The Environmental Center

How to Cost-Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes
2020-11-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of homebuilding business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will will lay out numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Friday, November 13 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Windows, Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy

Guest speaker: Mike Ardeljan, Dream Home Building and Design LLC

Optional Extended Q&A @ 3PM – 3:30PM (PDT) – Offered both days. Will be recorded and provided to participants.

How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes (2-part series)
2020-11-13, 2020-11-06
Eliminate barriers to ZE home construction and earn a ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation

Join EEBA and Earth Advantage for this two-part webinar series on affordable Zero Energy (ZE) home design and construction in Oregon. Learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of homebuilding business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will layout numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Friday, November 6 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Intro to ZE, Affordability, Design, Site Orientation, Energy Modeling, Certification Programs, Oregon Case Studies, Local Market & Policy Development, Air Sealing, & Insulation. Guest speaker: Dream Home Building and Design LLC
Friday, November 13 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Windows, Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy, & Incentive Programs. Guest speakers: Earth Advantage & Energy Trust of Oregon
Optional Extended Q&A @ 3PM – 3:30PM (PDT) – Offered both days. Will be recorded and provided to participants.

Participants in this training will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Other topics include: housing market drivers, localized resources, Oregon case studies, incentive programs, ways to assess and communicate economic benefits, and next steps to put principles into practice.
This training has been designed for Central Oregon building industry professionals and will include information on geographically specific case studies and programs, however audiences from outside Central OR will find value in the content and are welcome to attend. Additional EEBA trainings in other regions can be found here.
‘Zero Energy Professional’ Designation
Participants will have the opportunity to earn EEBA’s ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation and be listed on EEBA & Earth Advantage registries of accredited professionals. To earn the designation, attendees must pass a designation exam and have completed and passed prerequisite trainings.
12 Steps to Affordable Zero Energy Design & Construction
It’s generally accepted that improvements to the thermal envelope are fundamental. These include high levels of insulation, reduction of thermal bridges and advanced air sealing. However, significant efficiency improvements in heating and cooling equipment and the rapid drop in the cost of rooftop solar electric systems offer new options for cost-effective efficiency packages. There have never been so many ZE options to choose from. This course gives building professionals the knowledge to build ZE homes that are affordable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable to live in.

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-11-12, 2020-11-05, 2020-10-29
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.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month at COCC
2020-11-12
“Responding to a Pandemic: An Indigenous Perspective,” is the focus of a talk on Thursday, Nov. 12, via Zoom: https://cocc.zoom.us/j/92847837717. Hear firsthand stories from presenters Emily Washines (from Yakama Nation, with Cree and Skokmish heritage) and Chuck Sams (of Cayuse, Walla Walla, Cocopah and Yankton Sioux heritage) of the different ways in which tribes have responded to the pandemic, as indigenous populations face a disproportionate impact from the health crisis.

Transforming Food Loss into Commercial and Nutritional Products: Innovations, Collaborations for Creative Financing and Supportive Legal Approaches
2020-11-12
Communities, businesses, governments and non-profits are developing creative mechanisms for purchasing and transforming “food loss” from harvest, slaughter and catch into foods and other products to support rural economies and the nutrition needs of consumers. The 2020 World Food Law Institute Symposium, co-sponsored with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, continues and elaborates the discussions of food loss and food waste held in a series of international Round Tables that progressed from defining the concepts then to exploring national initiatives, global case studies, and international programs.
This 2020 World Food Law Institute Symposium will develop several of these topics through three expert, international Panels about responses to the challenge of reducing food loss by using innovations and new technologies, supportive laws and legal approaches, and creative financing – all of which are being paired with the dedication and creativity of participants along the food supply chain.

Webcast: Wild & Scenic Rivers - The Art of Conservation
2020-11-11
Ever wish you could capture the beauty of a wild forest stream and bring it into your daily life? Painter Robin Hostick offers a chance to do exactly that… turning discovery of beautiful rivers across Oregon into gorgeous oil-on-canvas paintings that capture each stream’s unique nature.
As Oregon Wild works to expand Wild & Scenic River protections in Oregon, Robin is launching a campaign with Oregon Wild to raise awareness – and funds – for these protections. Most importantly, he’s bringing his process and his art into your home at this webcast!
Join for a look inside the creation of six special paintings and a discussion about what wild rivers mean to all of us.

Native American Heritage Month Events
2020-11-11
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, please join upcoming virtual events hosted by the Papalaxsimisha program.
Nov 11: Honoring Veterans

Webinar: How to Really Help Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
2020-11-10
In the last webinar of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, Living with Wildlife Webinar Series, they’ll review some of the common wildlife rehabilitation cases seen in Sunriver each year. Because sometimes doing nothing is the best answer, they’ll discuss how to determine if an animal really needs help from a wildlife agency or rehabilitation facility.

How to Really Help Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
2020-11-10
From a baby bird found out of the nest to injured squirrels, Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory will review some of the common wildlife rehabilitation cases we see in Sunriver each year. Because sometimes doing nothing is the best answer, SNCR will discuss how to determine if an animal really needs help from a wildlife agency or rehabilitation facility.

2020 Making Energy Work Fall Resilience Symposium
2020-11-10
This interactive and engaging online event will tackle emerging and long term strategies to advance community resilience through energy and natural resource solutions. Learn from and connect with state and local leaders who are driving clean energy solutions. This event will host candid conversations about resource needs and opportunities to foster greater energy resilience across the state.

VIRTUAL EVENT The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World
2020-11-09
The single biggest threat of climate change is the collapse of food systems. Climate models show that crop production will decline sharply due to drought, heat, and flooding. Water supplies are in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the world’s population is expected to grow 30 percent by midcentury. How will we feed 9 billion people sustainably on a hotter, more populous planet?
Amanda Little will share stories and insights from her travels through a dozen countries in search of answers to this question. This was a deep, transformative education, by turns shocking, funny, and powerfully hopeful. She explored old and radically new approaches to food production while charting the growth of a movement that could redefine sustainability on a grand scale.
This program is sponsored by Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and Associated Students of COCC.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Traditional Ecological Knowledge
2020-11-09
Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield (Siletz and Cherokee) will discuss some of the underlining elements of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Elder Esther Stutzman (Kalapuya and Coos) will share her experiences with TEK. The Traditional Ecological Knowledge Club will also share information about how they integrate TEK in research, life practices, and personal development, with an enriching community discussion to follow.

Environmental Justice in Context: The Oregon Wildfires Parts 1 & 2
2020-11-07 - 2020-11-08
Join for a two-day community conversation about the Oregon wildfires from an environmental justice and disaster preparedness perspective.
First day will be a webinar where you will be hearing from community members and organizers who have been supporting communities impacted from across the state due to the wildfires. They will be talking about the impacts the wildfires have had on their communities, their response to the fires through direct, and mutual aid support.
Second day will be a zoom meeting around dicssuons envisioning what our communities need when it comes to being prepared for future crises.

Happy Girls Run Sisters: In-person or virtual!
2020-11-07
A gorgeous run through the town and trails of Sisters, Oregon. This year there are offerings for either an in-person race or virtual. Sign up for a 5K or Half Marathon in person. Virtually, runners can up it to a full marathon this year or find some middle ground with a 10K. This is a great race to celebrate women who love running.

How to Cost-Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes
2020-11-06
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of homebuilding business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will will lay out numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Friday, November 6 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Intro to ZE, Affordability, Design, Site Orientation, Energy Modeling, Air Sealing, Insulation, Certification Programs, Oregon Case Studies, Local Market & Policy Development, & Incentive Programs

Guest speakers: Matt Douglas, Earth Advantage & Matthew Mills, Energy Trust of Oregon

Friday, November 13 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Windows, Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy

Guest speaker: Mike Ardeljan, Dream Home Building and Design LLC

Optional Extended Q&A @ 3PM – 3:30PM (PDT) – Offered both days. Will be recorded and provided to participants.

Rural Election Recap: Where Do We Go From Here?
2020-11-05
From neighbor-to-neighbor conversations about the issues to responding to voter intimidation, rural Oregonians have been defending democracy in every county at every turn! Join us ROP to recap all of the work rural communities and small towns are doing to build rural people power, and strategize about where we go next! Massive collective action? Organizing for broadband internet and affordable housing? Register now!

InFARMation: White Farmers and Food System Members Forming an Anti-Racist Affinity Group
2020-11-05
In recognizing the pervasiveness of racial injustice and inequities in our local farm and food system, a small group of white people who are involved in farmer development in the Portland area has been meeting for the past year and a half to better understand their own whiteness and privilege, and recognize the role that plays in limiting opportunities for farmers of color. The group will share why and how the group formed, what we’ve been learning, curriculum, and activities.Rubi Shirazi will give an introduction on how to form a caucus group, develop community agreements, and creating habits for accountability.

Bend YP DevLabs, Session 2: Relational Networking
2020-11-05
Networking during COVID has been a challenge, but connecting genuinely with others has become even more important. Feeling like your networking skills are a bit rusty? Get a refresher on what networking practices have stayed the same, what has changed, and learn new ways to connect with intention.
Things you will get to discuss, learn, and interact with each other about during this session!
What is networking?
Why is it important/why should we bother with it?
How do we network?
The importance of setting a goal
What a good networking goal looks like
How to break the ice
The importance of asking questions
What kinds of questions to ask
The importance of listening
Ways to gracefully enter and exit conversations
In-Person AND Virtual passes are available!

Decluttering with the KonMari Method: COCC Continuing Education
2020-11-05, 2020-10-29
COCC’s Continuing Education Program is running a 5-class series with Marie Kondo’s trademarked method of decluttering expanded from her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. One method of reducing waste and being environmentally friendly can be to minimize the amount of stuff that surrounds you. It can help your mind, your wallet, and your life.
What sparks joy for you?
Tidy Your Space. Spark Joy. Transform Your Life. The KonMari Method™ is the art of simplifying and organizing your home by choosing to keep the physical items that bring you joy and letting go of the rest with gratitude. Join Melissa Jean, a Certified Platinum KonMari Consultant, as she leads you through the philosophy, practice and practical application of tidying up your life and space using this method. This session will focus on books and students will spend time during class tidying up their own bookcases. Registration includes a 15-minute one-on-one session with Melissa after the class is over.
Focus areas with dates listed below. Classes taught online via Zoom, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm

Clothing – Oct 8
Books – Oct 15
Papers – Oct 22
Komono (Miscellaneous Items) – Oct 29
Sentimental Items & Mementos – Nov 5

Learn more about Melissa here.

Webcast: After the Election - What Does It Mean for Oregon?
2020-11-04
On Wednesday, November 4th, join Oregon Wild for a virtual chat about what the election means for Oregon and the conservation values we hold dear. We obviously don’t know the results of the 2020 elections, and may not even know all of them by then! But what is undeniable is that there will be consequences for Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters, with issues at stake at both the state and federal levels.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month at COCC
2020-11-04
Jefferson Greene, of the Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation, will present “Keeping Customs Thriving” via Zoom: https://cocc.zoom.us/j/98718548116. Greene, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, will discuss means of sustaining culture through language, cultural harvesting, song, dance and story.

Virtual Book Club on The Fate of Food
2020-11-02
We hope you will join The Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) of the Central Oregon Community College Foundation for a virtual book conversations around Amanda Little’s book, The Fate of Food: What We’ll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World. The book conversations will meet prior to Little’s virtual presentation on November 9 and will be facilitated by COCC Health and Human Performance Associate Professor, Owen Murphy.

2020 Planet Forward Virtual Summit
2020-10-30
Climate change is the story of our generation, and what defines that story is how we tell it — and the action we take because of it. All around the world, new voices — emerging as powerful changemakers — are running against the clock to prevent irreversible shifts to our global climate.
These are the new activists, innovators, policymakers and others who inspire audiences to take action in their local communities. But, how do they drive their audiences to this critical point?
​At the 2020 Planet Forward Virtual Summit, the focus is on environmental equity, inclusion, institutional change — and the narratives around them. Learn how the best environmental change agents use storytelling to transform their audiences from passive listeners to engaged doers.

RIGGED Virtual Screening w/ National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
2020-10-29
RIGGED: The Voter Suppression Playbook is an award-winning documentary that exposes the nefarious tactics used to suppress the vote and serves to spark discussion on the actions needed to protect our democracy. Shot principally during the 2016 election, the film tracks a systematic, decade-long effort to reverse the impact of the growing demographic tide of non-white and younger voters who helped elect President Barack Obama in 2008. It details a variety of voter suppression “plays,” or tactics, ranging from the purging of voting rolls and passing of new, restrictive voter ID laws to gerrymandering and voter intimidation. The film includes revealing interviews with Republican strategists detailing how the voter suppression game is played as well as cogent insights from leading voting rights advocates, law professors and Democratic strategists. It is narrated by Tony & Emmy award-winning actor, Jeffrey Wright.

State of the City
2020-10-29
You’re invited to join the Bend Chamber, in partnership with Cascade Insurance Center and Mid Oregon Credit Union, for annual updates on the State of the County and State of the City.

You’ll gain critical insights into how Deschutes County and the City of Bend are tackling the tough challenges facing Central Oregon. Discussions include: updates on each agency’s COVID response, economic vitality, burgeoning growth and its impacts on transportation, housing and other vital services.
With Bend Mayor Sally Russell & City Manager Eric King

Virtual Lecture: Bats of the Pacific Northwest
2020-10-28
Bat populations are notoriously difficult to study and much remains to be revealed. The Northwestern Bat Hub at OSU-Cascades seeks to study bats and their extinction risks, especially in light of a changing environment. Join Bat Hub Coordinator, Rogelio Rodriguez, for a look at the diversity of bats of the Pacific Northwest and what his research group has learned about them over the years.
This virtual lecture will be presented live via Zoom. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link and passcode to access the lecture.
