The Environmental Center

Saturday Bird Walks
2018-06-02 08:30 - 11:00, 2018-06-09 08:30 - 11:00, 2018-06-16 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
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!
Early registration is strongly encouraged and participation is limited to 12 birders. Expect to walk approximately three to four miles along various trails. Please no strollers or dogs. Wear sturdy and water-resistant footwear and bring a bottle of water and a pair of binoculars with you. Bird walks are geared toward adults, however children with a serious interest in birding are welcome with a parent/guardian.

Fir Trail Walk, Metolius Preserve
2018-06-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a late spring walk at one of our flagship Preserves–the Metolius Preserve. Explore the South Trailhead portion of the Preserve and the beautiful new Fir Trails that take visitors into the middle section of the Preserve. Meander along Lake Creek and up into the mixed fir and pine forest while learning about the natural and human history of the Preserve. Enjoy this quiet section of the Preserve while getting to know our new trail system.
Hike Rating: This is an easy ~2 mile hike on trails.

Invasive Weed Pull on the Deschutes River
2018-06-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Juniper Group is partnering with Bend Parks and Recreation to remove some invasive plant species that are making inroads into the South Canyon section of the Deschutes River Trail.
Parks & Rec staff will provide all tools and instruction. We’ll hike up to a mile on a sometimes-rocky trail to the worksite. We’ll go at a moderate, easy pace with time for photos, and end with lunch overlooking the canyon.
Bring plenty of water, sun and rain protection, and lunch/snacks; wear layers and comfortable boots. Free but registration required. Please email the leader, Mia, and she’ll send you meet-up details and where to meet.
Teens 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. We love dogs, but this will not be an appropriate trip for four legged friends.

Garden Educator Network Meeting
2018-06-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Three Rivers Elementary School, 56900 Enterprise Dr, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Please join us at Three Rivers School in Sunriver for an end of year Regional Gathering for farm and garden based educators in Central Oregon. The purpose of the Gathering is to share resources, provide networking opportunities, and address region-specific challenges. Our focus for this June event is to share what you have been up to in your school garden projects this spring, as well as your plans for (or questions about) summer maintenance. Plus, we will hear from the Three Rivers Wellness Committee and see their new small indoor garden made out of shopping carts!
The Environmental Center has taken on a new role as Regional Education Hub Lead for the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network for Central Oregon. In this role, we’ll provide region specific resources and ongoing responsive technical assistance, work to address region-specific challenges and networking opportunities including Regional Gatherings. For questions or support contact Denise Rowcroft, denise@envirocenter.org, 541-385-6908 x14

Happy Hour in the Garden
2018-06-05, 2018-06-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This year, Happy Hour in the Garden will run from March through October. Instead of weekly, this volunteer event will be on the *1st & 3rd Tuesdays*, kicking off Tuesday, March 1st. Stop by anytime between 4-6 on the following dates to help out in the garden and enjoy a bubbly beverage. Family friendly, no experience or tools necessary.
Contact Denise Rowcroft, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

March 1 & 15 (March & April beer sponsored by Worthy Garden Club)
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17 (May & June beer sponsored by Boneyard Beer)
June 7 & 21

Due to summer trips, please note that summer dates (July & August) are the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month!

July 12 & 26 (July & August beer sponsored by Deschutes Brewery)
*August 9 & 23* (Note, this is the 2nd & 4th Tuesday, rescheduled due to planned time off)
September 6 & 20 (Sept & Oct beer sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing Co)
October 4 & 18

Bend COTA Work Events
2018-06-07, 2018-06-14 | 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.

Springs to Sprouts: River to Farm
2018-06-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A day-long field trip to explore the Upper Deschutes River and learn about the farmers who depend on it.
We’ll begin our exploration of the Deschutes River at Dillon Falls and the Ryan Ranch wetlands. Our next stop will be at one of the canals in Bend. From there we’ll visit a farm east of Bend where we’ll have lunch, go for a hay ride to see the farm, keep up our learning and chatting, and have fun!
Transportation and food will be provided.
Springs to Sprouts is a collaborative effort of the Coalition for the Deschutes, the High Desert Educational Agricultural Tours, High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, irrigation districts of Central Oregon, and Central Oregon Seed, Inc.

Todd Lake Trail Work Day
2018-06-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Help build and restore the Todd Lake Trail to reduce erosion and impacts on wetlands, wildlife and wildflowers, in memory of Carol Swift who loved Todd Lake and all those taken by cancer too soon. Two trail work parties this year, June 9th and September 15-16. Over 35 volunteers came last year to help build boardwalk, trim overhanging vegetation, remove illegal fire rings, decommission trail sections, rebuild trail, trim conifers, and build 150 feet of beautiful boardwalk to protect the wet meadow and keep feet dry. No serious boardwalk building until September 15 and 16 when the meadows dry out—550 more feet to do.
Discover Your Forest is accepting tax deductible donations for materials for the project at the following link: http://discoveryourforest.org/donate.
Directions: Drive 24 miles from Bend west on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), then 0.5 mile north on Forest Road 4600-370 to Todd Lake Trailhead. Walk through the gate and hike 1/4 mile to the lake. Bring what you’ll need for a day outside including sturdy hiking or rubber boots, long pants and sleeves, work gloves, hats, and sunglasses. Bring water, snacks and rain gear. Lunch will be provided. Because of limited parking, carpool if possible.
Please RSVP (and any questions) by emailing ToddLakeTrailTeam@gmail.com.

Sunriver Nature Center Open House
2018-06-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Help celebrate Sunriver Nature Center’s 50th anniversary this year! Enjoy free admission on Saturday, June 9th from 9am – 5pm during an Open House. Come see why the Nature Center remains a Central Oregon destination for discovery and fun. The Nature Center and Observatory will be open for exploration and our team of Naturalists and Astronomers will be hosting activities throughout the day. Activities will include raptor presentations, reptile encounters, nature crafts, guided trail walks, rocket launches, solar viewing, a native plant sale, and much more.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you are a long-time member, all are welcome!
Admission is waived for day-time admission (9am – 5pm) only. Carpooling and biking is strongly recommended as parking is limited. Food trucks will be available throughout the day.

Puddlestompers: Wildlife is Everywhere
2018-06-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spark a sense of wonder for nature through imaginative play, exploration, songs and stories. This week’s program is Wildlife is Everywhere with Wildheart Nature School.
Ages 3-5 with family. Free!

Chimney Rock Family Nature Adventure
2018-06-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Grab the kids and join author Wendy Gorton for a hike through a juniper doorway, catch views of the Crooked River, holler down below at Echo Bench, and feel the satisfaction of making it all the way up to Chimney Rock. Mini scavenger hunt sheets will be handed out as families join Wendy to spot species, draw in a nature journal, and play a few fun games while hiking to the top of Chimney Rock. A free copy of “50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington” will be raffled at the end of the hike.
Difficulty: Moderate – At 2.8 miles out and back, 566 feet elevation gain, this is considered a challenging hike for little ones but very do-able with plenty of stops and water!
Chimney Rock is about a 35 drive east of Bend. Hikers will meet at ONDA’s Bend office.

Kids' Bird Walk
2018-06-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Yanalcanlin of East Cascades Audubon Society for a bird walk just for kids! Wander around Hindman Springs looking for birds and nests while learning about bird behavior and habitat. Explore the changing of the seasons as birds prepare for summer. Perfect for kids ages 4-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1 mile walk on a gravel trail for kids.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Women's Mountain Bike Ride
2018-06-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Nancy Chaffee for a 6-8 mile beginning/intermediate mountain bike ride at the Metolius Preserve. Visit all three sections of the forested 1,240-acre Metolius Preserve following singletrack trails and dirt roads. Along the way we’ll stop in various locations and talk about the many hidden qualities of the Preserve, including its diverse plant and wildlife communities, new trail system, and other interesting tidbits.
Ride Rating: This is a beginner/intermediate, 6-8 mile mountain bike ride on dirt roads and trails. You should be comfortable riding singletrack, but be ready for fun stops to smell the roses. Riders should be able to ride over loose gravel and small obstacles in the trail such as roots and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. It is a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

LandWatch Spring Hike
2018-06-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
LandWatch is excited to offer a series of spring walks to some of the most spectacular field sites in Central Oregon as part of our Rivers & Springs program. These trips include beautiful springs, pristine riparian corridors, and dramatic stream and river confluences. We will explore some of the region’s fascinating hydrology, including the connection between ground water and surface springs, while engaging in restorative walks, including guided reflection on our connection to the natural environment.
Join us for this walk around Fall River Springs, Big Tree/Dead Slough, and the confluence of the Fall River with the Upper Deschutes River.

Sunday, June 10, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Easy, mostly level trail
Forested and shady to open and (hopefully) sunny
Note that the trail can get a little muddy

Hike leaders:

Nathan Hovekamp, naturalist and LandWatch Wildlife Program Director
Jeff Perreault, retired USGS hydrologist and LandWatch board member

Suggested equipment: comfortable hiking shoes, sack lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, binoculars, and field guides. You will receive an email with more details closer to the date of the hike

Bend's Transportation Plan Open House
2018-06-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Provide Input on the Future of Transportation in Bend
From the City of Bend…
Bend is growing, and with that growth comes more people who need to get to work school, shopping, social events, and recreation. As we grow, we need a transportation system that grows with us, helping people get where they need to go while making it easier and safer to drive, walk, bike, and take transit.
That’s why we’re working with residents and stakeholders to create Bend’s Transportation Plan, a blueprint for a transportation system that will provide more options for getting around while protecting the quality of life that makes Bend a great place. Bend’s Transportation Plan will identify needed transportation projects and a strategy to fund them.
As we start to develop our plan, we need to hear from you about the most important goals for improving how we get around, and ideas for transportation projects to improve our major streets.
Children are welcome! Rather participate online? Go to www.bendoregon.gov/tsp between June 11 and July 6, 2018 to review materials, answer questions and leave comments on an interactive map.

What Wolves can tell us about the World's Health
2018-06-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What Wolves can tell us about the World’s Health: How the Yellowstone Experiment Led to the Second Warning to Humanity:
Presented by Dr. Bill Ripple, Oregon State University
Free Event @ Worthy Brewing’s Hop Mahal
Dr. Bill Ripple is a distinguished professor of ecology in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University where he serves as the Director of the “Global Trophic Cascades Program”. His latest research involves studying the conservation of megafauna (large carnivores and large herbivores) around the world. To continue with the global environmental concerns of the scientists’ warning, he has recently formed the “Alliance of World Scientists” which includes more than 14,000 scientists from many different countries.
Dr. Ripple will present his work on how the far-reaching impacts of wolves are affecting the ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park. Ripple will illustrate how he transitioned from Yellowstone to other national parks in western North America and beyond to demonstrate both the benefits of large mammals and the costs of their demise. He will disclose how his conservation research and general concern about the global environment and climate change led to him writing the letter “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity.” As a health check-up for planet Earth, this letter has reached millions of people and is one of the most widely discussed and endorsed scientific articles of recent times.

Deschutes River Corridor Volunteer Weed Pull
2018-06-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Coalition and the Deschutes National Forest for a morning pulling invasive plants. We’ll start with an overview of logistics and safety protocols, and talk about the what and why of pulling invasive plants. Participants will be required to sign a release waiver with the US Forest Service.
Why pull invasive weeds:

Noxious weeds invade a variety of habitats including agriculture and wildlands such as the National Forest.
They displace and compete with native vegetation, thus reducing wildlife forage, erosion control, and overall watershed health.
The Bend/Ft. Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest has documented approximately 2,300 acres of infestations. Some of these infestations are in our favorite places to recreate.
We need your help with controlling noxious weeds so we can continue to enjoy these special places!

Power Hour: Community solar in Central Oregon
2018-06-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
RSVP HERE.
Join us at 5:00 to network and grab snacks and beer. The panel discussion will run from 5:30-6:30. The first 100 people in the door will receive a beer ticket. Other beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.
Oregonians overwhelmingly support solar energy, but many face insurmountable obstacles to installing solar on their own rooftop, such as shading, roof capacity, financing, and not owning a home or living in an apartment. Community solar is an emerging model that reduces or eliminates many of these barriers. Community solar is defined as one or more solar photovoltaic energy systems that provide owners and subscribers the opportunity to share the costs and benefits associated with the generation of electricity.
In 2016, the Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 1547, “Coal-to-Clean”, placing Oregon among the few states with a community solar program. While some elements of the program are waiting to be defined, community champions can and have begun to get predevelopment and feasibility underway.
Join us for this informative panel discussion and Q&A session to hear about community solar success stories in other states, learn how the program is shaping up in Oregon, and hear about projects that are getting started in other communities.
This will be an informative session for those who are interested in participating in the program whether for their residence, business, nonprofit or government building, community members who want to help build momentum for a local project, and/or those who are just curious to learn more!
Following the panel, the Worthy Garden Club Hopservatory will be open once the sun sets.
Panelists will include:

Jon Miller, Executive Director, OSEIA (Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association)
Jaimes Valdez, Policy Manager, Spark Northwest
Bridget Callahan, Energy Program Associate, Sustainable Northwest

Thank you to our presenting sponsor for the Power Hour series

Thank you to our host and beverage sponsor

Thank you to our event partners

POWERpnw
OSEIA (Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association
Spark Northwest
Sustainable Northwest

If you’re interested in staying in the loop and getting an email a week before upcoming events, you can join the Power Hour email list. Just be sure to check ‘Power Hour Events’ from the ‘I am interested in’ list.

Fir Trail Wander
2018-06-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a late spring walk at one of our flagship Preserves–the Metolius Preserve. Explore the South Trailhead portion of the Preserve and the beautiful new Fir Trails that take visitors into the middle section of the Preserve. Meander along Lake Creek and out into pine forest while learning about the natural and human history of the Preserve. Get to know our new trail system with an easy wander.
Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1 mile hike on trails.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Women's Mountain Bike Ride
2018-06-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Nancy Chaffee for a mellow 6-7 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline Forest. This ride is open to beginner/intermediate-level riders who want to explore the crowd-free riding of Skyline Forest at a mellow pace, while learning about the potential trail network that could connect Bend and Sisters. From freshwater springs to historic lumber mills, riders will experience firsthand why the Land Trust is working to protect Skyline Forest, Bend’s backyard.
Ride Rating: This is a beginner/intermediate, 6-7 mile mountain bike ride on old logging roads and some trails. You should be comfortable riding singletrack, but be ready for fun stops to smell the roses. Be ready to ride over loose gravel and small obstacles in the trail on a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Let's Pull Together (Weed Pull)
2018-06-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Bring your weeding tool of choice, your friends, and family, and join in! Sites are family friendly for children of all ages and for all physical ability levels. Mobile/Walking groups will depart the meet-at location after orientation
9:00 a.m. Meet us at our weed pull locations and our site coordinators and noxious weed experts will assist you in identifying native plants and noxious weeds.

Locations:
1. Pilot Butte State Park, groups will work the base and hiking trails
2. Northwest Crossing: Miller Elementary School
3. Along the beautiful Deschutes River in the Old Mill District Mobile group meeting at the west side of the footbridge in the Old Mill District (Google Map “Let’s Pull Together”)
4. Highland Elementary School (Green Up Day event – Debris Collection Only)
5. Marshall High School (Green Up Day event – Debris Collection Only)
11:45 a.m. Clean up and head to festivities!
Festivities at High Noon: Free for all our volunteers! Join us for lunch, beverages, prizes, entertainment and much more at the Westside Venue in the Old Mill District (On the west side of the footbridge along the river). By vehicle; enter parking area immediately west of the Columbia Street bridge. By bicycle or foot; along the trails at the OMD footbridge.

Bend Trail Love Spring - Trail Work Day
2018-06-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This is COTA’s big dig trail workday!
Join them for a large work day focused on new trail construction. We will be doing finish work behind the machines on Ticket to Ride along the 4604 road closing that loop and adding another 1.5+ of trail. Work will include: raking out spoils, some limited rock work, working on dialing in turns, trail tread raking and compaction. We will also be working on the COD relocation and that project will involve hand benching, rock work, and general fun stuff on this new section of Black Diamond trail.
After party at LOGE Basecamp Entrada.
Please bring: water, snacks and lunch, sunscreen, long pants, good sturdy footwear, work gloves, and glasses to protect your eyes. Bring a helmet if you have one. COTA will supply helmets and any other needed PPE (personal protection equipment) that you forget. Coffee and light snacks provided in the AM and of course the after party will have food, beer, kombucha and other beverages.

Storytime Stroll: Be a Nature Detective
2018-06-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Laurie Danahy for a children’s storytime stroll through the Metolius Preserve. We’ll share nature-based books and become nature detectives, discovering how rocks, plants and animals tell their own stories. Who left those tracks? Where did these pine cones come from? What’s that sound? Perfect for kids ages 4-8 with a grown-up in tow.
Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1-2 mile walk on established trails for kids.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Special Kick-Off Event: Happy Hour in the Garden
2018-06-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
School is out, but gardens are still growing! So we’re throwing an extra special Happy Hour in the Garden to kick off our summer fundraising campaign. It’s time to replenish our School Garden Grant fund so that MORE local kids can get outside and reap the benefits of learning in a garden. Our goal is to raise $7,500 from donors by July 27th.
Volunteer for an hour or two (fun, easy gardening tasks), and we’ll provide cold beverages from Boneyard Beer & Caboost Kombucha, snacks courtesy of Whole Foods Market, and live music from Amy Bathen. Denise and other local educators will be in the garden to share success stories of school gardens throughout the region, and what we have planned for the future.
Show your support for garden-based learning throughout Central Oregon! Learn more here.
*Happy Hour in the Garden is every Tuesday from 4-6 pm, May through August. Each week, volunteers drop in and help maintain the garden through weekly tasks and/or special projects. No experience necessary, families welcome.

Kids' Butterfly Walk
2018-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Metolius Preserve, Camp Sherman, OR, 97730, United States
Explore the delicate and beautiful world of butterflies with the Deschutes Land Trust and Sue Anderson. This family-friendly walk around the Metolius Preserve will captivate your young ones as they roam the forest searching for butterflies. Delight in up-close encounters with these fluttery creatures that will also help you learn about their identification and ecology. Perfect for kids ages 4-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1-2 mile hike on dirt roads and trails for kids and families.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Juniper Group Program Night
2018-06-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Social 6:30, Program 7:00
An informative program about environmental issues, every third Wednesday of the month.
Inhabit, A Permaculture Perspective, Film
An upbeat film that explores environmental issues facing us today and examines solutions using the ecological design process called ‘Permaculture’. Permaculture uses principles found in ecosystems that provide agricultural and social models to help shift humans’ impact from destructive to regenerative. Inhabit provides an intimate look at permaculture peoples and practices ranging from rural, suburban, and urban landscapes. It’s about food, care of the land, ethical living, and deepening resiliency. Watch the trailer here. At the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend. 6:30 PM snacks and networking, 6:50 program begins.
