The Environmental Center

Local Farm and Ranch Tour
2014-05-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
If you want to learn how our local farmers and ranchers are growing healthy food these days, join The Well Traveled Fork for a tour of Central Oregon farms and ranches that produce food the old fashioned way—the way we used to before big agribusiness became the source of most of our food.

Under the backdrop of the Cascade Mountain range, you may visit:

An organic farm where vegetables, herbs, berries and flowers sprout from the dry high desert earth. Learn about their special production methods that produce some of the best-tasting food you’ll ever taste!

One of the many hearty ranchers that raise beef, sheep, pigs or goats in the Central Oregon area. These animals are treated humanely and have good lives as long as they are on this planet. You will also meet the guard animals that tend to the charges and protect them from predators.

Chickens are supposed to be free range, but have you seen them? Meet the ladies of the high desert that take their independence rather seriously! Superior egg layers and beautiful to boot!

An alpaca operation that raises these exotic animals. At the boutique store, you will see the luxurious garments crafted from one of the most rare and prized fibers.

You may have a chance to meet these hard working farmers and ranchers and talk to them about their operations. You’ll learn about their commitment to using only sustainable production methods as they manage their very diverse businesses.
Our route changes seasonally but is sure to excite and educate visitors to the bounty that Central Oregon has to offer.
Food is not frivolous. Find out where your food comes from! Follow the Fork!
Cost: $55.00 – all inclusive
Duration: 3-4 hours
*Tours are not recommended for children under 5. Please contact us if you need us to make an exception.
Call or Email for reservation.
*For larger groups, additional transportation costs may apply.
For more information on this and other events, visit The Well Traveled Fork website.

Central OR Saturday Market
2014-05-24
If you’re interested in finely crafted jewelry, artwork, clothing, or household goods, then the Central Oregon Saturday Market is the place to visit. Stroll and shop, and then enjoy lunch while listening to the sounds of local musicians. Enjoy hand crafted items for all ages: Including dyed and painted cotton shirts, stylish hats, totes, aprons, scarves and dresses. Beautiful hand painted silks, along with eye catching wall art in watercolor and acrylic. Handsome stained glass, metalwork, woodwork, and other artistic items can be purchased for home decorating. Glass and Precious stone jewelry is available at attractive pricing for every budget.
Every Saturday from Memorial Day to September (Open both Sat & Sun on Memorial & Labor Day Weekend).
For more information on the Central OR Saturday Market, visit their website.

Ecology of a Place, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2014-05-24
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop for a spring walk around beautiful Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Visit the upper meadows and springs and learn about the fascinating history of one of Central Oregon’s oldest places. Then, visit the lower meadow to see the forests, meadow and newly restored Whychus Creek that provide important habitat for native fish and wildlife. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required.
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Metolius Preserve Hike with the Deschutes Land Trust
2014-05-23
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Crow for a new hike at the Metolius Preserve. The
Preserve now has two new bridges across Lake Creek that connect trails from north to south.
We’ll explore these new areas as we enjoy the Preserve’s pine forests in their early spring glory.
Rating: Moderate, ~3-4 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event; please register online at
the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Household Hazardous Waste Facility Open
2014-05-23 - 2014-05-24
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is accepted free of charge from residential users at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility. The HHW Facility is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Friday and Saturday of each month.
For more information, visit the ReThink Waste website.

Wildflower Hike at the Whychus Canyon Preserve
2014-05-23
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Moorehead for a hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve.
Soak up late spring as you explore ancient juniper groves and wildflower-studded slopes on your
way to a scenic boulder overlook. Take in the bright green aspen groves along Whychus Creek
and panoramic views of mountain peaks while enjoying this dramatic canyon. Registration is
required and opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Moderate, ~3 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Please register online at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Beers Made By Walking Middle Deschutes River
2014-05-22
Beers Made By Walking is happy to announce a series of hikes in collaboration with the Oregon Natural Desert Association in Bend, Oregon. The hikes will be attended by the public, and brewers from Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and Worthy Brewing Co.
The hikes are a part of the educational programming for the Oregon Natural Desert Association. Hike-goers will learn about the natural history of the area we hike through, learn about the flora, and spend time hiking with the brewers.
For more information, go to the Beers Made By Walking website.

Whychus Canyon Preserve Geology Hike
2014-05-22
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a geology hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Explore ancient juniper groves and native grasslands as you hike towards a scenic boulder overlook. Then, enjoy panoramic mountain views as you brush up on your rock talk and learn about the geologic history of this stunning rimrock canyon. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required.
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride, Skyline Forest
2014-05-21
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kirin Stryker of CogWild Mountain Bike Tours for an 8-12 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline Forest. This ride is open to experienced* riders who want to explore the crowd-free trails of Skyline Forest while learning about the potential trail network that could connect Bend and Sisters. From fresh water springs to historic lumber mills, riders will experience firsthand why the Land Trust is working to protect Skyline Forest, Bend’s backyard. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
*Riders should be in good physical condition, at least intermediate skill level, and comfortable riding areas of loose dirt and sandy soil, and be able to ride over obstacles in the trail such as rocks and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. The ride is a mixture of single track and old logging roads with several steeper climbs and descents. Expect trails to be a mixture of hard-packed single track and rocky, loose, sandy soil.
Registration is required; please click on the button above to register
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Ben & Jerry's Work Event with COTA
2014-05-21
Join the Bend Ben & Jerry’s staff volunteers and COTA for a late afternoon/evening work event building the new Welcome Center trails. Ben & Jerry’s staff will serve ice cream when work is finished. Deschutes Brewery beer will also be available.
For more information on this event and for the waiver form, visit COTA’s website.

Wednesday Birders at Dillon Falls
2014-05-21
Wednesday Birders-Dillon Falls, Meadow Camp, Upper Deschutes River Trails
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 7:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving.
Plans may vary due to weather or rare birds spotted prior to the meeting. To keep up to date on the latest bird sightings and birding opportunities including Wednesday Birders join Central Oregon Birders Online (COBOL). It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders.
For more information about this and other upcoming events of the East Cascades Audubon Society, visit their website.

Earth Advantage Commercial Training
2014-05-20
GET TRAINED ON THE PROGRAM AIMED AT SMALL COMMERCIAL BUILDING CERTIFICATION
Earth Advantage Commercial is a straightforward system for delivering comprehensive certification to small commercial buildings. The Project Steward training enables individual designers, architects or engineers to deliver projects using the EAC prescriptive pathway.
Location: Earth Advantage Classroom, Portland
Cost: $500
AIA: 8 learning units (LU/HSW)

10 Barrel Brewing Co. COTA Work Event
2014-05-19
Join Central Oregon Trail Alliance for a work event for the new welcome center trails. We will carpool from 10 Barrel Brewing Co. to the work site. There will be trail side beer on tap after the work is done. $5 10 Barrel gift cards will be given to the first 50 people who show up.
Please bring a hydration pack with water and a snack.
Be sure to bring appropriate layers to accommodate whatever the weather may be.
For more information and for waiver form, visit COTA’s website.

Wildflower Hike, Rimrock Ranch
2014-05-18
Join the Deschutes Land Trust for a wildflower hike: We’ll look for early summer wildflowers at the top of the canyon including sand lilies, monkey flowers, larkspur and other wonders. Then, we’ll hike down to the meadows along Whychus Creek looking for flowers that find their home in the willow and cottonwood forests that line the stream. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required; please click on the button above to register
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

ODFW Kid's Fishing Day at Pine Nursery Park
2014-05-17
Join the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and our friends at the Central Oregon Flyfishers to help local kids fish the pond. For more information, go to the Central Oregon Flyfishers webpage.

Pine Mountain Ramble with Sierra Club
2014-05-17
A scenic mountain east of Bend in the high desert flats, going anywhere is a treat. And that’s where you may go on this hike: anywhere. With David, you never know. Sign up for an adventure with the Sierra Club and go home happy.
For more information about this and other Central-Oregon Sierra Club adventures and to sign up, visit the Juniper Group Sierra Club website.

Upstream
2014-05-16
The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is getting ready for Upstream, the 8th annual fundraiser for our environmental education program The Upstream Project. Upstream will take place at Brasada Ranch on Friday May 18th, 2018 from 5:30-9 pm and will feature a catered dinner, a silent auction with over 70 items from local businesses, a raffle for two DMB tickets, and an inspiring student presentation.
Purchase tickets here: http://www.upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org/events/upstream/
For more information contact Education Director Kolleen Miller at kmiller@restorethedeschutes.org.

Beginning Bird Walk at Camp Polk
2014-05-16
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a bird walk at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Enjoy spring bird migrations to the fullest as you watch for songbirds and hummingbirds in the willows, warblers along the restored Whychus Creek, and woodpeckers working the pine groves. Explore this Sisters-area Preserve that is considered a birding hot spot with more than 160 species observed! Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required; please click on the button above to register
Check out all of the fabulous hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Candidate Meet and Mingle at Pints and Politics
2014-05-15
Meet local candidates for Representative in Congress, State Representative, Deschutes County Commission and Circuit Court Judge. Join the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and fellow community members for an opportunity to hear from candidates before the May 20th Primary Election and get to know them one-on-one at this casual candidate meet and mingle.
Candidates joining us on May 15th:
Representative in Congress
Aelea Christofferson
Dennis B Linthicum

State Representative House District 54
Craig Wilhelm (OLCV Endorsed)
State Representative House District 55
Richard V Phay

Deschutes County Commission
Jodie Barram (OLCV Endorsed)
Anthony R DeBone
Circuit Court Judge
Randy Miller
Thomas Spear
Learn more about this event at the OLCV website.

Birders Night: Sandhill Crane film
2014-05-15
May 15:“Raising Kid Colt – A Story of a Young Sandhill Crane”

Gary Ivey invites us into the exciting world of a wild Sandhill Crane couple and their parenthood adventures with a showing of the nature film “Raising Kid Colt.” The film provides viewers with remarkable footage of an Alaska Crane family’s life as well as seldom seen perspectives of raising Sandhill crane colts, and the progression of colt development over a summer. Gary Ivey has worked with wildlife for over thirty-five years including his current position with the International Crane Foundation and a fifteen-year stint working at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. More info:

High Desert Food & Farm Alliance Party
2014-05-15
Join the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (formerly the Central Oregon Food Policy Council) to celebrate their new look and programs. Free live music, kombucha, and food at Humm Kombucha.

Wilderness & Waldo
2014-05-13
A Wilderness Ranger’s personal experiences in the wilds and the role of wilderness in our country’s legacy, celebrating wilderness and the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
Also featured, the Keep Waldo Wild campaign and its innovative approach to conserving 75,000 roadless acres in the Waldo watershed.
When: May 13, 2014 – 6:30 pm gathering, 7:00 pm program
Where: Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend
Sponsor: Sierra Club
Who: Free and open to the public
Contact: Gretchen, 541-389-0785

BoomeRaging: From LSD to OMG
2014-05-12
Political satirist Will Durst in a benefit for KPOV 88.9 fm,
presented by BIGS Hydroponics and Organics.
Monday, May 12, 2014; 7:30 pm (doors at 7)
Touring comedian Celesta Franklin will open.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $13 for KPOV members, at www.bendticket.com; $17 at the door.
Info: www.kpov.org, info@kpov.org, 541-322-0863

Lunch with Landwatch
2014-05-12
Lunch with Landwatch at The Environmental Center. 12 noon. Topic: Fish & Flows in the Upper Deschutes Basin. Details and RSVP HERE.
Please bring your own lunch.

Grow Your Own Tomatoes Class
2014-05-10
Learn how to successfully grow tomatoes including choosing the right variety, transplanting, staking, pruning, ongoing care and troubleshooting potential problems.
For more information click here or call 541-389-7275

Salmon Run
2014-05-03
Each year, the mighty Salmon make an expedition of a lifetime back to their homes – traversing thousands of miles and overcoming countless obstacles on their river journeys. The Salmon juxtapose the infinite space of their ocean homes against the micro-streams of their birth in one monumental run. Their achievement is awesome in the true sense of the word.
Choose your own migratory distance – 5K, 10K or Half Marathon – and experience the awesomeness of that achievement as you complete your own Salmon Run!
Begin and end your adventure at Riverbend Park and imagine what a river journey could be like for the Salmon by running up and down the Deschutes River corridor in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
Each finisher will receive a pine sapling to plant in honor of the Salmons’ achievements and your own.
Post-race festivities, including a Salmon Haiku Contest, will certainly be worth your upstream success.
The Environmental Center is a beneficiary of the Salmon Run Race! Support us when you sign up to run this zero waste race! Register here.

Geology Hike, Alder Springs
2014-05-02
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a hike to Alder Springs with a focus on geology. We’ll hike down to bubbling Alder Springs and check out examples of volcanic and sedimentary rocks that tell the story of the early Cascade mountains. Learn how these ancient rocks also formed the underground aquifers that much of Central Oregon depends on for water. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at
www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.
Rating: This is a challenging, 3-mile hike.
What to bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Whychus Canyon Preserve Wander
2014-05-01
Explore your Land Trust Preserves in a whole new way: the Wander! Join Derek Loeb for a short
stroll with easy walking to learn about one of our flagship Preserves, Whychus Canyon Preserve.
Explore the Preserve’s old-growth juniper forests while you learn about the geology of its rimrock
canyon. Observe how the geography of Central Oregon has been effected by its position at the
boundary of three major geologic provinces.
Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to
the event. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/events.
Rating: Easy, less than 1 mile.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Webinar: Could A Carbon Tax be Good for Oregon?
2014-04-28
Can a Carbon Tax Combat Climate Change and be Good for Oregon’s Economy?
Carbon taxes are becoming a hot topic around the country as an economically-efficient and market-driven way to combat climate change. Here in Oregon, a foundational study, “Carbon Tax and Shift: How to Make it Work for Oregon’s Economy” was published in March 2013, and just last year the Oregon Legislature passed a bipartisan study bill (SB 306) to examine how a carbon tax, or “clean air fee,” could be structured in Oregon.
On Monday, April 28, join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby of Bend for a webinar presentation and interactive discussion to address the following: Why a carbon tax? Can a carbon tax be good for Oregon’s economy? Where can jobs be gained? How many emissions can be reduced? How can revenue be used?
Whether your interest is business, the environment, politics or all three, this is an important meeting to attend for Bend, Oregon today and for the future.
Featured speakers:
Jeff Renfro, senior economist with the Northwest Economic Research Center at Portland State University, co-author of the 2013 “Carbon Tax and Shift” foundational study, and a lead researcher for the Oregon Legislature’s carbon tax study bill (SB 306), will be presenting and taking questions from his office in Portland.
Jana Gastellum, Program Director for Climate Protection with the Oregon Environmental Council, will provide a context for carbon pricing policies in Oregon.
Check-in starts at 4:30 pm; program will start promptly at 5:00 pm.
Free but RSVP is required (due to limited space) at bend@citizensclimatelobby.org.

NorthWest Crossing Community Garden Opening Day
2014-04-26
Registration for a raised bed garden plot is done in-person at NorthWest Crossing Community Garden on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. The line forms early and is outdoors, so dress for the weather. A waiting list will be taken as well.
Location: Corner of NW Crossing Dr & Charbonneau St near Summit H. S., Bend
For more info, call 541-318-5759 or 541-678-5949.
