Introduction to Growing Vegetables Class
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An introductory class given by OSU Master Gardeners™ on growing vegetables including climate, site selection, soil preparation, season extension, and how to grow the most common vegetables for the area.

Class - Plan Before Planting
2015-03-09
Learn everything you need to know from OSU Master Gardeners™ about planning a successful vegetable garden in Central Oregon including climate issues, soil preparation, choosing seeds and other vegetable starts, for optimal growth and harvests.
For more info: Page 32 in Winter-Spring catalogue www.bendparksandrec.org
541-389-7275

Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
2015-03-09
Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
3:45-5:15 PM
(3:45-4:15 pm: gathering & crafts; 4:15-5:15 pm: activities & presentation)
March 9th: Cranes
April 13th: Bird Migration
May 11th: A Bird-Day Celebration …(A celebration of what we have learned)
Join Mary Yanalcanlin for an exploration of our local birds geared towards grades K-5 (though all ages are welcome). The February session, devoted to the Life cycle of Birds, is from 3:45-5:15 PM, doors open at 3:15pm. Location is the Environmental Care Center, 16 NW Kansas in Bend. Fledglings (kids) must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The East Cascades Audubon Society (ECAS) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to further the knowledge and appreciation of birds and their habitats through field trips and education programs. Besides outreach to the community for the enjoyment and study of birds, ECAS also actively participates in field studies, data collection programs and other conservation projects to help protect local bird populations. Join ECAS and help preserve the birds in the Central Oregon region at www.ecaudubon.org.

Oregon Strong Voice Grassroots Lobby Day
2015-03-10
Leaving from Bend for conversations with legislators about laws on wages and working conditions and other priorities for our Oregon Strong Voice Coalition.
Contact: Bruce Morris, Bruce Morris, coscjenter@gmail.

Birding for PreSchoolers
2015-03-10
10:00 AM Monday mornings, Drake Park in Bend
A birding and nature walk geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Exploration, singing, finger plays, observation, learning, questioning…it’s all part of a fun-filled hour on Monday mornings at Drake Park. We meet near the middle of the park by the restrooms. Parent or responsible care-taker is required to accompany child. Come join us for the whole hour or feel free to leave early if necessary for your child’s needs and interest. We will meet regardless of the weather so please dress in warm, dry layers.
Contact Mary Yanalcanlin by email (birdingfun@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Oregon Climate Meet Up
2015-03-10
Oregon Climate is a statewide, grassroots campaign to put a price on pollution in Oregon. We have one overarching goal: to pass a carbon price and dividend for our state. This simple system will charge polluters and give the money directly back to each and every taxpayer. Join the Oregon Climate Action Hub in Bend, where we’ll be initiating and organizing action on the local level, to contribute to our ambitious campaign to put a price on carbon.
The following topics will be discussed:
1) What is the purpose of this Oregon Climate Action Hub?
— Our voice
— Our views on climate
— Our resources
2) What is the role of the Action Hub Leader (job description)
3) What is the role of the Assistant Action Hub Leader (job description)
4) What is the role of the Action Hub Secretary (job description)
5) What is the role of the Action Hub Members (job description)
6) Nominations and vote for leader, assistant leader and secretary
7) Determine Action Hub regular meeting times and location
8) Discuss Bend area event survey results
9) Discuss possible city and/or county resolutions
10) Actions, ideas, thoughts and comments for next meeting

Oregon State Legislature Policy 101
2015-03-11
On Wednesday, March 11th, join Central Oregon LandWatch, Friends of Family Farmers, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance for a FREE workshop.
Come learn how the Oregon Legislature works and get engaged with your government.
Learn about relevant food, farm and Land Use Bills that will be addressed by the 2015 Legislature and how to use your voice to stand up for issues that matter to you!
Seating is limited, so please RSVP. Light refreshments and beer from Worthy Brewing will be served.

High Desert Lecture Series: Shane Von Schlemp & Thru-Hiking the Oregon Desert Trail
2015-03-11
In the second installment of its new High Desert Lecture Series, the Oregon Natural Desert Association on Wednesday, March 11 will welcome an adventurer who last summer completed the entire 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail.
Join us for “Shane Von Schlemp and Through-Hiking the Oregon Desert Trail.”
Last summer, long-distance hiker Shane Von Schlemp became one of the first to complete the new, roughly 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail. A project of ONDA, the trail winds from outside Bend through Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Steens Mountain Wilderness and the Owyhee Canyonlands to nearly the Idaho border. The journey took Shane through red-rock canyons, over high alpine landscapes and across sagebrush plains. Shane will share his 34 days on the trail, including the moments that made his heart soar and those that tested his spirit through what remains a wild, largely undiscovered part of Oregon.
There will be time after the event to enjoy a beverage and chat with Shane. Space is limited. Please assist us by signing up in advance. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
ONDA’s High Desert Lecture Series offers the chance to learn more about Oregon’s high desert from experts. The next talk is slated for April 7: Stu Garrett, co-founder of the local chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, will talk about high desert wildflowers, just in time for hiking season.

Energy Trust of Oregon Presents: Deep Retrofits on Historic Projects
2015-03-12
Join Energy Trust for the beginning of the 2015 Allies for Efficiency training series. The training will cover design and construction best practices for deep energy retrofit projects, including a case study on the Vestas building itself. Following the training, Energy Trust will host a catered reception, and Vestas staff will be available to provide building tours. Professionals taking this training are eligible for 2.5 AIA LU/HSW and LFA continuing education credits.
In addition to the live event in Portland, Energy Trust will host group webinars throughout Oregon. Attendees can gather in Salem, Bend, Medford or Eugene to watch the live presentation with an Energy Trust representative facilitating questions.
Presenters:
Mitch Dec, Principal, Glumac
Steve Clem, Vice President of Preconstruction, Skanska
Renee Loveland, Sustainability Manager, Gerding Edlen
Sabine O’Halloran, Principal, Ankrom Moisan
Vanessa Benedetti, Office Services Manager, Vestas
Course Description:
Deep retrofits go well beyond a system-by-system approach to existing building equipment upgrades. They require a holistic building redesign that incorporates infrastructure, mechanical and electrical systems, building skin, renewable energy, and energy analysis and management. Unlike new construction projects, deep retrofits have the added complexity of working through constraints inherent in the existing structure that designers and contractors must resolve.
This course will present how the owner, developer, design teams, and general contractor approached the conversion and deep retrofit of the former Meier & Frank warehouse into a high-performance office building that serves as the North American headquarters for Vestas. The project is LEED® Platinum certified and has achieved an Energy Star score of 99 through post occupancy energy analysis verification.

Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) Course; Module 2
2015-03-13 - 2015-03-14
SHP is an interactive six-month accreditation program that provides participants with the opportunity to develop the technical skills and knowledge required to design and build highperformance homes. Each two-day module integrates lecture and discussion, hands-on exercises and tours of certified homes.
Module 2: Building Science Fundamentals
This module provides an exploration of the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building in order to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These fundamentals are necessary tools to use when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect the sustainability of projects. Students will analyze best practices for managing thermal, air, and moisture flows to create a house that is healthy, safe, energy efficient, and durable.
Two day Module Friday & Saturday from 9-5pm
Individual modules cost $295 each and can be taken in any order to achieve SHP accreditation.
Sign up

Living on a Few Acres Conference
2015-03-14
Plan to attend this informative annual conference held on March 11, 2017 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. Improve your knowledge and acquire new skills by taking courses taught by experts in a variety of subjects. There is something for everyone, from urban gardeners and hobby farmers to ranch and farm business owners.
This educational experience, presented by the Oregon State University Extension Service, is a successful collaboration of many Central Oregon agencies, sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
Join us this year and learn more about the following topics: parasite control in livestock, enhancing wildlife habitat, beekeeping, raising chickens, weed identification and control, hay and pasture production, raising beef cattle, starting your own farm, irrigation tips and water rights, soil information, raising poultry, Western juniper ecology, hiring forestry professionals, drought impacts on native trees and more!
Registration is now open! Early registration deadline is March 3rd.

Introduction to Growing Vegetables Class (Spanish version)
2015-03-14
An introductory class on growing vegetables including climate, site selection, soil preparation, season extension, and crop selection given in Spanish by an OSU Master Gardener™.
To register, please call: 541-548-6088

Discover Nature Day
2015-03-14
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
What’s all the BUZZ About? Meet and Greet the local buzzing, burrowing, and creeping bugs of our forests through science activities, stories, and games.

Environmental Educator Training
2015-03-16
North American Association of Environmental Educators – Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
What? A one-day workshop introducing participants to the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education series via two modules: Non-formal Environmental Education Programs and Environmental Education Materials– Guidelines for Excellence. These Guidelines offer a set of recommendations for developing and administering high quality non-formal environmental education programs.
What you will receive? Each participant will receive copies of Non-formal Environmental Education Programs –Guidelines for Excellence and Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence.
Workshop Objectives:

To identify the key characteristics of high quality environmental education programs
To discuss the relationship between program design and program evaluation
Describe the key characteristics of quality environmental education materials
Apply the Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence to instructional materials.

Who should attend? Environmental educators, administrators, or program developers who are concerned about the quality of non-formal environmental education programs. Register at the event link provided below.
This workshop is brought to you The Environmental Center and the High Desert Museum.
For more information, please contact:
Kirin Stryker, Sustainability Educator at The Environmental Center: Kirin@envirocenter.org
Christina Cid, Director of Programs at the High Desert Museum: ccid@highdesertmuseum.org

COTA Redmond Chapter Bimonthly Meeting
2015-03-18
Redmond chapter meetings are held the third Wednesday of odd numbered months beginning January 21nd, 2015 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Contact the Redmond Chapter Representative: redmond@cotamtb.com

Moving Beyond the Automobile: Multi-Modal Transportation Planning
2015-03-18
Building a Better Bend announces its first lecture of 2015! The lecture is free and open to the public.
Title: “Moving Beyond the Automobile: Multi-Modal Transportation Planning”
Presenter: Chris Comeau, CTP, AICP, Transportation Planner for City of Bellingham, Washington
Learn how Bellingham, Washington evolved from an auto-centric and roadway-based transportation planning program to one that is multi-modal, inclusive, flexible and concurrent. Comeau will share his experience based on more than twenty years of land use and transportation planning for city and county jurisdictions. He specializes in multimodal transportation policy and planning, striving to integrate transportation infrastructure and land use policy to create a balanced systems approach to urban and community planning. He currently manages the Multimodal Transportation Concurrency Program for the City of Bellingham.
Building a Better Bend has been bringing expert speakers to Bend for the last 11 years with a focus on:

Educating planners, real estate development professionals, architects, builders, engineers, elected and volunteer office holders, and the general public;
Positively impacting the quality of development and growth in Bend and the surrounding region;
Bringing expert lecturers in from outside the region who can bring innovative ideas as well as examples of things that have worked (or failed) in other areas; and
Creating a discussion on how to apply these lessons to our community.

For more information on Building a Better Bend, please visit buildingabetterbend.org.
For more information, contact:
Marie Melsheimer
info@buildingabetterbend.org
541-815-3951

Juniper Group Sierra Club Bee Block Workshop
2015-03-18
. You know about honey bees and how they’re in trouble, but their sidekicks, native wild pollinators, are also vital in pollinating our flowers, vegetables, fruit and nut trees. They need homes, too, because their natural habitat is disappearing. Join us for this bee block building workshop, everyone welcome.
We’ll provide blank wood pieces cut to size, hardware, and some of the tools. If you have a hammer, electric or battery drill, 1/4 or 3/8 inch drill bit, and/or sandpaper, please bring those along. Our goal is to build about 36 finished bee blocks. We’ve been selling native bee blocks for three years and you, too, can buy a home for wild pollinators while supporting our Keep Waldo Wild campaign. Special offer for workshop helpers, $3 discount off the regular price of $18.
Learn more about native bee blocks and how to order them at our Native Bee Block web page. At the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend, 6:30 pm—come by when you can.

Beavers, Wolves, Fire and Logging— Preparing for climate change with new partners, new strategies
2015-03-18
Climate change is changing the face of the natural world. As we prepare for these changes, we have a chance to renew our partnership with natural world to compliment wildlife and human efforts to restore rivers and the lands around them. Join hydrologist Suzanne Fouty for a look at the role beavers play in transforming landscapes from water-poor to water-rich and the critical contribution that wolves, fire, and logging have in restoring health to our landscape. We’ll explore the connections, the challenges, and the opportunities these partners and strategies present using water as our guide and measure of success. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online. Ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

City Club March Forum: The Bend Energy Challenge
2015-03-19
What Does the Georgetown University Energy Prize Have to Do With Us?
Bend has officially advanced to the Semifinal round of the national competition that is challenging communities across the U.S. to rethink their energy use. At a press event in Washington, D.C., Bend was announced as one of the 50 local communities who are leading the way on energy efficiency.
This interactive City Club session will present an overview of what the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition means, how every Bend citizen can play a part, why it matters, and what could be done with the $5M prize.
“The Energy Prize competition challenges local communities to tap their imagination and work collaboratively to reduce energy consumption”, said Bend Mayor Jim Clinton. “It’s great fit for Bend’s creative, competitive and entrepreneurial spirit, and gives us a unique opportunity to build momentum for a clean, efficient and renewable energy future in Bend. ”
Bend’s local team in the Energy Prize competition is called The Bend Energy Challenge, a collaborative project of The Environmental Center and local utilities, government, schools and private businesses. The Bend Energy Challenge hopes to persuade 5,500 Bend households to reduce their energy use by at least 10%, through a combination of low-cost and do-it-yourself energy saving activities, home retrofits and going solar. They are also working with local government agencies to reduce their energy use by at least 10% at publicly owned and operated facilities throughout Bend.

Hart Mountain Lek Monitoring
2015-03-19 - 2015-03-22
This is one of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s volunteer work trips! View the entire event calendar here.
“Leks” are locations where groups of male sage-grouse return year after year to “strut their stuff” in the hopes of attracting a mate. To the human eye the lek sites really don’t look all that different from the surrounding sagebrush, but sage-grouse have no trouble finding them year after year. ONDA volunteers will locate the leks via GPS coordinates provided by Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge staff as well as following the unmistakable sounds the birds make during the mating ritual. There are about 52 known leks on the Refuge, but volunteers will be focusing on a fewer specific “trend leks” used for annual monitoring. Collecting data at the leks allows the Refuge to document population trends on Hart Mountain NAR. Considering that a large proportion of data collection work is done entirely by volunteers, it’s easy to understand why ONDA’s involvement is so vital. At over 280,000 acres and with only two full-time staff, Hart Mountain NAR needs all the volunteer assistance it can get.
Participants will work in groups of 2 or 3 for both safety reasons as well as the benefits of having more than one person to take turns with different tasks such as using the spotting scope or recording the data. Groups will drive from the bunkhouse in separate vehicles to the point on the road closest to the lek. Then, using GPS units to navigate cross-country in the dark, volunteers will hike to their designated lek observation point being careful of unseen hazards such as brush and uneven terrain along the way. Once relatively close to the lek, volunteers will be able to use the unique sounds that the male sage-grouse make to zero in on the lek. As day breaks, volunteers will use spotting scopes (provided by Refuge and ONDA) to count the number of individual males and females.

Applications Due: ReStore's Furniture Flip Design Challenge
2015-03-19
Are you looking for a way to show of your design skills while giving back to the community? Need a fun activity to do to celebrate Earth Day?
If so you should consider applying to the Furniture Flip Design Challenge. Think HGTV’s “Flee Market Flip”! Individuals and pairs of designers will compete by redesigning 3 pieces of furniture and home accessories in a one month time period. The final designs will be on display for the public at Armature at 7pm on April 25, 2015.
The chosen teams will have one month to shop, design, and upcycle the items they choose to go along with 3 design themes. Each design team will receive $100 ReStore Dollars for their project, and are encouraged to shop at other resale centers in Bend.
All proceeds from your sold items will benefit Bend Area Habitat for Humanity to further their efforts in affordable housing.
Apply as an individual or pair!
Applications Due March 19th by 5pm (Paper copies available at the ReStore)

COTA Bend Bimonthly Membership Meeting
2015-03-19
Please join us for the March COTA bimonthly meeting. It’s the season when COTA volunteers can plan for the coming spring work events. The next meeting is from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. at the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave., Bend, OR 97701. COTA bimonthly meetings are usually held the third Thursday of odd numbered months; the next meeting is Thursday, March 19, 2015.
Among other topics, we will discuss plans for the winter trail work season at the Visitor Center trails and the Lower 66 trail in Prineville.
All are welcome, we hope to see you then!

Birders' Night
2015-03-19
Scheduled 9 times a year, 3rd Thursdays of month. Social gathering time is from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and usually last until 8:30 p.m.
March 19:
“Bird Friendly Native Landscaping.” Birders Karen Theodore and Rick Martinson of WinterCreek Restoration will share identify native plants, and share tips about landscaping, designed to transform any yard into a bird friendly sanctuary.
April 16:
“Birding Every Corner of Alaska” Crooked River Ranch locals John and Marilynne Keyser recount their Alaska birding trip with stories and photographs from St. Paul Island (a part of the Pribilofs,) Nome, Barrow, the Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Highlights of the trip were seeing thirteen alcid species and all four eiders. Close encounters with a northern hawk owl, a “flaming” ruff and a huge polar bear were magical moments!
May 21:
“Oregon 2020: A Benchmark Survey of Our Birds”
Douglas Robinson, Mace Professor of Watchable Wildlife at OSU and Director of the Oregon 2020 birds project, will discuss this collaboration of professionals and citizen scientists who are dedicated to compiling a high quality, state-wide measurement of the abundance and distribution of Oregon’s birds and their response to habitat change. Doug will talk about how local birders can be involved in this landmark study, which promises to leave a legacy for future generations. Website: http://oregon2020.com/
June 18:
“Where the Heck are the Falcons? Phylogenies and Changing Field Guides: An Evolutionary Tale.” COCC Biology Professor Jim Moodie will entertain us with some up to date science about bird phylogenies (read: relationship trees) and how they have changed (e.g. Falcons are now grouped with Parrots!) and why they have changed (e.g. DNA and genome comparisons.)
October 15
“Nerdfest III” A hands-on program for Birders’ Night participants to share and experience an array of the latest birding technology and media opportunities including websites, software and apps such as eBird, COBOL, I Bird Pro, and ABA. A sequel to Nerdfest I and Nerdfest II this interactive program will further explore how birders are using technology to enhance the enjoyment of birding.
November 19
“eBird” Tom Crabtree provides hands on instruction on how to use eBird, Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology’s online data base program which has revolutionized the way that birders maintain and access information about birds, track bird sightings and contribute to science and conservation. Tom will walk you through setting up an account, entering sightings and using the data in eBird to enhance your birding experiences.

Birders' Night
2015-03-19
Abbot Schindler, Bird Photography

Bird photography is one of Abbott Schindler’s many interests in the natural world, and he has been photographing nature for many years. In this century he’s worked to get “close and personal” to birds in particular (they’re generally safer than bison, moose, bear and elk, which he’s also gotten uncomfortably close to). His photographic work and equipment take advantage of his extensive R&D experience, studies of photographic technique and composition, and classroom experiences. His work has been published in scientific and industry journals and fine art books, and is used extensively by the High Desert Museum.

Social gathering time is from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and usually last until 8:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public. You do not need to be a member of any group to attend.

Pints and Politics: Sex and the Environment
2015-03-19
What do sex, birth control, and education have to do with the environment and sustainability? Nick Stevenson from Deschutes County Public Health will discuss the relationships between sexual health and environmental health including how climate change, women’s rights, education, economic prosperity, community resilience, and research each play a role. Nick will also share promising solutions, local and global, to improve both human and environmental health.
Join OLCV and fellow community members who care about protecting Oregon’s natural legacy for Pints and Politics on the third Thursday of each month.

KPOV Spring Break Youth Radio Camps
2015-03-23 - 2015-03-27
Want to learn how to create a radio show and have some fun making it happen? KPOV will be holding our Youth Radio Camps again this Spring Break! The two camps will be held March 23-27 in the KPOV studio.
The morning camp is for youth ages 10-12 and will be held from 9:00 a.m to Noon each day. In this camp, KPOV will teach you how to be a DJ, interview a friend, tell a story with sound effects, music, and humor. The show your group produces will be broadcast on 88.9, and you’ll get a copy on CD to take home! The afternoon camp is for youth ages 12-14 and will be held form 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day. In addition to everything else, this class will also prepare you to host KPOV’s Youth Radio Hour.
Find enrollment information at the Bend Park and Recreation Website, page 67 of the Playbook.

Citizen Lobby Day at the Capitol
2015-03-24
Put what you learned at our Policy 101 event into practice as we meet with representatives in Salem to discuss important legislation. Email moey@centraloregonlandwatch.org to reserve your spot with LandWatch’s contingent at the OLCV lobby day! More information to come.

OLCV 2015 Lobby Day
2015-03-24
**Please be sure to RSVP by March 19th!
Join the Oregon Conservation Network and OLCV’s Clean Green Lobby Machine for an important day at the State Capitol. Learn the ropes of the process, the politics, and then lobby your own legislators on important environmental issues. This session, we will advocate for bills that address climate change, conserve crucial habitat, and protect the public health.
OLCV’s Lobby Day is an annual event where we take the Capitol in an effort to show just how engaged our robust, growing environmental community is with the Oregon Legislature’s decision making. We will spend a day meeting with our leadership in Salem to discuss the conservation priorities that are most important to us. We will also provide training on how to effectively discuss our environmental priorities and the best practices for lobbying your legislators to protect the environment. Lunch will be provided.
If we want our state to take meaningful action on climate change, protecting our wildlife and wild places, and ensuring a healthy Oregon, then we need your voice in Salem! You can make a difference this year by meeting with your legislators on March 24th.

Spring Break Kids Classes
2015-03-24
Classes run Tuesday, March 24th – Friday, March 27th from 10am – 12pm. Cost is $13.50 for members, $15 for non-members Registration is required; call 541-593-4394.

March 24th – Invertebrate Exploration: Life in a Pond (ages 4-10)
March 25th – Reptibians: Wild World of Reptiles and Amphibians (ages 4-10)
March 26th – Tracking the Wild Beast (ages 4-10)
March 27th – Owl Puke – Avian Adaptations (ages 4-10)

Snowy Owls of Eastern Oregon
2015-03-24
Come see the Snowy Owl Presentation at the Environmental Center!
Join us Tuesday, March 24th for a lecture by Kelly Hazen on the natural history of snowy owls in Eastern Oregon.
Tickets: $6 for non-members, $4 for SNCO members. All proceeds benefiting the Sunriver Nature Center.
Reservations: Call the Sunriver Nature Center at 541.593.4394
