,” Jeff will discuss:

Optimal approaches for different building types to reduce whole-building carbon
Feasibility of zero-carbon buildings in the current building climate
Comparisons of exterior building assemblies designed to meet Passive House standards for wood stick framed and mass timber, plus comparisons of embodied carbon and much more
Three case studies that address various building types, including affordable townhomes, rental apartments and a Black Business Hub with retail and office space

SheJumps x AdventurUs Women x Between Evergreens | Speaker Series | OR
2025-04-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 – “Movie Night: Dirt Pride, The Approach and the Women Behind the Lens!” – Grab the popcorn friends – we are settling in for a cozy double-feature evening of the films “Dirt Pride” and “The Approach”. We’ll be celebrating the “transformative power of building queer community outside” and watching “the athleticism of BIPOC, women, and adaptive skiers & snowboarders on steep heli and backcountry lines in the wilds of Alaska.” We’ll have some film-makers and athletes present for a post-film panel Q&A. It should be the perfect closing evening to our speaker series, with inspiration for spring skiing/boarding and the upcoming biking season!

399: Queen of the Tetons @ The Tower Theater
2025-04-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
For nearly two decades, Grizzly 399 has been a fixture in Grand Teton National Park. Known only by her research number, 399 has captivated photographers since 2007, becoming the world’s most famous — and photographed — grizzly in the world. The film follows 399 as she struggles to raise her cubs in the face of human encroachment, a rapidly changing climate, and threat of losing her protection under the Endangered Species Act. 399: Queen of the Tetons examines an urgent and contentious debate over the future of an iconic American species through the life of one exceptional mama bear.From the BendFilm team: This film brings together the human-wildlife relationships and conflicts with politics, ecology, climate change and, most importantly, a pure love of the bears. The devotees of the beloved Grizzly 399 would attest, she’s a fascinating bear that keeps on giving.

Farming While Black: Reclaiming Land and Agricultural Heritage - Film Screening and Discussion
2025-04-08 17:30 - 19:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In this 75 min. feature-length documentary, Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, reflects on the plight of Black farmers in the United States. From the height of Black-owned farms at 14% in 1910 to less than 2% today. Leah and her Soul Fire family help propel a rising generation finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism – and its potential to save the planet.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information, visit cocc.edu/snv

Location
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus, 97703

Food Waste Prevention and Composting Workshop
2025-04-09 17:30 - 19:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
This free workshop by the Rethink Waste Project during Food Waste Prevention Week will dig into why food waste matters, how to prevent food waste in the first place, strategies for composting, and a chance to answer community questions. We will be joined by Denise Rowcroft, The Environmental Center‘s School Gardens Program Manager, who will cover available composting options, home composting 101, and pros/cons of various backyard composting setups, with a chance to see them first hand out in the Learning Garden.
Register here!

Tri-County Bicycle and Pedestrian Summit
2025-04-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Bend Parks & Recreation District, Riverbend Room, 739 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Welcome to the Tri-County Bicycle and Pedestrian Summit! Join for a day of discussions, workshops, and networking focused on improving biking and walking in our communities. This in-person event will be held at the Bend Park and Recreation District – a beautiful location to engage with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainable transportation. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, an avid walker – rain or shine – or a seasonal hiker, this summit is for you! Come together to share ideas, learn from experts, and help shape the future of biking and walking in our tri-county area. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement towards a more bike and pedestrian-friendly community!

Catch Magazine's Best of Both Worlds Tour
2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for an evening of fly fishing films, photography, and storytelling at the Catch Magazine Best of Both Worlds Tour, supporting the Deschutes River Conservancy.
The event features Todd Moen’s fly fishing films from Catch Magazine, photography and storytelling from Brian O’Keefe, and an introduction by Kate Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Deschutes River Conservancy.
Whether you’re passionate about fly fishing, conservation, or compelling visual storytelling, this event offers a chance to connect with the outdoors and support local water conservation efforts.

Seed Swap
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Do you gather seeds each season and want share some of your bounty? Do you have extra seeds that you don’t need or that you decided weren’t quite right for you? Join us for a free seed swap in partnership with the Central Oregon Gardeners group.
Please be sure to bring your own seeds to share as these will be the basis for swapping. We will have empty envelopes, bags, labels and other supplies on hand to share. We welcome any seeds: vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs.
This is an all ages program, everyone is welcome.
Questions? Contact josieh@deschuteslibrary.org

Happy Hour in the Garden - Bend
2025-04-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703

PPC Webinar | This is Your Brain on Plastic: What You Need to Know About Plastics & Health
2025-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Scientists recently discovered that the human brain contains the equivalent of a plastic spoon’s worth of microplastics. This alarming new research is more evidence of the growing presence of plastic inside our bodies that is linked to an exponential rise in serious health problems. Plastics have been linked to cancer; hormone disruption; infertility and reproductive issues; metabolism disorders such as obesity and thyroid diseases; neurological disabilities and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s—with children and pregnant people among those most vulnerable to these risks. And with more than 400 million metric tons of plastic produced every year as children’s toys, household items, clothing, food and drink packaging, and a seemingly endless array of other plastic products, our exposure to plastic pollution is virtually constant.
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Plastic Pollution Coalition will host a panel of experts to explore the latest research and discuss how you can protect yourself and your loved ones while also supporting the wider systemic changes needed to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Joining the discussion will be Dr. Shanna Swan, Prof. Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai; Aminah Taariq-Sidibe, Manager of End Plastic Initiatives, EarthDay.Org; and Ziya Tong, Author & Filmmaker. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, Pediatrician & Founder/CEO, Ahimsa.

Educational Talk: Local Roots, How Native Species Shape Landscapes
2025-04-17 16:00 - 18:30 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Join us on Thursday, April 17th, for a look into the vital role native plant species play in supporting local wildlife, pollinators, and ecosystems. This talk will explore how native plants promote biodiversity, out-compete invasive species, and create healthier more sustainable landscapes. We will discuss practical ways to source and incorporate native plants into your own space, strategies for managing invasive species, and how you can get involved in local restoration efforts or more educational opportunities. Learn what is happening in our Sunriver community to restore native habitats and how you can be part of the solution.

COCC Clothing Connection Fashion Show
2025-04-18 16:30 - 20:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Students and staff will take to the fashion runway in honor of Earth Day during Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) annual Clothing Connection Fashion Show on Friday, April 18. The event is a benefit for a free service that provides school and work clothing to students of COCC and Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades).
Location: COCC Bend Campus, Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall

Latinx Fiesta Celebration
2025-04-19 11:00 - 16:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A free, family-friendly event open to the public
Un evento gratuito, familiar y abierto al público

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Storytime, art, loteria game,
piñatas and folklore dance
12:30–2 p.m. Lunch
2–4 p.m. Music & dance

Ponderosa Seedling Sale
2025-04-20 - 2025-04-27 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Your yard may be full of trees, so why plant more? Ponderosas are special! They are resistant to disease and pests, they grow larger, live longer and are more drought tolerant than many other types of trees. Fun fact: Ponderosas are also fire resistant. Project Ponderosa’s mission is to restore Ponderosa Pine ecosystems all over Central Oregon by engaging our community in hands-on conservation and native plant stewardship. We grow 2,500+ seedlings every year and sell them to our community! The money we make from tree sales like this one covers the purchasing and caretaking of next year’s seedlings.

Earth Day Celebration at Hanai
2025-04-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Hanai Center, Eagle Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Hanai Foundation on April 22nd from 4:00pm – 7:00pm to honor Earth Day! This day, and every day, presents an opportunity to remember our responsibility as stewards of this beautiful planet that we call home – it is a chance for us to return the gift of joy, reverence and connection. Through simple acts of mindfulness and gratitude, we can begin to heal our bond to the Earth, ourselves and each other.
This event offers our open house format that invites you to arrive when you can and enjoy a variety of nourishing offerings from a self guided nature walk, reiki for earth connection, tea, art, and a community nature mandala. All ages are welcome. This event is free to attend and any donations will support the Hanai Foundation’s mission to provide events and programs for the community that inspire creativity, compassion and well-being.

Tertulias . . . ¡de película!: Santuario
2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Empezamos nuestro ciclo de cine celebrando el día de la Tierra, con el documental “Santuario” de Álvaro Longoria. Un hermoso documental sobre la iniciativa de protección ambiental para crear el santuario marino más grande de la Tierra en el Océano Antártico. Disfruta una noche en comunidad, cine, snacks y reflexiones al final de la película.
Tertulias . . . ¡de película! es un programa que busca proveer espacios de conexión para comunidades hispanohablantes. Durante estas tertulias hablamos abiertamente y sin prejuicios sobre nuestras ideas y sentires a partir de la interacción con el arte cinematográfico y documental. Un lugar en el que se le de rienda suelta al mundo de las ideas y de autoeducación popular, con el lenguaje español como el vehículo que conecta.
Ubicación: Envía un correo electrónico a juliana@oregonhumanities.org para registrarte y recibir la dirección.
Organizan: Oregon Humanities en colaboración con BENDITAS, The Environmental Center, y OSU Cascades.
¡Pregúntanos por el apoyo que ofrecemos para cuidado de niños!

Born of Fire and Rain
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Here at the tumultuous edge of a shifting continent, the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest has a lot to say about living on a rapidly changing planet. This is a land of ancient trees, exploding mountains, disappearing owls, tsunamis, megafires, and ten million people. It is a land born of fire and rain. Through words and pictures, we will journey beyond the grid of latitude and longitude, into places only our imaginations can fit, to discover what it means to live in an ecological world.
M.L. (Peg) Herring is an ecologist and emerita professor of science communication at Oregon State University and a proud advocacy leader with the Willamette Valley Broadband. This is her seventh book about the Pacific Northwest.

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
2025-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Hugh Hartman Elementary School, 2105 W Antler Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
El día de los niños/El diía de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30.
Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. The common goals of all Día programming are to:

Celebrate children and connect them to the world of learning through books, stories and libraries.
Nurture cognitive and literacy development in ways that honor and embrace a child’s home language and culture.
Introduce families to community resources that provide opportunities for learning through multiple literacies.
Recognize and respect culture, heritage and language as powerful tools for strengthening families and communities.

WHAT: El Dia de los Niños, El Dia de los Libros also known as EL DIA (Childrenś Day/Book Day)
WHEN: Friday, April 25th, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm (Partners arriving from 5 pm on)
WHERE: Hugh Hartman Elementary School, Redmond, Oregon
El Dia event is organized in partnership with the Deschutes Public Library (liaison Diana Hernandez), and Hugh Hartman Elementary School part of Redmond School District. (liaison Jessica Pickens).

Earth Day Fair and Celebration
2025-04-26 11:00 - 15:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
The Environmental Center is thrilled to host their family-friendly Earth Day Fair and Celebration on Saturday, April 26th, from 11:00am to 3pm. This outdoor event features and celebrates our community through music and dance performances, local food vendors, businesses and nonprofits from across the region, electric cars demonstrations, an activity zone for all ages, and more!
Interested in volunteering? Sign up here!
Earth Day Fair & Celebration 2025 Schedule
11:00am | Welcoming remarks from The Environmental Center.

11:05-11:45am | Join Teafly and the Earth Guardians for a fun, interactive storytelling event celebrating Earth Day! This magical experience invites participants to become living representations of our beautiful planet. Dress up as your favorite part of the Earth—whether it’s the lush forests, the babbling rivers, the majestic mountains, or the vibrant wildlife—and step onto the runway and into the story! Bring your imagination, your costumes, and your love for nature to share in this one-of-a-kind experience!

12:00pm-1pm | Midday will feature performances by Ollin Yolliztli PDX-Traditional Aztec Dancing, accompanied by traditional Mayan drumming led by Maya T’aan Oregon.

1:15pm-1:45pm | Community Singing with Kira Seto. Join Kira Seto of Voices Rising Community Choir in a joyful celebration of our Earth with a participatory singing experience that welcomes the natural voice and unites us all. Through the simple act of singing together, we’ll connect with the gifts and preciousness of our natural world. From soulful to silly, you’ll pick up easy-to-learn songs—from simple pocket songs to polyphonic pieces—all taught by ear in a matter of minutes. Come try it and be delighted by the beautiful sound we can make together! Bring a water bottle and your authentic self. Everyone is welcome—no experience required!

2:00pm-3:00pm | Hokule’a of Central Oregon- ”From the gentle movements of the Hula from the islands of Hawaii to the rhythmic beats of Tahiti. Hokule’a brings the islands to you through dance and live drumming, sharing our history and culture with everyone.”

11:00-3:00pm | Fair featuring an activity zone, electric vehicles showcase, garden activities, free face painting, and local food and vendors.

Earth Day Campus Clean Up - Volunteers Needed!
2025-04-28 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Help us keep our beautiful campus clean! Volunteer for a shift! Lunch and refreshments are provided

2025 Central Oregon CSA Share Fair
2025-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way to buy fresh, local food directly from farmers. By signing up for a CSA, you receive a regular share of farm-fresh produce, meat, dairy, or eggs while supporting sustainable farming in your region.
🌱 Real Food, Real Connections! 🌱
Join us for the 2025 Central Oregon CSA Share Fair and discover the best way to connect with fresh, local food and the farmers who grow it!
Why Attend?
🥕 Meet Your Local Farmers – Get to know the hardworking farmers behind your food and explore a variety of CSA options. 🥕 CSA Matchmaking – Let PNWCSA help you find a CSA that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for veggies, meat, dairy, or eggs.
🥕 Family-Friendly Fun – Bring the kids! Enjoy interactive activities, connect with other local food lovers, and build community.
🥕 SNAP Benefits Welcome – CSA shares are more affordable than ever! Enjoy 50% off when you pay with SNAP.
RSVP and be entered to win a prize at the event! Drawing will be made at 12 pm – must be present to win.

Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show
2025-05-10 17:30 - 22:00 | The Pavillion, 1001 SW Bradbury Dr., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
You’re invited to The Pavilion for the 13th Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show! Rooted in a love of fashion, an appreciation of art and a passion for the planet, the Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show fuses environmental responsibility, funky fashion and community. Started in 2010 as a rogue fundraiser by a couple of Realms school teachers, it has turned into a Bend staple, a trash-fashion centered, sustainably-run event that everyone in the community can enjoy. Rubbish Renewed features student and adult designers with students participating from 25 Central Oregon Schools with 14 represented at the 2024 fashion show alone!
Since 2010, this ever-evolving fundraiser has featured an electrifying trash fashion show (with community students and artists), a live auction of select garments, an eco-marketplace of locally-made products, interactive sustainable booths, a competitive Business Challenge (with 10 businesses vying for the best design by audience vote), and local food and drink.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
This year, Rubbish Renewed will feature food trucks from The Bob, Big Foot BBQ, and The Pizza Cart. Slow Ride Mobile Bar will offer local beverages (Boneyard Beer, AVID Cider, cocktails from Crater Lake Spirits Distillery , and Humm Kombucha) as well as non-alcoholic options throughout the event (5:30 pm – 10:00 pm). We can’t wait to see you there!
If you’d like to volunteer, visit: https://volunteersignup.org/WKPMK

Worthy Garden Club Plant Sale
2025-05-11 09:00 - 14:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Two dates: 9am-2pm on Sunday, May 11th 9am-2pm on Sunday, May 25th
Worthy Greenhouse: 495 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend
Find lots of plant starts to kick off your home gardening season, organically-grown on site and chosen specifically for Central Oregon’s short growing season. We’ll have greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash, melon, cucumber, eggplant, beans, peas, onions and lots of herbs and flowers available! Sizes range from 6-packs up to one gallon, and prices from $5-10.

APIC Harmony in Motion
2025-05-12 17:30 - 20:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Celebrating ANHPI and Indigenous Voices Through Art and Advocacy, a powerful evening of storytelling, cultural connection, and meaningful discussions.
Date: May 12th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: COCC – Science Middleton Building #190
This collaborative event between COCC and APIC highlights the transformative power of art and media in raising awareness, fostering identity, and inspiring action.

Kiss the Ground
2025-05-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend, Oregon, Bend, OR, United States
Join the Interfaith EarthCare of Central Oregon for the film Kiss the Ground, a masterpiece on the regenerative agriculture movement. Hear from local farmers and ranchers in the region who are doing incredible work to revive the planet.
