The Environmental Center

Community Pints
2019-09-24 11:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Raise a glass to sustainability!
Every Tuesday in September, Deschutes Brewery will donate $1 of every pint sold to The Environmental Center.
We’ve partnered with Deschutes Brewery for Community Pints during the month of August. Gather at the Bend Public House or Tasting Room for a pint of tasty beer and some good old fashioned community cheer! An easy and fun way to show your support. Thank you!

Community Landfill Tour #3
2019-09-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Did you know the Knott Landfill is 110 feet deep? Have you seen the methane flare? Do you know how long it takes a head of lettuce to decompose in the landfill?
Come join The Environmental Center and Rethink Waste Project staff in partnership with Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste for a behind-the-scenes tour of what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb. See Knott Landfill’s trash pit, check out Deschutes Recycling, tour the transfer station, and understand the composting facility. Seeing where our waste goes will impact your decisions in the future and help you think twice about purchases.
This is a unique opportunity; the landfill isn’t always open to the public for tours. Please register here in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: There is limited parking at the landfill, so we will ask for folks to carpool. We will meet at 9am at the Ponderosa Park parking lot near the intersection of SE 15th St and SE Virginia Rd to divide into cars. If your car is already full, you can go directly to the landfill and we’ll meet you there. We will be back at the cars by noon at the latest. Please dress for weather! Bring layers — it is often windy at Knott Landfill.

Bend COTA Work Events
2019-09-26, 2019-10-03, 2019-10-10, 2019-10-17 | 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.

Encourage Mason Bees to Your Landscape (Bend)
2019-09-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about the biology, life cycle, habitat needs, protein and nectar needs of mason bees.

Learn about the tools anyone can use to increase the local population of mason bees around a desired site.
View a display collection of some of the many species of mason bees we have in Central Oregon/Oregon.
Bring your questions to ask our expert, Rich Little.

Online registration deadline is September 23rd.

Youth Climate Strike (#2!)
2019-09-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Bend High Environmental Club is hosting a second climate strike at Peace Corner (Wall & Newport by Bank of America) in downtown Bend. Although it’s organized by our community’s amazing youth, anyone and everyone is invited to participate. Bring your signs!

Zero Waste (Green) Home: Bea Johnson is Coming to Bend!
2019-09-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Sustainability isn’t just about how green your home, office, or school is – it’s about how you live and make decisions within those spaces and beyond. Which is why we’re kicking off the 2019 Green Tour with zero waste extraordinaire, Bea Johnson! Join us for a memorable evening that will inspire you to reflect on your own lifestyle and habits, and provide practical solutions for living simply and reducing waste.
Since 2008, Bea and her family have produced a mere PINT of trash per year. (That’s one jar, folks.) Bea has been featured on TV shows and in publications all over the world. She has empowered hundreds of thousands of people to adopt waste-free living, open unpackaged shops, and conceive reusable products. As the leading spokesperson for zero waste living, she has completed 19 international speaking tours and has worked with companies like Google, Amazon, Starbucks, and IKEA, to name a few.
Bea initiated a global movement. And here in Central Oregon, she’ll lend a unique perspective on how this fits into our own local sustainability efforts. Why incentivize smaller-footprint homes in our growing community? (Less space = less stuff and less energy). Is it possible to retrofit a 1920’s home and not produce an excess amount of trash?
Reserve your tickets today!
Learn more about Bea Johnson here. You can also check out her book at the Deschutes Public Library, or purchase from Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe
If you have questions, or if we can assist with accommodations for this event, please email Ani or call 541-385-6908.

Central Oregon Conservation Summit
2019-09-28 - 2019-09-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Surfrider Foundation and representatives from OSU-Cascades Natural Resources Department, COCC-Outdoor Leadership, Environmental Center and Latino Outdoors are organizing the first Central Oregon Conservation Summit.
The hope of this Summit is to connect everyday citizens, conservationists, recreationalists, researchers and volunteers in Central Oregon around the biggest challenges facing our region as population and climate change amplify. We hope to highlight leading researchers, scientists, activists, activities and organizations working to dwarf climate change and other environmental challenges and connect with potential concerned citizens, recreationalists and volunteers to look for ways to collaborate. We hope for this to be an avenue to catalyze involvement in conservation by connecting people to organizations and participate in a clean-up at Sparks Lake the headwaters of the Deschutes River.
All funds generated from this event, through sponsorship, ticket sales and donations, will help fund the event and research on algae blooms throughout the region in an effort to mitigate this problem which is critical to water conservation.
Hear from amazing experts across our region, participate in fun activities, meet local non-profits making a difference in our region, all attendees will receive a one year membership to Surfrider, conference t-shirt, Surfrider bag, morning and afternoon snack, lunch and great outdoor swag from local outdoor organizations.

2019 Green Tour
2019-09-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On the Green Tour, you’ll see real-world solutions that reduce energy use and increase solar production in residential and commercial buildings right here in Central Oregon.
Everyday heroes across our community will open their doors so that we can learn and benefit from their journeys and experiences. They all have a story to tell—and they want to share it with you! We have everything from a 1920 retrofit to a zero energy home, cottage communities and ADUs to an affordable housing apartment complex, electric cars to battery storage, and irrigation modernization to cannabis growing, there is something for everyone!
We are seeking Volunteers for the Green Tour! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a green building expert to volunteer. Click on the link to fill out our volunteer form and we’ll get in touch with more information. Questions? Email kersey@envirocenter.org.

Garden Educator Network: Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Workshop
2019-10-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
We are excited to announce that the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation will be hosting a FREE Educator workshop “Engaging Students with Agricultural Education” on October 1st at The Environmental Center in Bend!
Come learn how you can bring your classroom to life with agricultural education. You’ll take home a variety of curricula, resources, and optional PDU credits. This is a great opportunity for teachers, school and community garden coordinators, non-formal educators, and others interested in using agriculture, the environment and natural resource topics with your students!
Register here.

Kayak Trip: Old Mill District
2019-10-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Coalition for the Deschutes (CFD) for a water-based exploration of the Old Mill District. Discover the river with geologist Dr. Daniele McKay. Daniele will shed light on Central Oregon’s volcanic tantrums of the past and how the Deschutes River and its watershed have responded to eruptions, lava flows, and other geologic events.
Daniele, an engaging speaker, has a PhD in geology from the University of Oregon. She studies volcanic activity and has focused much of her research on central Oregon volcanoes.
Meet at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Cost includes all equipment, guides, and insurance. Register in advance!

Go Clean Energy Conference and Social Hour
2019-10-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
You can benefit from innovation! Discover how you can join the thousands who are already benefiting from clean energy.
Valuable content for individuals, businesses, (including nonprofits) and government employees. Whether you’re an individual, business, or member of government, there will be valuable information at the conference to help you Go Clean Energy. 30 valuable speakers!
Technological advances in Transportation, Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Waste/Materials management will be discussed. And, you’ll discover how to pay for your project with new incentives, cash rebates and financing options that increase affordability.
Plus, a special track for realtors, builders, and developers will be offered for CEU Credit.
Plan to attend the social hour and evening sessions that begin immediately following.
Register Today and RESERVE YOUR SEAT as space is limited! Early Bird Discount ends September 8th.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2019-10-04 16:30 - 18:00, 2019-10-04 20:00 - 21:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come see where epic adventure and environmental advocacy meet at the Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 12th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. An evening of short films showcasing our earth’s natural wonders, feats of courage and athleticism, and the amazing stories of activists working to protect our environment.
Catch one of two screenings–buy your tickets by clicking either showtime below:

Matinee: Doors 3:30pm | Show 4:30pm | $15 general admission | $11* students
Evening: Doors 7pm | Show 8pm | $17 general admission | $11* students

*Valid with student ID upon entry.
All prices listed here include the $3 Historic Theatre Preservation fee.
Come for the films, stay for the amazing raffle loaded with gear for your next adventure. Plus, ticket holders are invited to a complimentary happy hour between screenings next door at OutsideIN. All proceeds benefit the Oregon Natural Desert Association’s efforts to protect, defend, and restore Oregon’s high desert.

Fall Garden Work Party
2019-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in the garden to help with fall garden projects and some winterization work. We will have coffee, juice and snacks on hand. Tools provided, family friendly. This will also be an opportunity to pick up garden bulbs ordered with our Fall Garden Bulb Fundraiser.

Beatles Singalong with KPOV
2019-10-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join KPOV for a night of singing and dancing (yeah baby!) to The Beatles. Showcasing 6 awesome Bend bands; singalong to your favs like ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Yellow Submarine’. A unique event not to be missed. This is a fundraiser for KPOV – doors open at 6, show at 7:00pm.

Beaver Believers Documentary Viewing
2019-10-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An enlightening documentary about the ecological importance of beavers

Join ONDA, Think Wild, and Worthy Brewing for a viewing of the award-winning documentary “Beaver Believers”, a film by Sarah Koenigsberg.
After the film, there will be a discussion on the history of beavers and their place in Oregon ecology, as well as the work being done by local nonprofits to support beaver’s return to Central and Eastern Oregon landscapes. With short presentation by ONDA’s riparian restoration expert Jefferson Jacobs.
Doors open at 3:30pm, film to begin at 4:00pm. Discussion to follow.
More info about the film can be found at https://www.thebeaverbelievers.com

Power Hour | ADUs: Getting on the path to efficiency with small footprint living
2019-10-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Power Hours are networking events with a panel of experts to ignite new conversations around energy efficiency. Please RSVP in advance.
This Power Hour will highlight why ADUs are a key answer to energy efficient living and how to get your own project started. We’ll cover topics such as:

Where can I build an ADU?
How much does it cost? Can I finance?
What are the main barriers?
What about utilities and regulatory considerations?

Schedule:
5:00 – 5:30pm: Networking
5:30 – 6:30pm: Panel Discussion, Q&A
6:30 – 7:00pm: Networking
Speakers
Scot Davidson is an ADU Specialist with GreenSavers. He is focused on understanding and advancing the benefits and opportunities created by small, efficient living spaces. He believes we are seeing a fundamental social shift and works with homeowners and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of ADUs. As VP at Enhabit , Scot created and delivered multiple programs leading to community stabilization, including affordable housing, residential energy improvement, and disaster mitigation. Prior work includes over 25 years of business management experience with many years focused on energy & sustainability issues. Key assignments include a Directorship at Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and Director of Carbon and Sustainability Consulting at Ecova.
Indigo Teiwes lives in the ADU on her property and is a sustainability and corporate responsibility professional with over 20 years experience working on issues from climate change to social labor compliance and everything in between. Her work has spanned industries as wide ranging as finance, hospitality, retail, green building, and consumer products. When the sustainability movement was just emerging in the late 1990s, she directed the research program for the first global mutual fund that selected investments based on their integration of social AND environmental responsibility issues into their business strategies. The success of the fund during her nine-year tenure underscores the importance of good strategy and strong execution of initiatives in the sustainability and corporate responsibility realm to drive business value. Today, she leads the Corporate Responsibility program for Hydro Flask and spends as much time as possible in the Cascade Range of Central Oregon.
Thanks to our host, GreenSavers (the event will be The Environmental Center but is hosted by GreenSavers).

Public Launch of New EV Charging Stations
2019-10-09 16:30 - 17:30 | COCC Redmond, 2324 NE College Lp, Redmond, OR, 97756 , United States
Join us for appetizers, beverages, and the latest on rebates, credits and incentives on electric vehicles; view some EVs, talk with the owners, and enter the raffle to win a Black Bear Diner gift card! 350 Deschutes, the COCC Sustainability Committee and Central Oregon Community College would like to invite you to join us for the ribbon cutting on the new EV charging at the Redmond campus.This project made possible with support from Pacific Power. Come help us thank them and the COCC Sustainability Committee for this new addition to Central Oregon’s charging infrastructure!
*This will take place in the parking lot near the RTEC building

There is No “Planet B”: Tracking Earth’s Changing Climate from Space
2019-10-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Fleets of NASA satellites capture images and data about Earth’s ocean, land and atmosphere. But can humans act on the powerful information we learn from them? Join oceanographer, educator and former NASA science administrator Michael Freilich to learn about the spaceborne tools that monitor our planet — from as far as a million miles away and as near as the International Space Station — and what they tell us about our changing planet.

Encourage Mason Bees to Your Landscape (Redmond)
2019-10-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about the biology, life cycle, habitat needs, protein and nectar needs of mason bees.

Learn about the tools anyone can use to increase the local population of mason bees around a desired site.
View a display collection of some of the many species of mason bees we have in Central Oregon/Oregon.
Bring your questions to ask our expert, Rich Little.

Online registration deadlines is September 23rd

David Suzuki on Climate: The Future Trajectory
2019-10-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In his truth-telling style, Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki talks Climate, capitalism, curbing growth, and where we’re headed as a species. Life creates the very things we need to survive, and our responsibility should be to protect those things—the foundation of the way we live. We don’t know enough to say it’s too late—you’ve always got to have hope. Our challenge: Use our voices and work like hell to cut our ecological footprint. You’ll be drawn in by Suzuki’s compelling energy and passion.

Free and open to the public.

Whole Foods 5% Day
2019-10-17 | Whole Foods Market, 2610 U.S. 20, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Mark your calendars to shop at Whole Foods Market on October 17th to support school gardens across Oregon! Whole Foods has designated the Oregon Farm to School & School Garden Network as the beneficiary for 5% of sales at ALL stores in Oregon on October 17th! As the Central Oregon Regional School Garden Education Hub, we are excited to support this statewide community giving. Funds they raise will go towards putting on the 2020 Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Conference, (which our staff plan to attend) and supporting the work of regional hubs – that’s us!
Multiple times a year we gather local garden educators and teachers wishing to incorporate garden based education into their work with youth. OFSSGN has funding to support 1 regional gathering a year, but we work to bring educators together in different locations for trainings, resource shares and school garden tours multiple times a year. By supporting OFSSGN you are supporting our ability to convene our local Garden Educator Network and enrich the work they do on the ground at school across Central Oregon.

Pints and Politics: Bend's Climate Action Plan
2019-10-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This fall, the City of Bend’s Climate Action Steering Committee will present a Community Climate Action Plan to the Bend City Council for approval and adoption. The plan will serve as a roadmap in supporting our community’s path to a sustainable future, in taking practical action across a wide range of sectors and activities, and in achieving the goals of Bend City Council’s adopted Resolution 3044 – a 40% decrease in fossil fuel use by 2030 and a 70% decrease by 2050.
Join OLCV, members of the Climate Action Steering Committee – Laurel Hamilton, Eric Duea, and Jamie Klopp – and City of Bend senior management analyst, Cassie Lacy, to learn about the climate action plan. Find out how the plan will help reduce GHG emissions and fossil fuel use, ask questions, and find out how you can ensure that our community moves forward with this important work.

Beginner's Bee School
2019-10-18 09:00 - 16:00, 2019-10-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Beginner’s Beekeeping Class in Central Oregon!
(FRIDAY) FIRST SESSION -18 Oct 2019, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Will cover the honey bee biology you need to know.
(SATURDAY) SECOND SESSION -19 Oct 2019, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Topics will include the life cycle of the hive, mites, how to get through the summer and winter and what you need to get started.
Each Spring new Central Oregon Beekeepers marvel at their magnificent, newly acquired honey bee colonies – and learn quickly that successful beekeeping in Central Oregon doesn’t always look like what they had initially imagined. Healthy Honey Bee management is a hands on participation activity and literally takes a village, as our ladies (the honey bees) travel far and share spaces with each other and area native species.
Dr Dewy Caron has been visiting and teaching Central Oregon Beekeepers for years. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how to be a good bee steward in our community.
Registration is FREE for COBKA membership – $20 non-member registration includes annual family membership! Free additional Guest Registration is also included & encouraged.

School's Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten
2019-10-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Make this a family night out. We’ll provide outdoor games and crafts for children ages 4 and up during the film and panel.
4:30-5:00 Arrival, food and beer for sale
5:00-6:00 Film Screening (36 minutes) followed by panel discussion / Outdoor games and crafts for children ages 4 and up
6:00-6:30 Networking and resources
Tickets Required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-schools-out-lessons-from-a-forest-kindergarten-tickets-74857993273
No classroom for these kindergarteners. In Switzerland’s Langnau am Albis, a suburb of Zurich, children 4 to 7 years of age go to kindergarten in the woods every day, no matter what the weatherman says. This eye-opening film looks into the important question of what it is that children need at that age. There is laughter, beauty and amazement in the process of finding out. Learn more about the film here: http://www.schoolsoutfilm.com
$10/adult; children are free!
Panelists:
Dr. Rebecca Hicks, Pediatrician, Mosaic Medical
Rae Alberg, Founder and Teacher, Bend Forest School
Mary Dean, Kindergarten Teacher, Elk Meadow Elementary School

Where Does Your Garbage Go?
2019-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What happens to your garbage after the big truck picks it up?
AAUW (the American Association of University Women), is inviting the public to this event, at which Chad Centola will speak. Centola, Operations Manager for the County Department of Solid Waste, will explain current landfill operations, such as recycling and composting, and will present explanations of the plans for the future of solid waste management in Deschutes County. Our landfill is a vital part of the community, and it keeps our homes livable, while operating in a cost-effective manner. For more information, go to https://www.deschutes.org/solidwaste.
