The Environmental Center

Bend COTA Work Events
2016-11-17, 2016-11-10, 2016-11-03, 2016-10-27 | 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.

November Green Drinks
2016-11-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Please RSVP in advance!
RSVP HERE
Join us at The Gear Fix to celebrate another great year of Green Drinks events! Meet the team, learn more about repair services that are available, and check out cold weather gear before the snow starts to fly. The Gear Fix will help get you outside with quality gear! And remember, repairing instead of replacing prevents waste and saves resources.
The Gear Fix has been a great partner of ours for several years. They support the Mountainfilm fundraiser, host Green Drinks events, and have partnered with us for Repair Cafes. Come show your support for this local green business!
Green Drinks is an international concept and is an enjoyable way to network, learn about local businesses and their sustainability efforts, and enjoy a drink or two. As always, please bring your own cup and consider carpooling, walking, biking or transit to get to the event.

Water Management in an Age of Scarcity
2016-11-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join LandWatch and the Coalition for the Deschutes for an informative and entertaining evening led by water policy expert Davíd Pilz. RSVP required.
In the first part of the event, Davíd will engage attendees in a hands-on learning exercise about how water is managed in the West.
The second part of the program will feature a discussion and presentation of different ways to manage water, drawing on examples from Australia and other countries.
Davíd Pilz bio:
Davíd has been immersed in water issues throughout his life and career. After graduating from the Colorado College and Lewis & Clark Law School, Davíd worked for 10 years at the Oregon Water Trust, the nation’s first water trust. Today, he works with clients across the West and beyond with a focus on water transaction and water market program strategy, and design and legal and policy analysis of all things water.
Please RSVP here.
Presented by Coalition for the Deschutes: We Speak for the River
With generous support from Central Oregon LandWatch

Fall Repair Cafe at DIYcave
2016-11-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A Repair Cafe connects people with broken stuff, with people that like to fix stuff. Repairing instead of replacing prevents waste and saves resources. Doing it with other people makes it fun and cultivates community!
We’re excited to return to DIYcave with a small army of volunteers who love to tinker and fix, to help get your stuff working again. Repairs include:

Sewing (outdoor gear, clothes, etc.) No alterations please.
Welding
Small appliances
Electronics
Jewelry
Knit goods
Small furniture
NEW! Hair Repair

This event will be on America Recycles Day, so to celebrate we’re going to have the Bend Energy Challenge on site to accept your CFL’s to properly recycle, and in exchange you get free LED’s!
Interested in being a repair volunteer? Email denise to get on board, or call 541-385-6908 x14

City Council Special Meeting: Transportation
2016-11-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Bend City Council will hold a special meeting Monday night to discuss transportation priorities in the City of Bend.
Bend City Council Special Transportation Work Session
4-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14
Municipal Court
555 NE 15th Street
Click here to view the meeting agenda.
Do you care about multimodal transportation?
Do you want to help the City of Bend prioritize pedestrian,
biking and transit funding?
If yes, you care about this meeting.
While testimony isn’t a part of the special work session, these are the most important three hours you can spend getting up to speed on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Fall Milkweed Plantings
2016-11-14, 2016-11-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Monarch Advocates of Central Oregon (MACO) is teaming up with the Great Old Broads for Wilderness to help the Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River National Grassland plant native milkweed and increase critical Monarch butterfly breeding habitat in Central Oregon – and they need your help!
Roll up your sleeves as you’re guided by Forest Service botanists and MACO founder Katya Spiecker in four different planting projects this fall within the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. Each location and planting date is listed below.
Please bring work gloves, shovels and trowels (labeled!) if you have them, water and lunch. Dress in layers for cool variable weather and wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots. Be prepared to navigate uneven ground while carrying your water, lunch, plants and tools.
At each planting, an overview will be given of the natural history of Monarchs passing through our area and why native milkweed is critical for their survival. We’ll also talk about volunteer monitoring efforts for these milkweed stands in the future.
Carpooling options and directions to each site will be emailed to registrants the week prior to planting day. Please indicate in the comments section whether you’re willing to drive.
Thank you for joining us in creating healthy Monarch breeding habitat!
* There are 4 event opportunities. Please visit the website for more info and to sign up.

Special One-Day Youth Radio Camp
2016-11-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
KPOV will be hosting a No-School Radio Immersion ( a special one-day Youth Radio Camp), Friday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
Sign up for KPOV’s radio immersion! Youth will learn how to use radio equipment, record radio spots, spin tunes, and make announcements all on 88.9 KPOV. Plus they get a CD of their creations.
Who: Kids ages 10-14
When: 9am to 3pm
Where: Right here at the KPOV studios, 501 NW Bond St.
What: Your 10-14 year-old will have a chance to speak live on the air on KPOV, and will record spots for later air play.
To sign up for camp:
Call Bend Parks and Rec at 389-7275 or sign up online at https://register.bendparksandrec.org. (key word search for KPOV)
Or contact KPOV for your KPOV member discount! 541-322-0863

The Wold OR-7 Expedition Documentary
2016-11-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An ordinary Oregon wolf became famous as the wandering wolf called OR-7, and he captured our imagination and hearts. Traveling thousands of miles through Oregon and into California, OR-7 eventually found a mate in Southern Oregon. Thanks to OR-7’s GPS collar we can retrace his footsteps through eastern and central Oregon’s mountain, canyon and desert landscapes. This documentary captures the fervor of six adventurers who embark on an expedition, by foot and bicycle, to cover 1200 miles of OR-7’s journey—giving us fascinating insight into how and where this wolf made his way through lands wolves once called home.
Doors open/Reception, 6:00 pm with snacks and no-host bar; Film screening at 7:00 pm
A benefit for the Sierra Club.
Cost: $20 adults ~ $10 Youth 18 and under (use code SC-18)
Tickets: Can be purchased online here; or pay at the door; or by check
Who: Open to the Public
Run Time: 1 hr 23 minutes
Trailer: Link here

Become an Earth Advantage Broker
2016-11-10 - 2016-11-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Become an Earth Advantage Broker on Nov. 10 & 11 in Bend, OR
…and help your clients beat the Winter chill by providing valuable recommendations to make their home more comfortable, healthy and efficient.

Become a trusted green advisor and learn to communicate the benefits of different products and features to clients with varying values and needs
Gain valuable resources and tips for upgrading that fixer-upper into a more comfortable, efficient, durable, and healthy home
Provide your clients with information on incentives, rebates, financing and certifications
Learn how to market yourself as a green professional and gain more referrals

New format = less cost, less time, more flexibility
Now just 1 day Classroom + 1/2 day Site Visit + Online Course

Climate Change at Crater Lake
2016-11-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presenter: Erik Fernandez from Oregon Wild
From the wildlife that call it home to the color of the lake to the snow pack to recreation, the Crater Lake region is starting to experience impacts from climate change. We’ll learn what has already happened, what we expect in coming years, and explore potential solutions for how we can help make a difference for Crater Lake and the surrounding forests.

Wild Desert Calendar Release Party
2016-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Oregon Natural Desert Association and conservation supporters for an evening of First Friday revelry as we unveil our Wild Desert Calendar at the Deschutes Brewery Public House in downtown Bend! Meet the photographers, listen to the sweet tunes of Coyote Willow, and sip desert-inspired beer. Get a jump on your holiday shopping. Art and calendars will be available for purchase. No need to sign up, this event is free and open to all. Hope to see you there!
Photo: 2017 Wild Desert Calendar cover. Photo: Wildhorse Lake, Steens Mountain Wilderness. Greg Vaughn.

Fall Milkweed Plantings
2016-11-04, 2016-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Monarch Advocates of Central Oregon (MACO) is teaming up with the Great Old Broads for Wilderness to help the Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River National Grassland plant native milkweed and increase critical Monarch butterfly breeding habitat in Central Oregon – and they need your help!
Roll up your sleeves as you’re guided by Forest Service botanists and MACO founder Katya Spiecker in four different planting projects this fall within the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. Each location and planting date is listed below.
Please bring work gloves, shovels and trowels (labeled!) if you have them, water and lunch. Dress in layers for cool variable weather and wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots. Be prepared to navigate uneven ground while carrying your water, lunch, plants and tools.
At each planting, an overview will be given of the natural history of Monarchs passing through our area and why native milkweed is critical for their survival. We’ll also talk about volunteer monitoring efforts for these milkweed stands in the future.
Carpooling options and directions to each site will be emailed to registrants the week prior to planting day. Please indicate in the comments section whether you’re willing to drive.
Thank you for joining us in creating healthy Monarch breeding habitat!
*4 events available, please see website for more info and to sign up.

Babysitter Training Course
2016-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Camp Fire Members – Receive A $10 Discount On This Course.
Whether your child is gearing up to take care of siblings, or thinking of making a little extra summer cash as a babysitter – they won’t want to miss this educational, hands-on course!
Boys and girls (5th-9th grades) will learn important babysitting skills including basic child care and first aid, safety measures, safe play with children, and job ethics. Participants will earn a babysitting certificate at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE:
This course is broken up into two meetings. You are required to attend BOTH sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion.
First Meeting – THURSDAY, November 3rd: 5:00 – 8:30 pm
Second Meeting – SATURDAY, November 5th: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (Lunch will not be included – make sure to pack enough food for the day!)
REGISTER HERE
IMPORTANT:
In order for this course to run, we must have at least 5 participants signed up by October 30th. Tell your friends and family to sign up ASAP. If we must cancel due to low registration numbers, you will receive a full refund and be notified by the 31st of October.

2016 Sustainability Awards
2016-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Environmental Center is pleased to announce the 2016 Sustainability Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at 5pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon.

The Environmental Center hosts the bi-annual Sustainability Awards to highlight the determined and persistent change makers—in business, government, nonprofits and the community—who are essential to achieving a sustainable future.
Awards will be given to an individual, small business, large business, and organization (agency or nonprofit) that are leading the way to a sustainable future in Central Oregon.
In 2014, awards went to:

Individual: Bill Hull
Small Business: Winter Creek Restoration
Large Business: EartH20
Organization: Bend Area Habitat for Humanity
Special Award – Grassroots Action: Lisa Barnett
Special Award – Sustainability Pioneers: Tom Elliot and Barbara Scott

We’ll let you know when tickets to the event are available. In the meantime, check out photos from the 2014 event!

Bend Grows UP, Part 3: Developer Strategies
2016-11-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Lecture by: Alex Joyce, Principal, Fregonese Associates and Tom Cody, Managing Partner, project^
In this third and final part of Bend Grows UP, we hear from two experts with on-the-ground experience in vertical development. Together, they’ll share strategies on how to make vertical development “pencil” and how to ensure a project integrates well with the surrounding community.
Alex Joyce is a principal at Fregonese Associates, a Portland land use planning firm with an award-winning track record of helping make better cities and regions since 1997. Alex has over 10 years of experience managing a wide range of projects including redevelopment analysis, urban design, transit-oriented development feasibility and infill strategies. He has recently worked with the city of Bend on the Central West Side Plan and Urban Growth Boundary Remand project.
Tom Cody is the founder and president of project^, located in Portland. As a real estate executive, Tom has over 20 years of experience executing mixed-use, transit-oriented sustainable developments. Tom received a Masters degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning and Development from the University of Southern California. His company currently has two projects in Bend: Basecamp townhomes in the Mill Quarter and Range apartments, soon to be built in NorthWest Crossing.
Sponsored by Pinnacle Architecture, Kittelson & Associates, Inc., Wall Street Suites, Killian Pacific and Central Oregon LandWatch

Bend 2030 Charter Review Forum Two: Your Input
2016-11-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the Central Oregon Collective to give your input on critical questions such as:
Does our current city council structure offer Bend citizens the best leadership possible for addressing our complicated population, housing, transportation and livability issues?
Bend 2030, the Bend Chamber of Commerce and City Club of Central Oregon are partnering to present this two-part charter review event series this fall to give you the tools and the forum to answer this question for yourself.
At the first charter review forum, community members shared more than 50 questions they believe are important to consider in a charter review process.
Read the report of their input here.

We’ve curated the ones they deemed most important and now we’re asking you to weigh in. Give your input on the following:

Should Bend residents begin electing a mayor? If yes, what powers should they have?
Should Bend implement a ward system with councilors elected from each area of town? If yes, how many wards should there be?
Should councilors be paid more than the current $200 per month? If yes, what negative and positive affects could that have?

Register here to attend this forum. It’s FREE!

Farewell Reception for Armature
2016-10-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Armature – a creative space is permanently closing its doors on October 31st. They want to thank you for an awesome journey these past 3.5 years! Head over to their Farewell Reception during last Saturday to honor a truly creative space. Free. Open to the public.

RedTail Banquet
2016-10-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Sunset for dinner, drinks and a small silent auction and raffle to benefit Central Oregon’s natural resources and livable communities. This year will be celebrating the launch of the Bend Central District Initiative.
Tickets for Central Oregon LandWatch’s RedTail Banquet are $75 per person and include one raffle ticket. You have the option to pay by credit card or send a check.
Please contact Kori with any questions at 541-647-2930 x802, kori@colw.org
All proceeds benefit Central Oregon LandWatch.

Batacular!
2016-10-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Deschutes National Forest is partnering with Discover Your Forest to host “Batacular,” a day of fun bat activities for kids and adults from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th, 2018. Participants will learn about bats while enjoying themselves at various fun activity stations. Join forces with conservationists around the country during Bat Week, an annual event sponsored by the US Forest Service and others to raise awareness for bat conservation worldwide.
This family friendly event is free, open to the public and Halloween costumes are welcomed. Take a walk down the fashion “Batwalk” and win a prize for your costume!
Bat Week: Bat Week is an annual, international block of programs and media appearances designed to raise awareness for bat conservation worldwide. Bat Week is organized and supported by the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bat Conservation International, the Organization for Bat Conservation, The Save Lucy Campaign and Wildlife Acoustics. This year Bat Week will be held from October 24-31. For more information, visit www.batweek.org

Biketoberfest
2016-10-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
COTA comes to you twice a year for a major trail work day and celebration. This is the big fall event with trail maintenance happening all over the COTA trails in Deschutes National Forest. We will meet at 9AM at the old Rays parking lot and disperse from there. After celebration with free food and beer at a TBD location. Work will last 3-4 hours so bring water and snacks to carry you until the after trail work shindig. Wear good work clothes: long pants, long sleeve shirt, glasses to protect the eyes, good footwear and gloves. Bring a helmet if you have one (construction helmet is best, but a good bike helmet will do) but we will have lots of backups if you need one.
Come meet new friends, maintain some trail and have some free food and beer.
Please register here.

Deschutes Land Trust Open House
2016-10-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Celebrate conservation successes, honor outstanding volunteers, and mingle with Land Trust staff and friends. Drinks and light appetizers will be provided with remarks to begin at 6:00pm. Please RSVP.

Era of Megafires film tour
2016-10-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Megafires, wildfires over 100,000 acres, and the destruction caused by them is a serious and growing issue to our region. Our communities, homes, businesses and our very way of life are threatened.
Join us for a multimedia presentation with fire and landscape ecologist, Dr. Paul Hessburg, and local community leaders for fast-moving, short, topic-based talks interspersed with compelling video vignettes. Think TedX mixed with snappy documentary shorts and compelling photography. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
Tickets: $5 per person, available at BendTicket.com

Human History of the High Desert
2016-10-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Discover stories that lie hidden in the desert sagebrush on a FREE hike with Oregon Natural Desert Association.
Hike space is limited so pre-registration is required. Complete trip details are provided upon registration.

Join University of Oregon’s Dr. Pat O’Grady and Rimrock Artist in Residence Nancy Pobanz on a moderate, 3-4 mile hike to discover the fascinating human and cultural history of Rimrock Draw Rock Shelter and the adjacent canyon.
Register here for the hike.

Archaeological excavation at Rimrock Draw has yielded important clues about human use of the area from approximately 16,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Our hike leaders bring diverse perspectives to the day. Accomplished archaeologist Pat O’Grady contributes a depth of scientific knowledge, while desert media artist Nancy Pobanz brings expertise in the use of natural materials in artistic expression.
Difficulty: Moderate – 3-4 miles, some off-trail hiking, with rough and rocky terrain and slight elevation gain.
Picnic lunch provided by: Jackson’s Corner

Wednesday Birders
2016-10-26 07:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Nancy P’s, 1054 Milwaukee, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Meet up with others in our intrepid group for local birding. We meet at Nancy P’s Bakery on Newport Avenue just east of Newport Market in Bend. From there we depart on weekly half day or full day trips to venues in our area. Meet-up times are usually 7AM in the Spring and Summer and 8AM in Fall and Winter. Trip plans are posted on COBOL each week prior to the trip.
Transportation is via carpool depending on who can drive and individual schedules. Dress for the weather; be prepared with food, sunscreen, etc; and bring a pair of binoculars; spotting scopes are helpful on many trips.
Feb 10 early start, all day to Willamette Valley refuge
Feb 17, Shevlin trails, River trails Bend
Feb 24, Cold Springs, Suttle Lake, Santiam Pass
March 2, Skyliner area
March 9, Wastewater ponds, Hatfield, Redmond, etc
March 16, Sunriver and south where open water can be found
March 23, Lower Bridge, includes knapweed digging
March 30, Fort Rock, all day
April 6, Calliope Crossing, Green Ridge
April 13, Desert east of Bend, EARLY start
April 20, Cline Falls SP, Twin Bridges, Tumalo State Park,
April 27, Shevlin Park ***Change****
May 4 Shorebirds, wastewater ponds Bend, Redmond, Prineville
May 11 River trails Bend and Tumalo for migrants
May 18, GI Ranch, east of Bend. Birding all day, bring lunch, scopes.
May 25, shorebirds, location TBD
June1, Malheur, all day
June 8 Glaze Meadow, Black Butte Swamp, Calliope Crossing
June 15, woodpeckers, varied locations
June 22 Cabin Lake, Fort Rock and Summer Lake, all day, bring lunch
June 29, Gilchrist, Crescent, Norther Waterthrush
July 6, Three Creeks, Park Meadow trail, other trails
July 13 Hatfield, walk 3 miles
July 20 Calliope Crossing, Jack Lake
July 27,Green Ridge springs
August 3 High Lakes, shorebirds, waterfowl
August 10 Skyliner and Tumalo Falls morning and again evening
August 17, a.m. Millican Valley, return in evening, over night optional at Pine Mountain
August 24 Calliope Crossing, Black Butte Swamp
August 31, shorebirds
Sept 7 Wickiup, Crane Prairie, Vaux’s Swifts evening, Bend
Sept 14, Malheur all day
Sept 21 Green Ridge raptors, grouse, woodpeckers, all day birding
Sept 28, Fort Rock and Summer Lake, all day
Oct 5, high lakes, Crane Prairie and Wickiup
Oct 12 Hatfield ponds, Alfalfa
Oct 19 coastal birding, 2 or 3 days, seawatching a.m., passerines and land PMs.
Oct 26 Mill Creek, Ochocos area

America's National Forest in Photos
2016-10-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon author/photographer Tim Palmer will share a slide show of his stunning images from National Forests in our state and from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Tim’s new oversize book— America’s Great National Forests, Wildernesses, and Grasslands— celebrates the irreplaceable values of our public lands that benefit everyone. “Through my photographs and writings, I seek to encourage a sense of love and commitment to natural places, to promote better understanding of natural systems and the threats to them, and ultimately to inspire people to take action to protect the environment.”
At the Environmental Center, 6:30 pm gathering/snacks, 7:00 program. $5 donation suggested. Open to the public.
