The Environmental Center

ICE Verifier & Human Rights Observer (Online)
2025-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Building on the success of previous workshops and the wonderful community participation, The Latino Community Association invites you to join the next workshops to learn about how to be an ally if you see ICE activity in your community.
To register call 541-515-0868 or email advocacy@latca.org or visit https://latinocommunityassociation.org/

Bottoms
2025-07-16 20:30 - 22:00 | Tin Pan Theater, 869 Northwest Tin Pan Alley, Bend, OR, 97703
Our friend at the Tin Pan Theater in Downtown Bend are hosting Bottoms!

Community Conversation 3 (Online)
2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00

ICE Verifier & Human Rights Observer (Madras)
2025-07-22 18:30 - 20:30

Firewise Native Plant Gardening in Central Oregon
2025-07-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Saturday, July 26th, 12-1:30pm
Worthy Brewing: 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend
Join us for an informative class designed to help Central Oregon gardeners learn practical strategies to reduce wildfire risk around your home while supporting native ecosystems.
Claire Hafer, local horticulturist and landscaper, will guide you through fire-resistant landscaping principles, defensible space planning and plant selection tailored to the region’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Discover how native plants not only thrive in Central Oregon’s arid environment but also play a crucial role in conserving water, supporting local wildlife and enhancing your garden’s resilience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to adapt your existing landscape, this class will equip you with the knowledge and resources to design a garden that is both beautiful and fire-conscious. Perfect for homeowners, gardeners and land stewards committed to sustainable living and wildfire preparedness.
Register at bit.ly/firewiseinbend
Event inquiries can be sent to: info@worthygardenclub.org

PPC Webinar | Solutions Series: How Waterless Products Make Plastic-Free Packaging Possible
2025-07-30 17:00 - 18:00
From body wash to shampoo, and moisturizer to sunscreen, many people use numerous personal care and beauty products daily, and because most of these products are liquids, they are packaged in plastic. More than 120 billion units of plastic cosmetics packaging are produced every year, and while brands may claim these are recyclable, most ultimately end up in landfills, incinerators, and ecosystems where they continue polluting.
It’s clear that the personal care and beauty industries contribute to plastic pollution globally, but what solutions exist to provide necessary and everyday products without plastic? On July 30, Plastic Pollution Coalition will host a webinar to learn from businesses that are solving this problem by redesigning their products to remove water and toxic chemicals, thereby eliminating the need for plastic packaging.
Joining the discussion will be Kate McLeod, Co-Founder & Formulator, Kate McLeod; Ericka Rodriguez, Founder, Axiology; and Sarah Spliethoff, Founder, Sunniemade. The webinar will be moderated by Nichola Gray, Co-Founder & CEO, Kate McLeod.

A Tribute to Bracero Workers in Central Oregon
2025-08-04 16:00 - 18:30 | Downtown Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Join the Latino Community Association, the Deschutes County Historical Society, and the Deschutes Public Library on August 4th at the Redmond Library to celebrate Bracero Program Day and learn how the Bracero Program contributed to the agricultural success of Redmond and Central Oregon. This day honors the contributions to our farming community of the Bracero workers — Mexican men who came to the United States on short term contracts — and recognizes their sacrifices, hard work, and dedication.

August Action Night
2025-08-05 16:30 - 18:30
Feeling exhausted by the state of the world? Frustrated with politics? Overwhelmed by the lack of urgency around the climate crisis and social justice?
We are too—and that’s exactly why we’re launching a Summer Advocacy Series! In partnership with Oregon Wild, Sierra Clue Oregon, and City of Bend, we are putting our brains together to make our voices loud! Collective action breeds local change.
Join us once a month this summer in the Kansas Avenue Garden for an evening of local policy action, meaningful discussion, and tangible ways to make a difference in your community. We’ll explore what’s happening locally and how you can get involved in driving real change.
✨ Bonus: Free beer and weed pulling for anyone who gets socially anxious (we get it).
Our goal is to help ease climate anxiety by focusing on the local actions you can take right now to make a real impact.
📍 Where: 16 NW Kansas Ave
🕓 When: 4:30–6:30 PM on the following dates
– June 10th
– July 8th
– August 5th
Come learn from policy experts, connect with like-minded people, and take action together. Change starts here.
Help us get a headcount and register now! https://secure.everyaction.com/7a8612o2GkyGnuxegnOllA2

An Opportunity to Continue the Conversation on Food Insecurity
2025-08-05 17:00 - 18:30 | Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Coming Together to Address Food Insecurity in Our Community
Inspired by City Club of Central Oregon’s June forum Together at the Table: A Community Conversation on Food Insecurity, you are invited to join a powerful follow-on community event focused on deeper understanding of food insecurity in our region and actionable steps to addressing the growing issue. Local nonprofits are facing urgent challenges, and we need your voice, your ideas, and your action.
Presented by: Community Conversations and SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity)
What to Expect:

Direct conversations with leaders from NeighborImpact, The Giving Plate, the Council on Aging, Family Kitchen, and St. Vincent de Paul
Insight into the current state of food insecurity in our community
Opportunities to share ideas and create real, actionable solutions
Ways you, your organization, or your network can get involved

Let’s come together to help our neighbors who need us most.
Details:
August 5th, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.; Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Deschutes Public Library, Downtown Bend
RSVP
Space is limited to 40 attendees. Please RSVP or reach out with questions: Betsy Warriner, betsy@betsywarriner.com

Garden Building bed volunteer party!
2025-08-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Rooted Homes Redmond Community, 345 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR, 97756
Join the community for a fun and rewarding afternoon of gardening and community building while constructing raised garden beds! This event is for everyone, whether a seasoned carpenter, a green-thumbed gardener, or someone looking to learn something new. Building Supplies will be provided, but if you want to bring your pair of work gloves, that would be great! Open to the first twelve volunteers in the community.
Please reach out to Denise or Jessica with any questions, Denise@envirocenter.org or Jessica@envirocenter.org

Family Friendly Yoga in English y Español
2025-08-15 10:00 - 11:00
En Ingles:
Join us for a Beginner Friendly Yoga Asana class. Please bring a yoga mat or towel, water and any blankets or other props that you would like during your practice. This class will include a full-body warm-up, yoga postures, breathwork exercises and be accessible for all ages. We will end with calming/restful postures.
As the first daughter of two immigrant parents, Jessica inherited the roses and thorns that come from leaving your home country for a better opportunity. The passion to share bilingual yoga came from the desire to make the practice of Yoga accessible. There are communities that traditionally have not been exposed to these teachings, but that would resonate with them if shared in their native language.
En Español:
Únete a nosotros para una clase de Yoga Asana para principiantes. Por favor, traiga una esterilla de yoga o toalla, agua y cualquier manta u otros apoyos que le gustaría durante su práctica. Esta clase incluirá un calentamiento de toda el cuerpo, posturas de yoga, ejercicios de respiración y será accesible para todas las edades. Terminaremos con posturas de relajación y descanso.
Como la primera hija de dos padres inmigrantes, Jessica heredó las rosas y las espinas que vienen de salir de su país de origen para una mejor oportunidad. La pasión por compartir el yoga bilingüe surgió del deseo de hacer accesible la práctica del Yoga. Hay comunidades que tradicionalmente no han estado expuestas a estas enseñanzas, pero que resonarían con ellas si se compartieran en su lengua materna.
Questions? Contact jennym@deschuteslibrary.org

Taller de Papel Marmoleado en Español
2025-08-16 11:00 - 12:30 | East Bend Public Library, 62080 Dean Swift Rd., Bend, 97701
Esta clase está dirigida a niños a partir de 5 años y a sus familias. Tenemos espacio para las 12 primeras personas que lleguen.
Sumérgete en el color y el movimiento en este taller donde exploraremos la técnica del marmoleado sobre papel. Los participantes crearán sus propios diseños abstractos jugando con tintas flotantes sobre agua, generando patrones únicos e irrepetibles. Una experiencia creativa para descubrir la magia de los materiales y llevarte a casa papeles decorativos para usar en collages, encuadernación o simplemente como piezas de arte. No se requiere experiencia previa.
Gonzalo Benavente y Christi Zorrilla Soto son artistas visuales y educadores peruanos, graduados de la Escuela de Bellas Artes del Perú. Su trabajo explora temas como la memoria, la migración, la tecnología y los saberes ancestrales, utilizando la escultura, el papel, el textil y procesos colaborativos. Han expuesto en Perú, Ecuador, España y Estados Unidos, y participan activamente en proyectos comunitarios y colectivos.
¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto: jennym@deschuteslibrary.org

Rooted Homes Open House
2025-08-21 15:00 - 19:00 | Rooted Homes Redmond Community, 345 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR, 97756
RootedHomes is hosting an Open House for prospective buyers to come view our two and three bedroom Net Zero homes at Rooted at 19th on August 21st from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The homeownership team will be there to answer any questions so hope we get to see you there! Also, please share with your community and clients. 🙂
345 NW 19th Street
Redmond, Oregon 97756

Repair Café with DIY Cave
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:30

Civics Lab Part 4
2025-08-22 15:00 - 16:30 | Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall St, Bend, 97701, United States
Empower you voice and create change! With guest speakers Rebecca Easton, we will discuss humane borders and immigration, and making public comments and testimonies.

Protect Oregon's Wildest Places
2025-09-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
For over two decades, the Roadless Rule has protected 58 million acres of the wildest and most intact forests on our public lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently announced it will be repealing these important public lands protections – a move that will open roadless wildlands to road construction, development, and industrial logging.
In Central Oregon, over 200,000 acres of public land and beloved locales are threatened.
Join Central Oregon LandWatch, Oregon Wild, and Sierra Club Oregon Chapter at Worthy Brewing on September 9 to learn what the repeal of the Roadless Rule means for wild places in Oregon, and take action to stop this latest attack on our public lands.
Space is limited, register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protect-oregons-wildest-places-tickets-1592159304339

Celebrating Beavers in Bend with Think Wild and Western Environmental Law Center
2025-09-12 18:00 - 20:00
You are invited!
Join Western Environmental Law Center’s Deputy Director Dr. Sristi Kamal in conversation with Think Wild Beaver Works Program Manager Dr. Maureen Thompson for beaver trivia, fun activities, and an interactive discussion on legislative updates to beaver protection work in Oregon.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 12th from 6-8 pm
WHERE: 10 Barrel Brewing, 62950 NE 18th St, Bend, OR 97701
RSVP HERE by September 5

Winterizing Your Garden
2025-09-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Franklin’s Corner Community College, NE 8th St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Winterizing Your Garden
Ashley Joyce of Bend Urban Gardens will lead us through an interactive workshop on practical tips for winterizing your garden. Together, we’ll explore cover cropping, mulching and fall seed sowing. This workshop is designed to be interactive and full of take-home knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, you’ll leave with the skills to put your garden to bed in a way that’s both sustainable and productive.
Suggested $10 donation at the door.
Register at bit.ly/BUGwinterize
Event inquiries can be sent to: info@worthygardenclub.org

Rethink Waste Clothing Swap
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00
85% of all textiles in the United States end up in a landfill! Not only is this horrible for the planet, but it’s also hard on your wallet. To help combat textile waste in Central Oregon, we are hosting a clothing swap with Bloei Collective and several community members! Bring your gently worn items in REALLY GOOD condition, and take home some new-to-you pieces. This is an opportunity to clean out your wardrobe and refresh!
This is not an opportunity to get rid of clothing with rips, stains, or damage, it’s a way to give your gently worn clothes a new life. Only donate something you would be proud to wear. You do not need to donate clothing to participate—just bring your own basket or bag to carry out your new items.
We recommend arriving between 10 a.m.–1 p.m., but you don’t need to show up right at 10. There may be a line, and we can only allow a limited number of people in the building at one time. Staggering your arrival will give you a better chance to browse without a crowd.
The official clothing swap will be held on Saturday, September 13th, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. If you plan to donate clothing, all items must be dropped off on Friday, September 12th, between 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at The Environmental Center. We will spend the morning leading up to the event sorting clothing so it’s a smooth experience for everyone. If you cannot drop your clothes off on Friday, please email mary@envirocenter.org.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/GVGOHVXCpUKcFfLY9gOa9Q2

Pick it up, Bend!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Old Mill District, 475 SW Powerhouse Dr , Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join the Old Mill District and other volunteers for a cleanup to beautify our river!

3rd Annual Feria de la Salud y Bienestar (Health and Wellness Fair)
2025-09-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St, Bend, 97702, United States
3rd Annual Feria de la Salud y Bienestar (Health and Wellness Fair) is taking place Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St, Bend, OR 97702). Join this wellness fair to learn about all the great ways to take control of your health in Central Oregon.
TEC will be on site raffling off air purifiers to attendees and sharing information on staying healthy during the heat and smoke season. This is also a great chance to sign up for our Home Energy Assessment Program!

Sun day Solar Fest
2025-09-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
350Deschutes is excited to be joining the nation wide Sun Day campaign and will be hosting the ‘Sun Day Solar Fest’ on September 21 from 1–3 pm in Drake Park.
This event is going to be casual, fun, creative, and family friendly—a space where all community members can learn about solar energy, how to get involved in local action, while also learning from local individuals and organizations.
Join us in Bend for Sun Day, celebrating the unstoppable rise of clean energy!

Community Garden Work Party
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | 19th St Learning Garden, 345 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Save the date!
Help us dig into the new 19th Street Learning Garden we are developing in partnership with RootedHomes. Details of help needed and tasks performed to be updated as we get closer to the date!
Email denise to get on the email list to be notified of events for this new learning garden in Redmond.

Go Clean Energy Conference
2025-10-01 08:00 - 17:00
Want to save on energy costs & help the planet? REGISTER Now for the Go Clean Energy Conference. October 1, at Central Oregon Community College in Bend. 25 speakers help you get the OREGON incentives for solar & storage, heat pumps, EV Charging/EV’s, and much more! Commercial Building owners and Churches/Nonprofits have great incentives. Something for everyone, including homes and businesses. Come for fun & network! $30 until September 7, $60 thereafter. https:GoCleanEnergy.org/

Fall Social and Seed Swap
2025-10-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Welcome to the Fall Social and Seed Swap! Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at 5:30 PM at Worthy Brewing Company for a fun evening of mingling, swapping seeds from native plants, and sharing garden stories. Whether you’re a seasoned native plant gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for connecting with fellow native plant enthusiasts .
We’ll provide some light refreshements. Drinks avaialble for purchase.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the Pollinator Pathway, make new friends, and enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere. See you there!

The Life of a Wildlife Photographer Suzi Eszterhas – Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00
Part artist, part scientist and part sociologist, Suzi Eszterhas will give us a glimpse into the life of a wildlife photographer. She will share her passion for conservation and how her work helps raise awareness of the issues facing wildlife today.
Whether it is photographing cheetahs in Kenya’s Masai Mara, working with polar bear biologists in the Arctic or chasing chimpanzees through some of the world’s deepest jungles, Suzi has many photographs and adventures to share.
COCC and UO SOJC students and staff are FREE. Contact cgilbride@cocc.edu for promo code.
Sponsored by University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Associated Students of COCC and Oregon Community Foundation
Learn more at cocc.edu/foundation/cls

October Green Drinks: Latino Heritage Celebration
2025-10-04 15:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Sep 15 – Oct 15, 2025 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and in honor of the Latino Community in Central Oregon, TEC is using its platform to co-host this community event, focusing on the Latino community, art, food, dance, small businesses, hair and beauty, culture, and music. This event is not a fundraiser for TEC; rather, it’s about standing in solidarity with those in our community who experience systemic harm, and displacement. We aim to find strength together through joy, tradition, healing, and mutual aid. All donations raised will directly support local efforts, including food assistance, emergency needs, and direct help for families. We will coordinate with the Latino Community Association and Immigration Counseling services to determine where to donate funds. 100% of proceeds will be donated to LCA to support immigrant families.
The event will feature local food, art, music, dance, and vendors, all centered around Latino culture. It’s an opportunity to celebrate together and raise funds for local migrant and immigrant families facing hardship.
This will be a free public event, open to everyone, with free participation for Latino vendors, performers, and creatives. While suggested donations at the door are welcome, they are not required.

Walking the Upper Deschutes: Understanding Flows and Ecology
2025-10-08 16:00 - 18:00
Join the Deschutes River Conservancy for an afternoon walking tour of the Upper Deschutes River. As flows drop for winter, we’ll walk the trail near Lava Island Falls to see how water management shapes the river, stream habitat, and the species it supports.
Learn about the history of flows in the basin, the challenges of balancing water for rivers, communities, and irrigation, and how basin partners are working to improve flows and habitat for fish, frogs, and other wildlife in the Deschutes and its tributaries.
Location: Lava Island Falls Boat Ramp, Off Forest Service Road 41, Bend, OR 97702
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Organizer: Deschutes River Conservancy
Contact: Marisa Hossick | (541) 382-4077 | marisa@deschutesriver.org

Rooted in Place: A Groundbreaking Celebration
2025-10-09 16:30 - 18:30 | 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
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. 🙂
