The Environmental Center

Webcast: Visions of Wild Utah
2021-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The wild landscapes of Utah offer breathtaking vistas, an incredible array of wildlife, recreation opportunities, and the preservation of irreplaceable cultural practices and artifacts. In recent years, much of the debate over American public lands has centered on Utah, focusing on the unjustified shrinking of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. But there is much more to the story and importance of Utah’s wild landscapes. Join three adventurers from Oregonians for Wild Utah (OFWU) as they take you on a virtual tour of some of these breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll explore how the conversations about our public lands – where they came from, why they’re important, and how they should be managed for future generations – can bring us together and help us advocate for them.

Outdoor Access for All: Exploring Safety, Equity & Inclusion
2021-05-26
Last year, hate crimes in the U.S. rose to the highest level in more than a decade, according to the FBI. In Oregon, hate crimes and bias incidents spiked 366% with several high-profile reports from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ community members being harassed in public parks and other public recreation areas. We can and must do better.
No one visiting the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Coast, or any lands held for the benefit of the public should have to fear that they and their loved ones might be harassed or attacked due to their skin color, gender identity, or ethnic background. But we still have a long way to go to ensure safe and equitable access on public lands.
Join for a virtual discussion— hosted by Friends of the Columbia Gorge and organized in collaboration with Comunidades, Love is King, and People of Colors Outdoors—to explore the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable access for all to state parks and lands in the Columbia Gorge and beyond across both Oregon and Washington.

Farm Kids Spring 2021
2021-05-27, 2021-05-28, 2021-06-04
Farm Kids! is an educational program that collaborates with teachers to educate school-aged children about where their food comes from through experiential, curriculum-based activities including field-trips to local farms and classroom presentations.

Spring Field Trips will be held at Windy Acres Dairy in Prineville, DD Ranch in Terrebonne, and Golden Eagle Organics and Juniper Jungle Farm in Bend
Farm Kids is geared toward students in kindergarten through second grade
Students will be in pods of 10 with a dedicated educator leading them through learning stations at the farm

Deschutes River Corridor Weed Pulls
2021-05-27
Join the Deschutes National Forest and Coalition for the Deschutes to pull invasive weeds along the Deschutes River. You’ll mostly be pulling knapweed and possibly some other invasives such as cheatgrass. With a small group of people spending two or three hours on the job, significant areas can be cleared and kept free of knapweed. And it’s fun and greatly appreciated!
Please bring:

gardening gloves
weeding tools if you have them (e.g., dandelion weeder)
snacks
water
And please dress for the weather and the work

For more information, send an email to inge@coalitionforthedeschutes.org

May Green Drinks Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
2021-05-27
To honor, celebrate and recognize the contributions, achievements, and influences that the Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander community has had, and continues to have in our community, we’d like to highlight Aina Hawaiian Bend for May Green Drinks.
We sat down with Kauai native and Bend transplant, Ian Vidinha. Ian runs and operates a Kauai-style Hawaiian food cart in Bend, Oregon. Ian shared about his upbringing in Kauai, his cultural connection to the land, and traditional practices on how his family gathered and prepared food.
Here’s how to participate in our May Green Drinks:
First: Watch the 20-minute video featuring Ian’s stories & cooking.
Second: On Thursday, May 27th, mention Green Drinks at Aina food cart and receive 10% off your meal. (Their hours are 12-7pm; located near Bevel Brewing.)
**Please note this is not a scheduled, in-person event. You can watch the film and eat at Aina anytime. Share your photos with us!**

BIPOC Climbing night
2021-05-27
Join Latinos Outside, Vamonos Outside and the Circuit Bouldering Gym for their monthly BIPOC Climb Night. It is a place to come together and connect with other BIPOC folk in Central Oregon who are interested in climbing. All levels of experienced climbers welcomed.
First time visit is free. After that, it is half off regular day passes during these climb nights. Regular prices are $19 (adults), $17 (Students), $15 (youth). Free rentals for any one who needs them. Prizes will be given away as well. Sign waiver here!

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-05-27, 2021-06-03
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.

Healing the Big River
2021-05-27
Thirteen years ago he embarked on a self-assignment to tell the story of the Columbia River Treaty between the U.S and Canada, and its impact on first nations, tribes, and salmon along the entire 1,250 Columbia River. The original treaty in 1964 excluded participation and input from indigenous communities. The end result of this labor of love was the independently produced photo essay book, Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty. Peter invited leaders from first nations, tribes, and salmon restoration advocates to contribute powerful guest essays about their connection to the river, their hopes for a modernized treaty (now being re-negotiated), and their hopes to see one of the greatest salmon runs that ever existed on the planet restored, from the ocean to the headwaters near Canal Flats BC. The Grand Coulee Dam in eastern WA State has blocked the salmon returning home to the headwaters.
Peter Marbach has been a professional photographer for 25 years, published 6 photo essay books, and had previous assignment work with numerous conservation groups, U.S Forest Service, and outdoor travel editorial work. In October 2014, Peter was featured in an episode of Oregon Field Guide. His current professional focus is as a visual storyteller using his photography to address important environmental and indigenous justice issues.

Happy Girls Run 2021
2021-05-29
Grab your bestie and take in the beauty of Central Oregon as you embark on a tour of majestic scenery. You’ll be well-supported with multiple aid stations, medics and helpful event staff to make your day all about you and achieving your personal goals. Register now

Watershed Warriors
2021-05-29, 2021-06-05
Our local watershed is a vital part of our everyday life and a treasured natural resource we want to help preserve. During this program, you and your family will learn all about the importance of watersheds and how to be good stewards for our waterways. From examining water and macroinvertebrate samples in the field, to performing real-time pollution experiments using a watershed model, you will become experts in pollution prevention and watershed stewardship in no time!
This is a family program designed for families with children ages 6 to 10 years old. Capacity for this program is limited. This program takes place fully outdoors and masks are required for participants.
This program is free for Central Oregon families thanks to special support from Children’s Forest of Central Oregon.

CULTIVATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (a Virtual Conference): Confronting Health Threats, Climate Disasters, and Biodiversity Collapse with a Toxic-Free Future
2021-06-01, 2021-06-08
Virtual Conference—May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15, 2021

Scientific understanding. Collective action. Systemic change. A toxic-free future. Organic transition. The serious and existential environmental and health challenges that we face bring an urgency to the focus of this Forum and the work that is going on in communities around the U.S. and the world. Central to the solution is the elimination of petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers in exchange for regenerative organic land management and nontoxic materials that stop the harm from toxic chemical production, use, and disposal. We recognize that this is the only way to protect our children and families, those in workplaces, pets, pollinators, and the rich diversity of organisms essential to life.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2021-06-01, 2021-06-08
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

COTA Crook County Chapter Meeting
2021-06-01
The local Crook County chapter COTA meeting happens the first Tuesday of every month. Now meeting at Good Bike Co., the monthly meeting takes place outdoors following OR Covid restrictions.

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon-Virtual Q&A session
2021-06-02
The Central Oregon Chapter of OSU Master Gardeners (COMGA) presents a Virtual Q&A Session to discuss your questions on Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon. Registered attendees will be sent a link to a pre-recorded class. Watch the video and bring your questions to this Virtual Q&A Session.
Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon video course – https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_45m9pklu

Networking 2.0 - Gearing up to go live!
2021-06-03
Come spend an hour with Julie Harrelson, Managing Director at Cascade Seed Fund, for a refreshing conversation about networking (especially while we’re still in a global pandemic).

Virtual Town Hall w/ Sen. Ron Wyden
2021-06-03
This week, Wyden will be holding a virtual town hall. It’s a key time to let him know you want to see our wild public lands and waters – including Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands – protected, forever.
The link to watch this virtual town hall is here.
The link to submit questions for Senator Wyden is here.
All topics welcome!

OLCV Virtual Phone Bank for 100% Clean Energy
2021-06-03
We’re in the final stretch of the 2021 Legislative Session, so we’re taking our advocacy to the next level in support of the Oregon Clean Energy Opportunity Campaign, which includes the 100% Clean Energy for All Bill.
OLCV is making calls on Thursday, June 3rd from 5:30 – 8:00 PM, and we would love for you to join to help pass these crucial bills– RSVP today!
Agenda:
– 5:30 PM- Training
– 6:00 PM- Make Calls!
– 7:45 PM- Debrief
– 8:00 PM- END
Together, we’ll be calling constituents in key legislative districts to ask them to get involved in the campaign by contacting their legislator. This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help us win the Oregon Clean Energy Opportunity Campaign to pass justice-centered energy policy this legislative session. Even if you’ve never phonebanked before or are feeling rusty, we’ll start off with a training on how to phonebank and will provide talking points on the bills.
We need our power to work for our communities and our climate future, not for corporations who avoid protecting our families and environment.

OLCV Virtual Town Hall with Senator Ron Wyden
2021-06-04
Learn about the American Jobs Plan and Senator Wyden’s Clean Energy for America Act.
At the Town Hall Senator Wyden will share how the American Jobs Plan will put millions of people to work by making major investments in infrastructure, while also speeding up our transition to clean energy. Creating family-wage paying jobs and prioritizing environmental justice are at the heart of this historic policy.

National Trails Day- Take Action for Trails!
2021-06-05
Saturday, June 5th is National Trails Day: One Way to Celebrate! (in addition to getting out on the trail)
Contact your congressperson and ask them to support HR 1864, the Recreational Trails Program Full Funding Act. RTP is such an important funding source for all kinds of Oregon trails, and requests outstrip available funds 4 to 1! Thanks to everyone who signed on to our letter last week. Now let’s make sure Oregon’s congressional delegation hears directly from Oregonians about the value of local trails and this funding program. See who else supports HR 1864!

Screening & Discussion of “Kiss the Ground”
2021-06-05 - 2021-06-07
With less than 10 years left to shift the path of our planet and combat climate change, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration calls to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean.
On World Environment Day, join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to mark the launch of the UN Decade by viewing an exclusive screening of the critically-acclaimed environmental feature documentary, “Kiss the Ground,” and joining a virtual discussion about the film.
You are invited to watch the documentary between June 5-7 and tune into the interactive panel discussion with experts and featured guests from the film on Monday, June 7 from 11 am – 12 PM EST. This session will highlight innovative ways regenerative agriculture is reviving ecosystems around the world and how you can be part of the movement.

Join the discussion

Central Oregon Pride Month! June 2021
2021-06-05 - 2021-06-19
Pride Month is here! Join all month long for events throughout Central Oregon; including:

– City of Bend Pride Proclamation
– LGBTQ+ Film Screenings with BendFilm
– Pride edition of ‘Oh Yess’ @Dogwood
– Cult of Tuck Drag Show returns!
– LGBTQ+ Rock Climbing
– Pride Night Fridays @Bos
– Bend Your Wrist Vogue Dance
– Drag Brunch!… and many more

Details, dates, and locations to be announced on OUTCentralOregon page.

Unique Winter Vegetables to Grow
2021-06-08
Take a deep dive into some of the more underappreciated winter vegetables! You’ll cover garlic, radicchio (a form of leaf chicory) celeriac, or celery root, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, winter squash and purple sprouting broccoli, to name a few. Basic winter gardening techniques to add these delectable veggies to your plates in winter will also be covered.

High Desert Wonders
2021-06-08
Whether you’re a new member of the desert conservation community, or want to be introduced to the vast beauty of Central and eastern Oregon, you’re invited to join Oregon Natural Desert Asssociation to get to know the High Desert Wonders. Their team will share stunning imagery, tips to plan your next visit, and provide ways to advocate for this special landscape.

Pressure Canning Preserve-Along
2021-06-09
Practice or review pressure canning steps and tips in this hands-on interactive session. Session guides will be sent by email on Friday, June 4 prior to this workshop with ingredients, supplies and steps to take in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: Payments are non-refundable if you find you cannot attend
