The Environmental Center

Rooted in Place: A Groundbreaking Celebration
2025-10-09 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us as we break ground on the next chapter of our building’s story and celebrate the roots we share with this place.Before construction begins, we’re inviting our community to help carefully dig up native plants from our garden and grounds to take them home to replant. It’s a unique opportunity to keep a living piece of our shared landscape growing throughout Central Oregon, while making space for the next chapter of climate and community work at our site.Enjoy light refreshments, hear a brief update on what’s ahead for our building, and then we’ll work together to dig up plants. Come connect with others who care about sustainability, stewardship, and resilience. Let’s build forward, together – and take our roots with us.

Details:October 9, 20254:30-6:30pmDonations for plants, and for supporting this final leg of our capital campaign, kindly accepted.BYO shovels and pots, though there will be some available to use.

2nd Annual Ag Connect Open House: Tuesday October 14th from 4-7pm
2025-10-14 16:00 - 19:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us with our neighbors at HDFFA at the warehouse – 20780 High Desert Ln. Come say hi and see where the magic happens. We’re inviting our farmers, friends, and full community to celebrate local food and everything we’ve all accomplished this year. 🙂

Bend Climate Innovation Fair
2025-10-14 18:00 - 21:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Bend Climate Collective presents its inaugural Bend Climate Innovation Fair, as part of the High Desert Innovation Week, spotlighting the groundbreaking climate activism, ideas, and solutions emerging from Central Oregon’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
​Discover the inspired people, transformative ideas, and creative businesses being built right here in our backyard. This showcase is being organized for entrepreneurs, inventors, and thought leaders who are positioning Central Oregon as a powerhouse for climate innovation. During the Climate Fair, participants will have the chance to engage directly with the visionaries shaping our sustainable future.

American Foreign Policy in a New Era with Jane Cramer, Ph.D.
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
American Foreign Policy in a New Era
Jane Cramer, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Political Science, University of Oregon
Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m., Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus
Access to the recorded version also available
Tickets:
Sliding-Scale Pricing $0-$10
Register here

Jane Cramer will explore the contours of the U.S. foreign policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization.
Click here for more information

The High Desert Goes Low Impact
2025-10-16 08:00 - 09:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Local and regional experts will explore the urgent challenges of a changing climate while highlighting innovative local efforts to achieve net-zero impact and other approaches to addressing climate change and sustainability. Learn more about this pressing issue and how communities and organizations across Central Oregon are leading the way with practical, scalable strategies that move us toward a more sustainable future.
Speakers:

Dr. Ihab Elzeyadi, University of Oregon, School of Architecture and Environment (Keynote/Moderator)
Cassie Lacy, City of Bend, Senior Management Analyst, Environment and Climate Committee
Jarrod Penttila, OSU Cascades, Associate Director of Capital Planning and Construction
Justin Alvarado, Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Sustainability Manager\nOwen Murphy, Central Oregon Community College, Ponderosa Project lead faculty

Details:
Thursday, October 16, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Central Oregon Community College, Wille Hall
If the financial cost of attending is a barrier, use Promo Code CivicCO for a complimentary forum registration made possible by generous grants from St. Charles Health System and Pacific Power Foundation.

Unveiling of the 19th Street Learning Garden Mural Project
2025-10-16 16:00 - 19:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
RootedHomes and arts education nonprofit Caldera invite the Central Oregon community and media partners to the unveiling of a new, vibrant community mural created by local teen artists. The mural transforms a previously blank retaining wall near the future community garden at RootedHomes Rooted at 19th community in Redmond.
The mural is the result of a powerful collaboration that allowed Caldera Learners to apply their creative talents to a large-scale, permanent piece of public art. Community members are invited to meet the young artists and celebrate their lasting contribution to the Redmond landscape.
The project exemplifies Caldera’s mission to uplift youth through creativity. Amy Mutchler, Central Oregon High School and Young Adult Mentor at Caldera, notes, “The mural we’ve done here with RootedHomes is an example of how that mission has taken the next step. It’s now the youth—these five Central Oregon high school apprentices—who took that creative spirit and used it to uplift their community.”

The public celebration and unveiling of the 19th Mural Project will take place on Thursday, October 16, from 4-7pm at the site, located at 345 NW 19th Street in Redmond.

Pints & Politics
2025-10-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence Ln #1, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters in Deschutes County is excited to host our first Pints & Politics of the year to release our 2025 Environmental Scorecard. Eliza Walton, OLCV Coalition Director, will join us for insight into the 2025 legislative session and the scorecard. Come learn about how your local representatives voted on important environmental issues and all that was left on the table! Please note that free beverages are not provided at this event.

NO KINGS Bend Oregon
2025-10-18 14:00 - 17:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
About this event
Saturday, October 18 @ 2 – 5pm PDT

Drake Park

777 NW Riverside Blvd

SAVE THE DATE AND STAND BY FOR MORE DETAILS AS WE PLAN THIS DAY OF ACTION AND RESISTANCE! (Note: Location and time subject to change)

In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.
The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

Rights of Nature
2025-10-30 07:00 - 20:30 | RAY HALL ATRIUM, OSU Cascades, Ray Hall1500 Southwest Chandler Avenue, Bend, OR, 97702
The first Indigenous National Park Service Director and Cayuse and Walla Walla tribal citizen Chuck Sams will join LandWatch Executive Director Ben Gordon for a discussion on the Rights of Nature—a movement that redefines how we relate to land, water, and wildlife. Sams will share perspectives shaped by Indigenous law and conservation leadership, inviting us to recognize nature not as property, but as a relative.
This event is the kickoff to Central Oregon LandWatch’s 2025 Livable Future Forum

Pumpkin Smash!
2025-11-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St, Bend, 97702, United States
Don’t trash it, smash it! In an effort to keep pumpkins out of the landfill, join other halloween lovers to smash your pumpkins and compost them properly!
November 1, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ponderosa Park and Skyline Park
225 Southeast 15th Street / 19617 Mountaineer Way
Community effort to keep pumpkins out of landfills by providing locations for residents to drop-off jack-o-lanterns to be composted. Remove candles, ribbons, paint, and any other non-organic materials.

Beautiful Strengths of Indigenous Communities
2025-11-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Dr. Michelle Jacob emphasizes that understanding Indigenous history must go hand in hand with celebrating the vibrant contributions of Native peoples today. Rooted in Yakama traditions and the wisdom of Elders, her talk will highlight the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous communities while offering a message of hope, love, and collective strength to inspire a more connected and compassionate world.

10th Annual Fill Your Pantry
2025-11-08 11:00 - 15:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This is the last hoorah for farmers, ranchers, and makers for the 2025 season so let’s go big! Fill Your Pantry is an annual bulk buying [but you don’t have to buy in bulk] event at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds – OSU Extension Parking Lot. Pre-orders will open near the end of October for folks wanting to purchase larger quantities or secure limited items. It’s a great time to say hi and thank you to the folks that grow our food.
https://www.centraloregonfillyourpantry.com/

Wild Ones Training: Turning Passion into Advocacy
2025-11-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Are you someone who enjoys spending time in nature, loves public lands, cares about wildlife, and wants to do more to protect the environment? Are you ready to step up your environmental activism? With the current attacks on our public lands and waters, we need more voices collectively pushing back and speaking up for nature. Sharing personal stories, your passions, and your “why” with elected officials and decision-makers is key to influencing their priorities. Anyone can be an effective advocate, but it takes training and practice.
Join Oregon Wild and Protect Our Winters at this in-person workshop in Bend to learn how to craft your personal story and how to leverage your voice to make the most impact. We will also discuss the most pressing issues facing public lands and wildlife in Oregon, and give you all the tools and resources you need to effectively advocate for the places and critters you love!
Join us for this special event on Monday, November 10, and bring along a friend–activism is more fun and effective in community!

The Museum at Warm Springs to Host Opening Reception for the “32nd Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Exhibit”
2025-11-12 17:30 - 20:00 | The Museum at Warm Springs, 2189 Highway 26, Warm Springs, 97761, United States
The Museum at Warm Springs to Host Opening Reception for the “32nd Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Exhibit” on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m.
The Museum at Warm Springs will host the opening of the “32nd Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Exhibit” on Wednesday, November 12. Museum Members and the general public are invited to a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Museum (2189 Highway 26, Warm Springs). The exhibit will be on view through Saturday, March 7, 2026.
This popular annual exhibit displays the immense talent and artistic excellence of Warm Springs adult and youth Tribal members. The exhibit is curated by Warm Springs Museum Curator and Exhibit Coordinator Angela Anne Smith (Warm Springs, Yakama, Nez Perce and Diné). Selected artworks will be available for sale with a 20% commission going toward The Museum.

Repair Café with COCC Redmond
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | COCC Redmond, 2324 NE College Lp, Redmond, OR, 97756 , United States

A Shift in Thinking
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Michelle Nijhuis — a High Country News contributing editor, frequent contributor to the New York Review of Books and the author of Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in the Age of Extinction — will walk us through 20 influential books that can help us shift our thinking away from systems of ecological oppression and toward a more just and verdant future.
Part of Central Oregon LandWatch’s 2025 Livable Future Forum.

Community Conversations-Natural Resource Management
2025-11-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Registration is required. Light supper provided.
Please join us in a discussion about our Natural Resources – What are the current conditions, current concerns, and how can you play a role. Let’s ask ourselves…what can one person do? Envision a community that understands the upstream and downstream impacts of using Earth’s resources and makes responsible decisions about the consumption
Presented by the Bitterbrush Broads and Bros, the Central Oregon chapter and The Environmental Center
Community Conversations brings neighbors together to connect, share experiences, and listen with open minds. Through thoughtfully facilitated events, we provide opportunities for individuals with diverse beliefs to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore different perspectives, and discover common ground on the issues that shape our community. Our goal is to foster deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and collaborative solutions to local civic challenges. Together, we cultivate the trust and communication skills essential for a thriving and united Central Oregon.
Questions? Contact lizg@deschuteslibrary.org

What's Recyclable Anyway? (and what the heck is the RMA?)
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30
Event: What’s recyclable anyway? (and what the heck is the RMA?)
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 18th 6-7:30pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Did you know our consumption accounts for half of our emissions? Did you hear that Knott Landfill is close to full? Have you heard contradictory things about recycling and whether it matters?
This July, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a sweeping bill that modernizes Oregon’s recycling infrastructure, and makes producers responsible for their packaging (see our blog post for more information). Do you have questions about what has changed or what is about to change? Or maybe, are you skeptical that these changes will have any meaningful impact?
At our 4th annual America Recycles Day event, come get answers to all these questions and more by a panel of experts.
A big thanks to our panelists!
Panel:
Colin Teem, Materials Management – Eastern Region Specialist, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Rachel VanWoert, RMA Technical Assistant, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Susan Baker, Diversion and Franchise Services Manager, Deschutes County Solid Waste
Moderator: Kavi Chokshi, Rethink Waste Program Manager, The Environmental Center
Questions? Email kavi@envirocenter.org

Questions? Email kavi@envirocenter.org

Kids’ Entrepreneur Marketing
2025-11-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Kids’ Entrepreneur Marketing in November. The Kids’ Entrepreneur Market is an entirely kid-run, eco-friendly market, for ages 7-17 to learn entrepreneurship by creating and selling their own products and services, all while considering the protection of our beloved planet. FREE to attend. $12-24 to participate.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
2025-11-29 15:30 - 17:00 | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Nov 29th is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. There will be a screening & discussion of Gaza Fight for Freedom at the downtown Bend Library 3:30-5pm.

Guardians of Life: Indigenous Practices for a Thriving Earth
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer Kiliii Yüyan for a transformative journey to meet people living “in relationship” with their ancestral homelands. Indigenous men and women, youth and elders, hunters and farmers, spiritual leaders and craftsmen will reveal their ways of knowing and working with the land. These concepts and skills, taught for generations, are based on a foundational veneration for life—which is at the heart of caring for a living planet. With stories spanning the globe from the Arctic to Australia, Yüyan will remind us that when we protect the more-than-human world, we are also protecting ourselves.
This talk is the final event in Central Oregon LandWatch’s 2025 Livable Future Forum.

17th Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire
2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend, Oregon, Bend, OR, United States
Now in its 17th year, the Locavore Holiday Gift Faire has become a community tradition and one of Bend’s favorite ways to celebrate the season. With 80+ local vendors, the faire offers a joyful and meaningful alternative to big-box shopping—bringing together artisans, farmers, and makers from across Central Oregon in one festive, family-friendly event.
Handcrafted, Local, and One-of-a-Kind
This one-day-only faire features an abundance of locally made gifts: handcrafted jewelry, original art, textiles, small-batch foods, herbal soaps, woodworks, ceramics, and whimsical holiday treats.
“This is more than a holiday market,” said Nicole Timm-Branch, Executive Director of Central Oregon Locavore. “It’s a way to celebrate creativity, support small businesses, and strengthen Central Oregon’s local economy. Every vendor and sponsor helps sustain a holiday tradition that makes Bend unique. Plus all proceeds benefit Central Oregon Non Profit, ensuring the future of local food for our community..”

Kids’ Entrepreneur Holiday Market
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Kids’ Entrepreneur Market is an entirely kid-run, eco-friendly market, for ages 7-17 to learn entrepreneurship by creating and selling their own products and services. This is a real-world experience that allows children to be creative, build confidence, learn skills beyond the classroom – and above all, have fun! Handmade gifts, artisan crafts, artwork, food, drinks, jewelry, and more. Come support young entrepreneurs in our community! FREE to attend. $15-$30 to participate.

DATE: Sunday, Dec. 14
TIME: 1-4pm
LOCATION: Elks Lodge 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, Bend, OR 97701 541-389-7438

Tribal Sovereignty and Water: Tribal Perspectives in the Deschutes Basin
2025-12-15 17:30 - 18:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Date: 12/15/25
Venue: Worthy Brewing Company
Time: Doors open at 5:30 pm, program starts at 6 pm
Cost: Free with optional donation
The Deschutes River Conservancy is honored to host an evening led by Tribal representatives sharing their perspectives on water, restoration, and resilience in the Deschutes Basin. The discussion will explore how Tribal priorities and leadership guide efforts to heal and sustain the river system—and how collaboration can support long-term balance across the Basin.

January 8th Forum: Slippery Slopes - Why Oregon’s Recreation Industry Is on Thin Ice
2026-01-08 08:00 - 09:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join for the First Forum of 2026!
Oregon’s outdoor recreation world is hitting a serious crunch. Unenforceable liability waivers are sending insurance premiums soaring, impacting ski areas, rafting guides, gyms, and the small businesses that keep our adventure culture alive.
Join City Club of Central Oregon on January 8 for a clear look at what’s happening, who’s affected, and what solutions are on the table.
Featuring:
• David Byrd, National Ski Areas Association
• Jordan Elliott, Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association
• Tate Metcalf, Sisters Athletic Club
• Rep. Emerson Levy, House District 53
Forum Details:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Central Oregon Community College, Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall
If you ski, bike, climb, paddle, or just care about the future of Oregon’s recreation economy, this forum is a must-attend.
REGISTER HERE

JOIN or DIE documentary: free screening
2026-01-10 13:30 - 16:00 | Downtown Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
How declining community engagement created an American civic crisis. This event is brought to you by Braver Angels of Central Oregon.

Join us for a Free Screening of the documentary JOIN or DIE!
Bravers Angels of Central Oregon invites you to the Redmond Library Community Room for an exclusive in-person event. Watch this captivating documentary that explores the power of unity and collaboration. Learn about the importance of coming together to overcome challenges and make a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and gain a new perspective. See you there!
Contact us: braverangelscentraloregon@gmail.com

Repair Café with Redmond Library
2026-01-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States

Energize Bend January Social
2026-01-20 18:00 - 20:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Connect, learn, organize!
Join the energize bend coalition at Podski food Cart Lot from 6-8pm on January 20th.
Movements are only as sustainable as the lives of the people in them, so here is to another year of joyful and connective organizing. As always, get in touch at info@energizebend.org if you have any thoughts you’d like to share.
Wanna join? Checkout the Gen Z partiful invite here: https://partiful.com/e/uTYozvaqWkckP7Jiv4oU?

When We Rise: My Life in the Movement with Cleve Jones
2026-01-20 18:30 - 21:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Drawn from his critically acclaimed memoir, When We Rise, Cleve Jones will share his 50-year personal and political journey to becoming a hero for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Beginning with the electrifying atmosphere of 1970s San Francisco, he will take us through the Gay Liberation Movement, his mentorship with legendary Harvey Milk, the terrifying early years of the AIDS pandemic and his own rise to the forefront of activism as co-founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and AIDS Memorial Quilt. Speaking as both a witness to history and as one who critically shaped it, Jones will chronicle an era that forever changed both the fabric of our nation and the lives of millions of 2SLGBTQIA+ Americans.

Raising Chickens in Central Oregon
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This beginner-friendly presentation is your guide to raising chickens in Central Oregon’s unique climate.
Learn how to choose the best breeds, design appropriate housing, and keep your flock healthy and thriving year-round. Whether you’re aiming for fresh eggs, meat, or charming backyard company, you’ll leave this presentation feeling confident and ready to start your poultry journey.
Register at bit.ly/chickensinco
Event inquiries can be sent to: info@worthygardenclub.org
