The Environmental Center

Bend COTA Work Events
2019-07-11, 2019-07-18, 2019-07-25, 2019-08-01, 2019-08-08, 2019-08-15 | 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.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2019-07-16, 2019-07-23, 2019-07-30, 2019-08-06, 2019-08-13 | 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

Summer Repair Cafe at DIYcave
2019-07-17 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | DIYcave, 444 SE 9th St., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
We’re excited to return to DIY Cave for our 2019 Summer Repair Cafe! Volunteers will be on hand to fix small appliances/electronics, outdoor gear, clothes, boots/shoes, bikes, jewelry, small furniture/household goods, and more. And it’s FREE!
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the list of volunteer fixers, please email Ani.

Talkin' Trash: Managing our Waste in Deschutes County
2019-07-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How Do We Deal with Solid Waste in Deschutes County?
The current Deschutes County landfill will be full in 2029. This is a time-sensitive issue for the community, as plans must be made now on how to handle solid waste in Deschutes County once the landfill is full. The county has formed a Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to explore two options: (a) developing a new landfill within Deschutes County, and, (b) hauling solid waste to a facility located outside of Deschutes County. This forum will explore the pros and cons of both options. In addition, the forum will present ways the community can be more efficient with waste management to extend the life of the landfill beyond 2029 and how to maximize its economic value.
Panelists:
Timm Schimke, Director of Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste
Denise Rowcroft, Rethink Waste Project of The Environmental Center
Moderator: Sam Albert, DJ at 101.7FM
$25 members / $45 non-members. Plated lunch is included.

Sagebrush Sippers
2019-07-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association staff and supporters for Sagebrush Sippers happy hours in our office this summer. Mix and mingle, learn about new aspects of Oregon’s high desert, and find opportunities to dig deeper into our conservation work.
This month, hear more about how to further your conservation advocacy with ONDA’s own Corie Harlan and Gena Goodman-Campbell and enjoy cold beverages including beer from Immersion Brewing. Look for more Sagebrush Sippers events in Portland and Bend all summer.

High Desert Garden Tour
2019-07-20 09:00 - 15:30 | Madras, Madras, OR, United States
The 26th annual High Desert Garden Tour is coming up on Saturday, July 20th! This event is a self-guided tour of six beautiful gardens in the Culver and Madras area. Find new inspiration for your landscape and chat with OSU Master Gardener volunteers during this fun and educational event.
New this year there is a van pool available ($10) for those who want to relax and leave the driving to someone else. For more information, call the office at 541-548-6088.
More details will be coming soon! Check out the Facebook page for updates.

Eco Hero Adventures Summer Camp [Session 2]
2019-07-22, 2019-07-23, 2019-07-24, 2019-07-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What is sustainability and how can I live lighter? Your child can discover the answers to these questions and more while biking, swimming, and exploring our town. Campers will learn about sustainable food, renewable energy, environmental ethics, and how to bike safely around Bend.
Ages: Entering grades 4, 5 and 6
Times: 9AM – 5PM (Drop off 8:45)
Cost: $275/child or $225/child for 2+ siblings
Session 1 : July 8 – July 11, 2019
Session 2 : July 22 – July 25, 2019
Session 3 : August 5 – August 8, 2019
REGISTER HERE!
Scholarships may be available. Contact Jackie Wilson for more info.

Geology of Central Oregon
2019-07-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The volcanic landscapes of central Oregon have been shaped by tectonic forces that are active on a global scale. In central Oregon, these forces interact to create a geologically diverse region of snow covered volcanic peaks, landscapes created by faults, and some of the largest volcanic eruptions on earth. In this presentation, Dr. Daniele McKay, geologist and Instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, will explore recent geologic research that has changed our understanding of central Oregon landscapes.

Deschutes River Cleanup
2019-07-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Riverbend Park, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council invites watershed stewards of all ages to join us for the 23nd annual Deschutes River Cleanup on Saturday, July 27, 2019!
Volunteers will meet at Riverbend Park at 10am. River clean-up activities will take place in the Deschutes River and along its riparian areas between Meadow Camp and Drake Park. Bring your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to help Central Oregon Diving divers pull garbage out of the river, or help us pull invasive weeds and remove litter from the stream banks.

Sisters Carbon Town Hall
2019-07-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
State Senator Cliff Bentz–one of the Republican Senators who fled the state to prevent a vote on HB 2020–just announced a “Carbon Town Hall” in Sisters. OLCV invites you to show robust rural support for climate action!
Sisters Carbon Town Hall
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 6:00-8:30pm (PST)
Location: Five Pine Lodge & Conference Center
Sen. Benz wants to hear what his constituents want when it comes to carbon reduction and the Clean Energy Jobs bill.

Steelhead Falls Trailhead Invasive Weed Removal
2019-08-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Steelhead Falls Trail, along the Middle Deschutes River near Crooked River Ranch, is one of the most beloved spots in Central Oregon. The past several years, Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (also known as FANs of the Deschutes Canyon Area) volunteers have removed cheatgrass and other invasive weeds while planting native bunchgrasses and shrubs near the trailhead.
This restoration work has greatly improved Steelhead Falls Trailhead habitat. However, invasive weeds, including Russian thistle and foxtail barley, are growing amongst the native plants now, and they need to be removed.
We will meet at the Steelhead Falls parking lot at 8:00 a.m. We hope you can help for one or two hours. Please wear outdoor work clothes, closed-toe shoes, and work gloves. Bring a weeding tool if you have one. We will have some extra tools available. Also, please bring some water and a snack. Thank you for helping to keep the trailhead looking great!

Solar + Storage: Creating a Resilient Energy Supply
2019-08-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A networking event with a panel of experts to ignite new conversations around energy efficiency. Free event, please RSVP in advance.
Why do batteries matter? What benefits do solar + storage systems have when it comes to creating a resilient community? We’ll hear from local emergency response teams and get a tour of E2 Solar’s solar + storage system at their office.
Solar and batteries have been combined since the dawn of the solar industry, but with the advent of net metering and grid-connected solar installations, many installations moved away from the added expense of batteries. With a heightened focus on resiliency and energy independence, batteries are resurfacing as a hot topic of conversation in the solar world and with prices rapidly declining, they are being incorporated into an increasing number of solar installations.
Schedule:
5:00 – 5:30pm: Networking
5:30 – 6:30pm: Panel Discussion, Q&A
6:30 – 7:00pm: Networking
Thanks to our host, E2 Solar!
RSVP Today

Central Oregon Volcanoes: Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters
2019-08-09, 2019-08-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Although you may not spend a lot of time thinking about volcanoes, these geologic features impact our daily lives in many ways—especially in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. The spectacular volcanoes of the Cascades provide exceptional wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and natural resources.
Volcanoes can also be dangerous. Lava flows can bury roads, houses, and everything else in their path. Volcanic ash can cause severe problems for transportation, agriculture, drinking water supplies, and air quality. Volcanic gasses can be deadly to breathe, and they can alter global atmospheric conditions and climate. For these reasons, it is important to study volcanoes and to be prepared for future volcanic activity.
Each academic term, Dr. Daniele McKay offers a two-day course focusing on how and why volcanoes erupt, and the geologic history of the Central Oregon Cascades. In our summer session, we explore the volcanic history of the Central Oregon Cascades, with an emphasis on the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor area.
These courses are designed for people with little or no background in geology. We will cover the basics of how and why volcanoes erupt, and the deposits they produce. Registration is required.

Stars Over Newberry (Postponed)
2019-08-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This event has been postponed to September, due to weather.
Discover Your Forest will play host to hundreds of guests at the 4th Annual Stars Over Newberry fundraiser. The event will take place atop Lava Butte in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and featured stargazing with Worthy Garden Club and Sisters Astronomy Club, live music, a silent auction, delicious Worthy Brewing beers, wine from Volcano Vineyards and creative bites by Bowtie Catering.
This event is a fundraiser for DYF’s conservation education programs, which connect over 9,000 kids annually with their public lands on free field trips.
Tickets are now available!

Broadchats
2019-08-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Central Oregon Chapter of Great Old Broads for Wilderness at an upcoming broadchats!
Conversation and presentation about “ Climate Change and Rivers.” Please bring $5.00 to cover costs of snacks and drinks and off set rental space. Register here.

Kayak Trip: Questions Answered!
2019-08-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Got questions about the Deschutes? What better way to learn about the river than to paddle it with a pro?
Join the Coalition for the Deschutes and Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe (TCKC) for a water-based exploration of the Upper Deschutes. TCKC will provide transportation, guides, and all the gear. Local water expert, Kyle Gorman, will edify and entertain you with stories about how the Deschutes River works and is managed.
Pre-registration required. This trip is appropriate for all skill levels, including beginners; there are no sections of the river that require technical paddling skills, and moving flatwater will help your boat along.

Sagebrush Sippers
2019-08-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association staff and supporters for Sagebrush Sippers happy hours in our office this summer. Mix and mingle, learn about new aspects of Oregon’s high desert, and find opportunities to dig deeper into our conservation work.
This month, hear more about the far-flung places where ONDA works and get tips to plan your fall escapes to Oregon’s high desert public lands from Oregon Desert Trail coordinator Renee Patrick. Enjoy cold beverages including beer from Immersion Brewing. Look for more Sagebrush Sippers events in Portland and Bend all summer.
