Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-05-07 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-21 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 2024, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4-6pm. 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.

Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land Film Screening Followed by a Panel Discussion
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In partnership, Central Oregon Community College, The Environmental Center, Central Oregon BIPOC, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance are proudly presenting a screening of the documentary Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land followed by a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6 pm in Central Oregon Community College’s Hitchcock Auditorium.
This exclusive screening will mark the Central Oregon debut of Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land from Executive Producer Al Roker. Gaining Ground explores why Black ownership of farmland has dwindled to alarmingly low numbers and examines the causes, effects, and solutions to the issues affecting Black land loss.
After the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a discussion moderated by Marcus LeGrand, COCC’s Afrocentric Program Coordinator that will include. Dr. Dalton Miller-Jones, retired Professor and member Restorative Justice and Equity Group.
Free admission and reservations are not required.

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.

Bend Gear Meet with Outdoorist Oath
2024-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | The Gear Fix, 550 Industrial Way, Suite 183, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The Outdoorist Oath and Pattie Gonia alongside trusted allies Outside’s Gear Up Give Back program and local collaborator The Gear Fix invite the Bend, OR community to an evening of gear swaps, gear repairs, gear giveaways, and celebrating our love for the outdoors!
Here are all the juicy deets for the event!

This is a FREE event! Though we encourage folks to RSVP and donate.
Swap used gear w/ community members. Everyone can participate, regardless of whether or not you bring items to swap!
The GearFix will be hosting DIY patch and zipper repair workshops
Come connect with local non-profits to learn how you can take action for planet, inclusion, and adventure in your community!
Win prizes from outdoor & local brands
This event will be hosted by Pattie Gonia with support from The Outdoorist Oath, GearFix, and Outside
All unswapped items at the end of the night will be donated to Outside’s Gear Up Give Back program which helps support The Oath’s free educational resources and events!

RSVP HERE!

AAPI Celebration
2024-05-09 12:00 - 19:00 | OSU Cascades, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Crook County On The Move’s Community Garden Party
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Prineville Presbytarian Church, 1771 NW Madras Hwy, Prineville, OR, United States
Free Family Fun! Bring the whole family to meet red wigglers, plant a garden salad bowl, get free seeds, experience the pollinator station, visit with Master Gardeners, talk with Search & Rescue to learn about Hug A Tree, get free plant starts, composting tips, play games and win prizes!
Lots of information is shared to help you grow your own fresh produce. Don’t have space for your own garden? Come by and learn how to utiltize our local community gardens!

Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show
2024-05-11 17:30 - 22:00 | The Pavillion, 1001 SW Bradbury Dr., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
AGENDA
5:00pm – Doors Open (VIP Ticket Holders)
5:30pm – Doors Open (General Admission)
6:30pm – Runway show STARTS
7:30 – INTERMISSION
8:00pm – Second 1/2 of the 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 fundraiser by a couple of teachers, it has turned into a Bend staple, a fashion-forward, sustainably run event that everyone in the community can enjoy.
With an electrifying trash fashion runway, a live auction of select runway garments, our business challenge where 10 businesses compete for the Coveted Trash Trophy, a pop-up Eco-marketplace featuring creative products from sustainably–minded, community artists, and local beverages and food carts, what’s not to love! Join other socially conscious individuals for an evening of sustainable fashion, showcasing styles that the future demands, while supporting a fundraiser for Realms Schools.
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK :: Three food trucks (The Bob, El Sancho, and Big Foot BBQ) will be present serving food all night as well as Slow Ride Mobile Bar serving beverages throughout the event.
GET TICKETS

Bend Bike Night
2024-05-13 16:30 - 18:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Gear up for an evening of wheelin’ fun for the whole family at Bend Bike Night.
Don’t miss out on raffles, giveaways, and activities, including a bike safety cone course for kids and an interactive safe riding in roundabouts demonstration every 30 minutes.
Join Mayor Melanie Kebler, Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins, Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, and community partners focused on bike and pedestrian safety initiatives #inBend.
Where:
The Grove
921 NW Mt. Washington Drive

Bridging the Gap: Rural EV Charging Programs
2024-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In this webinar, our speakers will highlight strategies and programs aiming to address rural EV charging challenges.

From Community Secrets to Public Apology: Lessons from The High Road
2024-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
During World War II, the names of 16 veterans were removed from a public honor roll in Oregon. All were Japanese Americans who served our country while their families were incarcerated on American soil. In 2022, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill to dedicate the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway in Hood River. Join us as Linda Tamura addresses her path to learning this “community secret,” Oregon’s fractured history, heroes unheralded, and lessons for moving forward.

Author Event: To The Gorge with Emily Halnon
2024-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Dudley’s Bookshop is thrilled to host Emily Halnon in celebration of the release of her new book, ‘To the Gorge: Running, Grief, and Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail’ on Thursday, May 16th from 7 – 8:30pm.‘To the Gorge’ is a riveting narrative of love and loss, grief and joy, as one woman embarks on a quest for a record on the Pacific Crest Trail. When Emily lost her beloved mother to a rare cancer at just 66 years old, she wanted to do something monumental to honor the person her mother had been: adventurous, courageous, inspiring.Join us for a discussion, Q&A and more! The event is free and open to the public with an RSVP, and will be held at a venue in the Old Mill District so there is room for everyone! Attendees will be notified of the precise location prior to the event. Head to the link in our bio to claim your spot.
RSVP HERE!

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

APIC Harmony
2024-05-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Asian & Pacific Islanders Talent Showcase.
APIC Harmony is an initiative by the Asian and Pacific Islander Collective (APIC) to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Deschutes County. Collaborative exhibitions featuring arts and performances will be featured.
MC’d by Matikas Grace with special guest Nan-mix (Maria Smith)!

Garden Clean Up at Franklin’s Corner Pollinator Garden
2024-05-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Franklin’s Corner Pollinator Garden, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
May 21 and May 28
9:00-10:00 AM
No registration. Just show up.
NE 9th and NE Franklin, Bend
Bring weeding tools, shovel, bucket, gloves, hat, sunscreen, water.
Franklin’s Corner pollinator garden is co-located with the community vegetable garden. The pollinator garden demonstrates waterwise landscaping with native pollinator plants. It’s maintained entirely by volunteers.

Chaco For Life Tour at Crux
2024-05-22 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-23 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-24 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-25 12:00 - 18:00 | Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division Street, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
REPAIR
CUSTOMIZE
CHILL

Come celebrate 35 years of Chaco with us on the Chaco For Life Tour! Visit our mobile factory to get your trusty Chacos repaired*, create your own custom sandals (adult sizes only), grab some swag, or just kick it with us.
*Each first repair is FREE; any additional sandals will be repaired at 50% off.
May 22-25 at Crux Fermentation Project

May Green Drinks
2024-05-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Kobold Brewing The Lair, 1043 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join the staff of The Environmental Center and host Kobold Brewing for a social gathering on Thursday, May 23rd for May Green Drinks.
Have a cold one, on us– join us at Kobold Brewing for Green Drinks! Over appetizers and beverages, you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow sustainability enthusiasts and hear about Kobold’s commitment to sustainability in their business. Curious about The Environmental Center? Staff will be there to answer your questions about our mission to embed sustainability into daily life here in Central Oregon.
This is a great opportunity to pick up a Rethink Waste Guide for your home or business and learn about energy savings through our new Home Energy Assessment Program.

DREAM BOLDLY: The Grand AdvenChair at The Belfry
2024-05-23 17:30 - 19:30 | The Belfry, 302 E Main Avenue, Sisters, 97759, United States
Local Bend adventurer Geoff Babb, a survivor of two strokes, takes years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
Currently in review by film festivals across the country and in Cannes, France, DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair will leave you inspired by human resilience, moved by first-hand accounts of an amazing adventure, and believing in the power of dreams to make the world a better place.
DOORS OPEN AT 5:00 PM
Run time: 48 minutes, followed by a Q&A with the AdvenChair visionary, Geoff Babb, other members of the Grand AdvenChair, and Director Marcia Volk.
The Belfry will be hosting their bar. After the show and Q&A, you can hang out with Geoff and the gang until 7:30 pm.
GET TICKETS HERE!

DREAM BOLDLY: The Grand AdvenChair at Open Space
2024-05-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Local Bend adventurer Geoff Babb, a survivor of two strokes, takes years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
Currently in review by film festivals across the country and in Cannes, France, DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair will leave you inspired by human resilience, moved by first-hand accounts of an amazing adventure, and believing in the power of dreams to make the world a better place.
DOORS OPEN AT 5:00 PM
Run time: 48 minutes, followed by a Q&A with the AdvenChair visionary, Geoff Babb, other members of the Grand AdvenChair, and Director Marcia Volk.
Open Space Event Studios will be hosting their bar. After the show and Q&A, you can hang out with Geoff and the gang until 7:30 pm.

“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

Free Home Energy Assessment Program Community Launch
2024-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
RSVP HERE!
Do you work with a Community Organization in Central Oregon? Are you a local elected official in Central Oregon? Come learn about how your constituents can benefit from The Environmental Center’s brand new Free Home Energy Assessment Program.
We are teaming up with Energy Trust of Oregon to provide free home energy assessments to communities who have been historically underserved by Energy Trust Programs. The energy assessments will evaluate the energy efficiency of the participants’ home and then connect them with increased financial incentives and support to complete home energy upgrades to improve the comfort and affordability.
Julie Williams, the founder of Seeds for the Sol, a community organization in Corvallis, will be joining us to lead a discussion about their successful Home Energy Program and how The Environmental Center can achieve success here in Central Oregon.
If you’re interested in connecting your clients/members with the program, come to our Community Partner Launch event to learn more.

Vision Roadshow: Drake-to-Juniper Event
2024-06-01 09:00 - 11:00 | The Commons Cafe and Taproom, 875 NW BROOKS ST., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Since the release of the five-year Vision Action Plan, Envision Bend has been working with vision lead partners to align efforts, spark action, and track collective progress. In the coming months, Envision Bend will be hosting a Summer Vision Roadshow at various coffee shops and breweries around town for the community to learn more about various strategies. The first event on June 1st focuses on the ‘Drake to Juniper Pedestrian Corridor’ vision strategy.
Meet outside the Commons Cafe at 9:00am for a 2.25-mile group bike ride in partnership with Bend Bikes to Juniper Park via the Midtown Crossings at Franklin and Greenwood. We will reconvene at 10am on the patio of the Commons Cafe to hear from the City transportation planning staff and Bend Bikes with updates on improvements to our Midtown Crossings, the Hawthorne Bridge, and the community’s shared vision to connect Drake Park to Juniper Park as outlined in the Vision Action Plan.
Stay tuned for additional Vision-themed events throughout the summer, such as ‘Railroad Safety and Redevelopment’ on June 27th at Bevel Brewing; a strategy that was created from public input to move the railroad and address safety concerns. There will also be events focused on ‘Expanding Access to Childcare’ in July, ‘Outdoors for Everyone’ in August, and ‘City of Belonging’ in September.
To register, visit envisionbend.org and sign up for the Envision Bend newsletter to stay up-to-date. Join Envision Bend on June 1st to learn more about the Vision Action Plan, meet someone new, and bring your questions to ask organizations that are taking the Lead on these vision strategies.
Envision Bend is a nonpartisan, community nonprofit organization. Its mission is to bring diverse stakeholders together to educate, engage, and empower all members of the Bend community to have a voice in our community’s future. In 2021, as the successor organization to Bend 2030, it reorganized and rebranded itself as Envision Bend. For more, please visit envisionbend.org or facebook.com/EnvisionBend.

Volunteer at Native Plant Giveaways
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
June 1, 9:00-12:00 PM at Caldera High School (60925 SE 15th St, Bend)
June 8, 9:00-1:00 PM at Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd, Bend)
Volunteer to hand out plants or staff the info table by completing this form. We will give away plants to 560 households this year thanks to the City of Bend, Wintercreek Nursery and Worthy Environmental. That means we need a lot of help!
Please note that there was a separate registration for plants and both dates are sold out.
