The Environmental Center

Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy
2018-04-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join acclaimed photographer and author Tim Palmer as he inspires us with stories and shares his awarding winning photos with us.
This year is the 30th anniversay of the Upper Deschutes River being designated Wild and Scenic and the 50th anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Tim will reveal the history and essential policies of this unique policy and showcase spectacular photos of Wild and Scenic rivers from all parts of the country.
Tim Palmer is the author and photographer of 26 books about rivers, the environment, and adventure travel. As a writer, citizen conservationist, and environmental planner he has been involved in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system almost since its founding.
*Dr. Roderick Frazier Nash, Professor Emeritus, University of California Santa Barbara and author of Wilderness and the American Mind.

Drivers of Innovation
2018-04-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Driverless cars, big data, complete streets, smart busses, artificial intelligence – the future of transportation is changing.
So is Bend – 50,000 more people in the next ten years. Will the chicken be crossing the road by foot, in a self-driving car, or pedaling a bike?
Get in the conversation – Monday, April 23, 6:00 p.m. at the Tower Theatre. Four top experts will explore how planning, connections and an eye toward the future can shape Bend’s transportation system and hear your ideas and concerns.
Free admission, tickets required.

Earth Day Fair & Parade
2018-04-21 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join The Environmental Center for a fun and festive celebration of the natural world! Our day of festivities kicks off with a colorful, creative parade filled with children and adults costumed as their favorite plant or animal. Get ready for the parade by creating your own costume!
11:00 am: Assemble on Louisiana Avenue next to McMenamin’s
11:30am: Parade starts (about 8 blocks through downtown Bend and ends at the Earth Day Fair)
No motorized vehicles or written words allowed in the parade. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed.
Following the parade, there will be live music, local businesses, a variety of food, and great hands-on activities and games for all ages. The fair takes place on Kansas Avenue in front of The Environmental Center (downtown Bend).

Writing About (this) Place
2018-04-19, 2018-04-12, 2018-04-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
8-week class in place-based writing
REGISTER: 541- 408-4509 or email esantasiero@gmail
Inspired by the natural, cultural, and figurative landscapes of central Oregon and by select prose and poetry from our region, we develop and invigorate our own writing in all genres. Let’s see where an exploration of this particular place takes us as writers! Emphasis on place-based writing technique and form.
Writer Ellen Santasiero loves living, writing, and teaching right here in central Oregon. She teaches literature and creative writing at OSU-Cascades in Bend. Her writing has appeared in Northwest Review, The Sun, thestayproject, Oregon Humanities, and High Desert Journal, among others.

BendFilm Presents Evolution of Organic
2018-04-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oscar winner Frances McDormand narrates the story of a motley crew of back-to-the-landers, spiritual seekers and farmers’ sons and daughters who reject chemical farming and set out to explore organic alternatives. Their heartfelt journey — funny, engaging, informative and filled with iconic music from the 60s — is what brought organic produce into mainstream markets and established a vision of sustainable agriculture for the future. Doors open at 4:30 pm.
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/181428111

Bend COTA Work Events
2018-04-19, 2018-04-12, 2018-04-05, 2018-03-29 | 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.

Juniper Group Program Night
2018-04-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Wildlife Conservation in East Africa
Protecting East Africa’s wildlife and wild lands, including one of the greatest populations of elephants left in East Africa, Big Life Foundation employs hundreds of Maasai anti-poaching rangers using tracker dogs and aerial surveillance to protect nearly 2 million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. Since 2008 a dramatic escalation in poaching has been fed by a surge in demand for ivory and other animal parts from China and other parts of Asia. Chillingly, at the rate of current poaching there will be no elephants or lions left in the African wild within 15 years. Big Life sounds the alarm for an urgent need to halt this destruction.
Big Life’s philosophy is that sustainable conservation can only be achieved through community collaborations for the benefit of all, and has established a successful ecosystem model that can be replicated across the continent. Protected iconic fauna include elephants as well as Eastern black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hippo, zebra and many more.
Sierra Club member and Big Life’s Associate Director Amy Baird will provide an update on the conservation work happening in Africa and share some of her firsthand experiences with Big Life’s work. Learn more about Big Life’s programs, including video material at biglife.org. At the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend, 6:30 social gathering/networking, 6:50 action item and program. Free. Donations at the door will be gifted to Big Life Foundation.

Literary Central Oregon
2018-04-17, 2018-04-10, 2018-04-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Do you love history? Literature? And Central Oregon?
REGISTER: 541- 408-4509 or email esantasiero@gmail
In this 8-week class, read and discuss some of the best fiction, nonfiction, and poetry about and inspired by our natural and cultural landscapes. Guided by the work of historic and contemporary regional writers, both long-time residents and newcomers to the region can connect more deeply with this place we all call home. Readings, discussion, questions, group facilitation, and light refreshments provided.
Oregon State University English professor Ellen Santasiero leads the group and shares her love of our region. A founding staff member of High Desert Journal and a former Writer in Residence at COCC, her writing has appeared in Northwest Review, The Sun, thestayproject, High Desert Journal, and Oregon Home, among others.

Spring Farm & Food Faire
2018-04-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Sustainability Committee, in partnership with Central Oregon Locavore and the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, is hosting the 3rd annual Spring Farm & Food Faire on Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coats Campus Center in Bend. Rain or shine, this event is free and open to the public.
The Spring Farm & Food Faire is an opportunity to browse, taste, and talk about local food. Purchase early-season crops, eggs, meats, seed starts, or sign up for community-supported agriculture (CSA) and herdshare memberships from more than a dozen area farms and ranches. The faire also serves as ​a place to learn about farm dinners, events, and volunteer opportunities scheduled throughout the year.
“The Spring Farm and Food Faire is opportunity to meet the amazing people responsible for growing food here in Central Oregon,” said event coordinator Owen Murphy. “The faire provides an indoor space for local farmers, ranchers, and producers to show their wares and connect with community members well before regional farmers markets start up in June.”
The COCC Sustainability Committee promotes sustainability education and practices among campus students, faculty, and staff. Central Oregon Locavore is a Bend non-profit that supports local food and farms through educational programs and a year-round indoor farmer’s market. High Desert Food & Farm Alliance’s objective is to support a community-based food system with access to fresh healthy food and sustainable farmland use.

March for Science Central Oregon
2018-04-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In 2017, more than one million people worldwide gathered together in the largest event for science advocacy in history. In 2018, we unite again to hold our elected and appointed officials responsible for enacting equitable, evidence-based policies that serve all communities and science for the common good.
March for Science Central Oregon will be held Saturday, April 14, 10am at the Drake Park Amphitheater.
Interested in helping with the march? POPC will be hosting a volunteer meeting on April 7 from 12-2:30pm in the Downtown Bend Library Brooks Room to make signs and match volunteers up with day-of tasks.

Tiny House Workshop
2018-04-14 - 2018-04-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Are you interested in tiny house living? And do you love saving money? Well, you’re in luck! 121 Tiny Homes is offering a discount of 50% for their upcoming Tiny House Workshop in Bend if you register by April 10.
This two-day workshop is a fun and interactive way to learn the ins-and-outs of tiny houses and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—from planning to building to living. Have questions about code, zoning, financing, insurance, plumbing, electrical? Come get answers! Learn more and register. Use promo code WORKSHOP200 at checkout to save 50% on your registration!

Faces of Farming: Grit - Resiliency in the High Desert
2018-04-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Locavore presents:
Grit: Resiliency in the High Desert
3rd Annual Faces of Farming Gala, Silent Auction and Farm to Table Feast
Do you love fresh, nourishing food and the hard-working souls who make it possible?
We invite you to join us, Thursday April 12th, at The Tetherow Resort Event Pavilion for an evening of artful and delicious surprise, designed to honor the hardy and dedicated people who grow and raise our food in Central Oregon.
This event will include a photograph narrative of our local farmers and ranchers, a silent auction, local wine, beer and cocktails, and an extensive menu showcasing the bounty of local farms and ranches brought to you by Chef Miguel and the culinary team at Tetherow.
This years theme is Resiliency in the High Desert. Our high plateau climate, short growing season, volcanic soil and water scarcity make farming and ranching a daily challenge for farmers and ranchers. To succeed one must be resilient, tough and steadfast. We want to honor that tenacity, and recognize it, for it takes a special individual to be a farmer or rancher in Central Oregon. One must have true GRIT.
We believe in the power of the land and the people who cultivate it for our well-being. At Central Oregon Locavore, we know that the future of farming and local food will depend upon the support and encouragement that we provide to local farmers and ranchers. Faces of Farming serves to connect those passionate about our sustainability, cultivates strong relationships and celebrates the potential in all of us.
Ticket includes sit-down formal dinner, one drink, dessert and an evening of elegance designed to support our local farms and ranchers.
Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available.

Power Hour: Commercial Solar and Efficiency
2018-04-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join The Energy Challenge to launch a brand new informational series: The Power Hour. This bi-monthly series will feature a deep-dive into a new energy topic every other month.
Join us starting at 5:00 to network and grab snacks and beer. Panel discussions will run from 5:30 – 6:30.
First up we’ll explore Whole Foods Market‘s energy journey. You may not be able to see it, but Whole Foods is saving a whole lot of energy and even producing some of their own with new solar panels on their roof. The most spectacular part of their story? They don’t own the building. You’ll see that energy improvements make sense in more situations than you may think. Over the last twelve months, several projects have been completed to improve energy consumption at Bend’s Whole Foods Market, including new cooler doors for refrigeration, an upgraded HVAC system, and new, more efficient sliding doors at the store’s entrance.
This will be an informative session for business owners, Green Teams, inspired employees looking to make a difference at work, and for community members who are interested in seeing how local businesses are walking the talk when it comes to sustainability. Join us in the Whole Foods café for an hour-long panel discussion (5:30 – 6:30) with experts, snacks, and pints.
Panelists will include:

Tyson Strople, Whole Foods, employee lead on the project
Jesse Holland, Energy Trust of Oregon, Existing Buildings Program
Jeni Hall, Energy Trust of Oregon, Solar Program
Laurel Hamilton, Solar Oregon board member and local solar installer

This event is also joining forces with a POWER PNW meet-up which provide a welcoming and casual opportunity to meet peers, share ideas and opportunities, and educate colleagues about projects and initiatives of interest to the group. POWER PNW is focused on building a community of women in energy and renewables and increasing inclusiveness through initiatives around workforce development, community building, and empowerment. All in all, we expect lots of great conversation and are looking forward to connecting with you!
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.
RSVP for this event
Thank you to our food and beverage partners!

Adventure Writing Workshop
2018-04-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Seattle-based writer,editor, and international mountain guide Charlotte Austin to bring an adventure writing workshops to Bend, Oregon. Come join Charlotte to learn tricks of the trade, share secrets of the travel writing industry, and discover helpful hacks to craft their individual story. No experience is necessary; just bring an open mind, a laptop or pen or pencil and notebook, and your creative sense of curiosity. Whether you’re brand-new to writing, interested in blogging, or want to pursue publication, you’ll leave this workshop one step closer to meeting your goals. A percentage of the proceeds benefit Oregon Wild.

30th Annual Salmon Run
2018-04-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A benefit for The Environmental Center!
Kick off the 2018 race season with a true Bend tradition. One of the first half marathons of the year in the Northwest, it has long been central to the local racing scene. Because of its early-season timing, it is also the quintessential race for runners looking to build a base for future races.
Each year, the mighty Salmon make an expedition of a lifetime back to their homes – traversing thousands of miles and overcoming countless obstacles on their river journeys. The Salmon juxtapose the infinite space of their ocean homes against the micro-streams of their birth in one monumental run. Their achievement is awesome in the true sense of the word.
In much the same way, the Salmon Run is a “homecoming” to the countless number of runners who return year after year to run this beautiful course. The completion of this race is an achievement that is nothing short of awesome!
Choose your own migration distance:
Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or Little Fry Children’s Races
Experience the awesomeness of the salmon migration by completing your own Salmon Run! Begin and end your adventure along the Deschutes River and imagine what a river journey could be like for the mighty salmon. The backdrop couldn’t be more beautiful than the Deschutes River corridor in beautiful Bend, Oregon. With distances from the 5k to the half-marathon, there is a perfect course length for everyone.
If you’re not able to race, but want to help support this event, please sign up to volunteer!

Mask Workshop for Earth Day Parade
2018-04-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Be a part of the 2018 Earth Day parade! Join local artist Debra Fisher for a mask-making workshop on April 7, 2018, 10:00- 12:30.
This workshop is appropriate for children of all ages; Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a parent. Parent participation in costume-making is encouraged!
Materials will be provided. $3.00 suggested donation to help cover the cost of these materials.
No registration required, but please arrive at 10:00 a.m. at the beginning of the workshop to receive full instruction.

Spring Garden Work Party
2018-04-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in our Kansas Ave. Learning Garden to kick off another growing season! This is a volunteer opportunity to lend a hand and dig in the dirt as we prepare our garden for spring.
Please swing by any time between 9am – 12pm. Family friendly, and tools will be provided.

Spring Repair Cafe
2018-04-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our Rethink Waste Project is organizing a Spring Repair Cafe will be at a new location, Ensworth Elementary School on Thursday April 5th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Volunteers will be on hand to attempt to repair your broken items, for FREE! Items to bring include clothes, outdoor gear, electronics and small appliances, jewelry, small furniture and household goods. You may bring multiple items, but only 1 item will be repaired at a time.
For more information on what a repair cafe is, check our the Rethink Waste Project webpage Dare To Repair.

Clean Energy Jobs - Post Session Celebration
2018-04-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon League of Conservation Voters and the Renew Oregon coalition for food, drinks, and highlights from a roller coaster of a legislative session! We’re getting together to discuss what the heck happened, thank everyone for their hard work, and start plotting the road ahead to 2019’s days in Salem.
This event will take place in the Hop Mahal. Please RSVP.

Letter to the Editor Writing Workshop - Public Lands Edition
2018-04-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Speak up and advocate for Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Public Lands around Oregon!
In this workshop, we will discuss best practices for writing and submitting Letters to the Editor and Guest Opinions for local newspapers. The discussion will include what does and doesn’t get published, how to reach beyond ‘the choir’, and basic writing tips. Local author LeeAnn Kriegh will be guiding us through an engaging training. Join us for a fun evening together using our voice to protect Oregon’s public lands.
Pizza, beer and other beverages provided.

Propagate: a seed swap + tiny popup shop
2018-03-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Bring your saved and extra seed to swap with other gardeners in town! This is a free event.
Please be prepared to bring envelopes and/or bags to take your seed home in. This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other gardeners/farmers in town to share stories, info, skills, etc.

SOLVE Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup
2018-03-24 10:00 - 13:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join SOLVE and thousands of volunteers on March 24 as we clean up litter and marine debris from the entire Oregon coast! Since 1986, this home-grown tradition of twice-yearly beach cleanups has benefited people and wildlife alike, supporting clean seas and healthy communities. This is a family friendly event and SOLVE invites all Oregonians to participate.
Sign up here!
Choose from one of 45 beach cleanup sites from Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria to Harris Beach in Brookings. Pick your favorite beach or head somewhere new!

Meet Your Farmer Dinner
2018-03-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Wild Oregon Foods, 61334 S Hwy 97 Suite 360, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Meet Your Farmer Dinner Series is a wonderful way to really meet your local farmers!
Meet Your Farmer dinners consist of a locally sourced, gourmet meal hosted by and prepared by rotating local restaurants. During dinner you will be treated to a presentation by the evening’s featured farmer.
About Wild Oregon Foods: Wild Oregon Foods is a diner style restaurant in Bend, Oregon committed to creating delicious, fresh and locally sourced food. We source our ingredients from all over central Oregon.
About Crooked River Bison: We raise our bison in the most humane and ethical possible manner. Our bison receive a diet of native grass and are never given steroids or hormones to artificially stimulate growth. When it comes time to harvest, we only field harvest in small numbers to maintain a low stress environment. The extra care we put into our ranching practices ensures that the meat on your dinner plate is of the highest quality. We adhere to our strictly-defined ranching standards and practice the most ethical ranching methods so you and your family can enjoy the tastiest, most flavorful bison meat available.
