The Environmental Center

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-02-27, 2020-03-05, 2020-03-12, 2020-03-19, 2020-03-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
When: Thursday Aug 11, Tuesday Aug 16, Tuesday Aug 23 and Tuesday Aug 30, 5:15 to Dusk
Where: Meet at the old Ray’s parking lot, NE corner of Simpson Ave and Century Drive in Bend
Worksite: Varies
There’s only one thing better than mountain biking in Bend, OR and that’s riding in Bend, knowing that you helped build and maintain the trails you love.
Please bring a hydration pack with water and a snack.
Be sure to bring appropriate layers to accommodate whatever the weather may be.
Questions? contact@cotamtb.com
All COTA trail work events require the following safety measures:
All participants are required to have the following protective clothing and equipment:

Sturdy shoes or boots
Gloves
Eye protection with clear or light colored lens
Long pants

Due to COTA’s insurance requirements and the inherent dangers of trail work, we must implement the following policy regarding children at work events:

For anyone 14 years of age or younger, we require one parent, guardian, or responsible adult for supervision of every four kids attending any COTA trail work events.
All minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian available to sign our waiver.

Anyone who arrives for a work event may be turned away if he/she cannot meet the above requirements.

Mountainfilm on Tour-Bend
2020-02-28, 2020-02-29
Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world.

Latino Outdoors Shevlin Park Outing
2020-02-29
Para la salida de este mes, iremos a Shevlin Park. Estaremos haciendo una introducción a caminando en la nieve sobre raquetas. Caminaremos una vuelta de 2.2 millas alrededor del parque. ¡Lluvia, nieve, o sol, ahí estaremos!Estaremos rifando artículos de Cairn y zapatos de Keen! También habrá bebidas calientes y tamales. Por favor de dejarnos saber si planean en asistir. (Tenemos que saber cuántas personas van a asistir para ordenar suficiente comida)
For this month’s outing we will be going to Shevlin Park. We will be doing an introduction to Snowshoeing and walking the 2.2 mile loop around the park! Rain, snow or shine we will be there! We will be doing a raffle for some items from Cairn and some Keen shoes! We will also be providing food and warm drinks (aka: Tamales!!!). Please be sure to let us know if you plan on attending so that we know how much food to bring.

Basics of Solar Workshop - Bend
2020-03-02
Come learn about solar!
At the Basics of Solar Workshop, Solar Oregon will answer your questions and help you take the first step to adding solar to your home. Solar Oregon will answer your questions about how solar works and share information about incentives available.

The event is free and open to everyone.
This workshop is made possible with support from Energy Trust of Oregon

Looking Beyond Our Differences: Seeing the Humanity in Each of Us
2020-03-03, 2020-03-04
A talk by Oregon’s first African American Supreme Court Justice

Justice Adrienne Nelson will talk about how her life experiences — from being the first person of color at her Arkansas high school to be named valedictorian to serving as the first African American on the Oregon Supreme Court — have informed her focus on leadership, diversity, inclusion, mentoring, community service and the legal profession. She works daily to “make this world a little bit better.” Justice Nelson will also give us global perspectives and believes if we each connect to our humanity, it opens us up to many more possibilities.
Tuesday, March 3
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus, 6 p.m.
RSVP here
Wednesday, March 4
Room 209, COCC Redmond Campus, 9 a.m.
RSVP here
Co-organized by The Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program and COCC’s Diversity & Inclusion Office with sponsorship support from The Oregon Community Foundation, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and Associated Students of COCC.
About Justice Nelson: Justice Adrienne Nelson was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court January 2018, making her the first African American to sit on the state’s highest court. She is a frequent speaker on topics including diversity, inclusion, equity, leadership and professional development. She sits on the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Public Education, is the Oregon delegate to the ABA House of Delegates, chairs the Lewis and Clark Law School Judge Roosevelt Robinson Scholarship Committee and is vice-president of the Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court.

Net-Zero Schools from Process to Impacts: Uncovering Barriers and Benefits
2020-03-05
Register here
Energy Trust 2018 Net Zero Fellowship research presentation
With Dr. Ihab Elzeyadi

Presentation: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided and CEUs available for self-reporting.

Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community
2020-03-09
In 1992, in the midst of riots sparked by the acquittal of police officers who brutally beat him, Rodney King asked, “Can we get along?” This iconic American question still resonates today. What is it that drives this question, and why can it be so difficult to answer? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to—and have the potential to break down—these barriers? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine our individual and collective questions on race, perspectives, and cultural values around what brings us together and what separates us. This conversation may include some hands-on activities.
Monday, March 9
COCC Redmond Campus, 6 p.m.
RSVP here
Tuesday, March 10
COCC Prineville Campus, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP here
About Chisao Hata
Chisao Hata is an artist educator, dance director, arts integration specialist, community activist, and performing artist. For over two decades through her work in education, she has been a protector of imagination and personal discovery, and a champion for individual expression. Creating engaged learning for our youth, our citizen artists, is her life’s work. She has had the honor of serving hundreds of Portland’s children, youth, and adults across many communities. Chisao believes that we are all inextricably linked and the arts are our conduit to build bridges between our communities.

The Future of Waste in Deschutes County - Sunriver
2020-03-10
As more and more people move to Deschutes County, more and more trash is being created for drop off at our nearly full Knott Landfill. Recycling, while an important part of the process, is not the solution to addressing the massive volume of waste in our community. Come learn about what to do to help make an impact to reduce waste in our community. We will address the current state of recycling and how to do it right, but talk more in-depth about other forms of waste diversion and prevention. What can you do to help rather than hinder?
Ani Kasch is the Rethink Waste Program Manager at The Environmental Center, a local non-profit organization working to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon where she has been educating the community for 2.5 years. She is passionate about waste reduction, especially around wasted food. She is an avid bike commuter and enjoys cooking and eating local food.

Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community
2020-03-10
In 1992, in the midst of riots sparked by the acquittal of police officers who brutally beat him, Rodney King asked, “Can we get along?” This iconic American question still resonates today. What is it that drives this question, and why can it be so difficult to answer? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to—and have the potential to break down—these barriers? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine our individual and collective questions on race, perspectives, and cultural values around what brings us together and what separates us. This conversation may include some hands-on activities.
Monday, March 9
COCC Redmond Campus, 6 p.m.
RSVP here
Tuesday, March 10
COCC Prineville Campus, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP here
About Chisao Hata: Chisao Hata is an artist educator, dance director, arts integration specialist, community activist, and performing artist. For over two decades through her work in education, she has been a protector of imagination and personal discovery, and a champion for individual expression. Creating engaged learning for our youth, our citizen artists, is her life’s work. She has had the honor of serving hundreds of Portland’s children, youth, and adults across many communities. Chisao believes that we are all inextricably linked and the arts are our conduit to build bridges between our communities.
Co-organized by Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program, COCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Office and COCC Redmond Campus. With support from: Oregon Community Foundation, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and Associated Students of COCC.

The Electric Future of Cars, Bikes, and Transit
2020-03-11
Over the last 10 years, rapid advances in electric vehicles have changed the way we get around. The Environmental Center’s Electric Mobility expert, Neil Baunsgard, discusses what is available now and what is yet to come in the future of electric cars, bikes and public transit.

Noche de Cuentos
2020-03-11
‘Noche de Cuentos’ was created to connect Latinos and Spanish-speakers to the traditions of oral storytelling prominent in Latin America. The program will consist of food, a workshop to help participants build the skills to tell their own stories and explore the art of storytelling, and will conclude with a presentation by a local Storyteller/Librarian from Redmond name Pia Alliende. The program is open to all ages, although the workshop is geared toward school-age children, teens, and adults. Deschutes Public Library will provide child care and crafting happening during this section for the smallest kiddos.

LOGE Speaker Series: Rethink Waste
2020-03-11
To kick off the LOGE Speaker Series, Ani Kasch of the Rethink Waste Project and the The Environmental Center will be joining us to discuss the topic of waste and how we can be better stewards to the environment. If you’ve ever felt the desire to be more responsible with your waste but don’t know where to start or maybe it seems like too much work, this presentation is for you!
Topics to be covered are:
Wasted food issues and prevention
General waste reduction ideas
Recycling, its importance and how to do it right
Current events around waste and what you can do about them?
Join us in the LOGE Bend cafe for an hour of trash talk and community.

Green Drinks at SCP Redmond
2020-03-12
Join us in downtown Redmond for March Green Drinks!

Soul Community Planet (SCP) is for people who value personal wellness, social good and the environment. SCP Redmond opened in December 2019 after a two-year renovation. The 49-room hotel blends lodging, eating, drinking, shopping, working and socializing all in a venue with historical and local flavor. The renovation took the vintage structure down to its historic bones, replacing outdated infrastructure with modern and efficient plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems and includes the use of green materials and eco-friendly products. Signature features include living green walls throughout the property and a garden on the rooftop.
Additionally, every time a guest stays overnight, SCP donates the estimated cost to plant a tree to the One Tree Planted organization.
Learn more about SCP Redmond here: www.scphotel.com/redmond
Please RSVP in advance. Carpools and transit are encouraged.

Evolve
2020-03-13, 2020-03-14
Postponed to November 2020. Details to be announced soon.
The Red Door Project presents: Evolve
Directed by Kevin Jones; Co-Directed by Louanne Moldovan
Presented in collaboration with the Central Oregon Community College Afrocentric Club
Evolve is a new performance experience that explores the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color. Combining monologues from The New Black Fest’s Hands Up: 7 Playwrights, 7 Testaments, a show written by African American men and women about their experience with racial profiling, and Cop Out: Beyond Black, White & Blue, based on interviews with police officers, Evolve seeks to stimulate conversation in a new way and help us to bridge a seemingly intractable divide.

Youth Earth Optimism Summit
2020-03-14
Do you encourage other people to use less or recycle more? Join teens from around Central Oregon at the first youth Climate Change Summit hosted at the High Desert Museum. Meet youth and adult speakers who will talk about current large and small scale solutions. Learn how you can make a difference and become inspired to create change. Throughout this event, youth will have opportunity to discuss climate change through activities, discussions and speakers.
In addition MOsley WOtta will be performing at the end of the event. A sustainable dinner will be provided. This event is for 6th through 12th grade students. Be green! Carpool if you can. Transportation will be available from Bend and Redmond.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – elementary school students
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – middle and high school students

LIVE Facebook STREAM: The Future of Waste in Deschutes County - Bend
2020-03-16
This presentation will be available on a live stream from the Deschutes Public Library’s Facebook page! The in-library programs have been cancelled, but you will still be able to catch this one. Don’t miss it!
As more and more people move to Deschutes County, more and more trash is being created for drop off at our nearly full Knott Landfill. Recycling, while an important part of the process, is not the solution to addressing the massive volume of waste in our community. Come learn about what to do to help make an impact to reduce waste in our community. We will address the current state of recycling and how to do it right, but talk more in-depth about other forms of waste diversion and prevention. What can you do to help rather than hinder?
Ani Kasch is the Rethink Waste Program Manager at The Environmental Center, a local non-profit organization working to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon where she has been educating the community for 2.5 years. She is passionate about waste reduction, especially around wasted food. She is an avid bike commuter and enjoys cooking and eating local food.

Habitat Conservation Plan for the Deschutes
2020-03-17
Local irrigation districts have released their Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for how they will meet the needs of protected species that depend on the Deschutes River – Oregon spotted frog, bull trout, and steelhead. The HCP is hailed by some as an appropriate, and realistic, plan for meeting the needs of these species, and by others as “not enough, not fast enough” in terms of putting water back in stream. And others question whether or not there is room for our growing communities to meet their water needs.
This forum will provide information on the HCP and engage the audience to ask the tough questions on this controversial topic.
Speakers:

Bridget Moran: Field Supervisor, Bend Field Office, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Tod Heisler: Rivers Conservation Director, Central Oregon LandWatch

Audience Participation: Audience members will be invited to weigh in and ask questions during the conversation that follows the prepared remarks.
*Registration closes at noon on THURSDAY, MARCH 12.

Cancelled-Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®-FREE ice skating at The Pavilion!
2020-03-17
*In light of Governor Brown’s announcement placing an immediate ban on all events, Camp Fire has cancelled their Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® celebration at The Pavilion this year.
We hope you will still take the opportunity to celebrate with your families at home! Please scroll down for ideas on how to do so.

FREE ice skating for all kids up to 18 years old (all youth must be accompanied by an adult and arrive by 7:30pm, limit first 200 kids in the door). Fun for the whole family, including raffles, contests, and tasty treats…wear your Camp Fire t-shirt for a free raffle ticket!

Postponed-GrowthBusters, Hooked on Growth – the film
2020-03-18
Many cities and states link population growth with economic growth, but perpetual economic growth/population growth aren’t sustainable—we’re exhausting Earth’s resources and ecosystems. This documentary about overpopulation and growth challenges the beliefs that drive attitudes and policies. The Climate Peril requires us to reduce consumption and reach a steady state economy.
Free and open to the public.

Postponed: Madzi means Water in Malawi
2020-03-21
Madzi! That’s the word for water in Malawi, Africa. From Oregon to Malawi, we are connected by water. Join us for this fully-hosted community gathering to hear inspiring stories, mingle with National Geographic contributor Chad Copeland, and enjoy Clean Madzi Lager, a special beer created just for this occasion.

Postponed: Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution
2020-03-24
As part of Unity Community of Central Oregon’s Earth Day events the Unity EarthCare team is sponsoring the showing of the movie Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution.
Filmmaker James Redford embarks on a colorful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the US. Unlikely entrepreneurs in communities from Georgetown, TX to Buffalo, NY reveal pioneering clean energy solutions while James’ discovery of how clean energy works, and what it means at a personal level, becomes the audiences’ discovery too. Reaching well beyond a great story of technology and innovation, Happening explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future, and finding hope for our survival.
The short trailer here will give you a good feel for the show.
This event is part of Faith Climate Action Week.

Earth Hour 2020
2020-03-28
HELP PLACE THE SPOTLIGHT ON NATURE – THE WORLD IS WATCHING.

This Earth Hour, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their steadfast commitment to protecting nature. Together we’ll speak up for wildlife and forests. We’ll show our support for rivers and oceans. And we’ll rally around crucial actions needed to curb climate change.

Please join us in turning off our lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m., your local time on Saturday, March 28, 2020, to show your support for a healthy planet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOGWsOEE710

Online Presentation: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers
2020-04-01
The presentation will feature Danielle Moser, Wildlife Program Coordinator for Oregon Wild, who will give an update on beavers in Oregon. Moser will also discuss how reforming the policies and culture of agencies like the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is integral to allowing keystone species like beavers to thrive on the landscape.
