The Environmental Center

Fall Garden Work Party
2018-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in the garden to help with fall garden projects and some winterization work. We will have coffee, juice and snacks on hand. Tools provided, family friendly. This will also be an opportunity to pick up garden bulbs ordered with our Fall Garden Bulb Fundraiser.

Fall Colors Walk, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2018-10-20 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop on a fall hike at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Explore this historic meadow while taking in the beautiful fall colors of aspen and cottonwood. Learn about the ecology of the meadow and how the Land Trust has worked to restore it for fish and wildlife.
Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~2 mile hike. Portions will be on a gravel trail and through a grassy meadow.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Energy Supply Working Group Meeting - Community Climate Action Plan
2018-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
Each working group meets twice. The first meeting will focus on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector, and the second meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.
The working group meetings for energy supply are scheduled for:
Meeting #1: Tuesday, October 23, 3-5 PM, City Council Chambers @ City Hall
Meeting #2: Tuesday, November 6, 3-5 PM, City Council Chambers @ City Hall

Summit Loop Hike, Smith Rock State Park
2018-10-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR, 97760, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Eva Eagle for a hike along the Summit Loop Trail at Smith Rock State Park. This gorgeous loop follows the Burma Road up to a ridge overlooking famed crags like Monkey Face. On the descent, the Summit Loop trail crosses a private property protected by the Land Trust before joining the Park’s river trail. Enjoy fall colors and take in the sweeping views of the Cascade crest.
Hike Rating: This is a challenging 7-mile hike along the Summit Loop Trail at Smith Rock State Park.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Milkweed Planting Party
2018-10-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Land Trust is excited to be helping monarch butterflies! They raised, tagged, and released some earlier this summer and are hoping to improve habitat for them in Central Oregon by planting native milkweed. Milkweed is critical to the survival of monarchs because it is the only plant the caterpillars will eat. Help us help the monarchs by planting native milkweed at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.
This is a family friendly work party! Join us on a no-school day to make a difference in your community. Register here.

Work party with moderate physical activity. Please bring snacks and water. and tiny gloves and tiny trowels if you plan on bringing your little ones. Dress for the weather.

Two Simple Proofs of Global Warming
2018-10-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The “smoking guns” that prove fossil fuels are warming the Earth.
Doors open @6:30 lecture / @7pm. Free event in the Worthy Hop Mahal. Seating is limited, come early!
Humans burning fossil fuels are responsible for 100% of the excess heat building up in our oceans and atmosphere, but half the people you know are ideologically preconditioned to reject that fact. Too much of its supporting evidence comes from sources they don’t trust, and the sources they do trust provide them with an ample supply of alternative facts.
Fortunately, basic science has given us two “smoking guns” that provide the solid proof laying the blame squarely on fossil fuels. They are easy to understand, and no part of either proof is in any dispute. Here are your two talking points that will make you invincible in any global warming conversation.
About the speaker:
Science writer Brian Dunning is the host and producer of the Skeptoid podcast (skeptoid.com) with a weekly audience of 127,000 listeners, and the author of seven books on scientific skepticism. He has appeared on numerous radio shows and television documentaries, and also hosts the science video series inFact with Brian Dunning (infactvideo.com). A computer scientist by trade, Brian uses new media to showcase the rewards of science and critical thinking. He is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and lives in central Oregon with his family.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings Working Group Meeting - Community Climate Action Plan
2018-10-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
Each working group meets twice, and we encourage participants to try to make it to both meetings. The first meeting will focus on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector, and the second meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.
The working group meetings for energy efficiency in buildings are scheduled for:
Meeting #1: Thursday, October 25, 3-5 PM, Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library Downtown Bend, 507 NW Wall St.
Meeting #2: Thursday, November 8, 3-5 PM, Bend Parks and Recreation District Office Community Room, 799 SW Columbia St.

Bend COTA Work Events
2018-10-25, 2018-11-01, 2018-11-08, 2018-11-15 | 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.

Fall Colors Hike, Metolius Preserve
2018-10-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Metolius Preserve, Camp Sherman, OR, 97730, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a fall colors hike at one of our flagship Preserves, the Metolius Preserve. Hike over Lake Creek and around the northern portion of the Preserve to learn about ponderosa pines and the white-headed woodpeckers that depend on them. Enjoy the brilliant yellow of changing larch trees and then, take a break by the creek and hear how native salmon are making their
return.
Hike Rating: This is an easy 3-mile hike on trails.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Saturday Bird Walks
2018-10-27 08:30 - 11:00 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars!
Early registration is strongly encouraged and participation is limited to 12 birders. Expect to walk approximately three to four miles along various trails. Please no strollers or dogs. Wear sturdy and water-resistant footwear and bring a bottle of water and a pair of binoculars with you. Bird walks are geared toward adults, however children with a serious interest in birding are welcome with a parent/guardian.

Trail Love Fall Edition/BEND
2018-10-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join COTA for a large workday focused on new trail construction. We will be doing finish work behind the machines on Voodoo’s Child (connector trail from Voodoo to Grand Slam at 4604/4610 junction). Work will include: raking out spoils, some limited rock work, working on dialing in turns, trail tread raking and compaction. We will also continue the handwork on the COD relocation and that project will involve hand benching, rock work, and general fun stuff on this new section of Black Diamond trail.
After party at LOGE Camp Entrada. Please bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, long pants, good sturdy footwear, work gloves, and glasses to protect your eyes. Bring a helmet if you have one. COTA will supply helmets and any other needed PPE (personal protection equipment) that you forget. Coffee and light snacks provided in the AM and then the after-party offering food, beer, kombucha and other beverages.
Everyone welcome! No experience necessary, just a great attitude and desire to give back to the trails all share.

Batacular!
2018-10-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Deschutes National Forest Office, 63095 Deschutes Market Rd, 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

Geology Hike, Whychus Canyon Preserve
2018-10-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a geology hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Cascade crest while learning about the forces of nature that formed the cliffs surrounding Whychus Creek. Explore ancient juniper groves and native grasslands and learn a little about the human history of this area.
Hike Rating: This is a moderate 3-4-mile hike on the Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Redmond Repair Cafe
2018-10-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Local volunteers will help repair your broken stuff – for FREE!
Has your blender lost its whirl? Hole in your favorite jeans? Broken clasp on your best bracelet? Bring us your small household appliances, sewing repairs, jewelry repairs, and small furniture that need a little work.
Volunteers with the Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project will come and help guide the repair of small appliances or devices that no longer function. Bring your stuff that’s not working and let’s see if we can collaborate to change that. Repair Cafe’s are a growing movement to help keep the material objects in our lives serving us longer before they head for the landfill or an alternative use.
Repair assistance is based on a first come first served basis.

Upper Deschutes River Volunteer Tree Planting Day
2018-11-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The USFS is looking for volunteers to plant trees along the Deschutes River below Wickiup Dam. Restoring native vegetation is critical to improving the health of the river! The Coalition for the Deschutes is helping round up volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to sign a Forest Service Volunteer waiver. RSVP to Mike Taylor.
When: Thursday, Nov. 1, 9:00 am until the trees are planted or you need to leave.
Meeting Place: The intersection of Forest Road 44 and Burgess Road where the kiosks are located (just east of the Burgess bridge).
Bring: A shovel if you have one, gloves, water, personal items

Fall Energy Symposium
2018-11-01 - 2018-11-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Advancing a clean energy economy across Oregon
Sustainable Northwest in partnership with The Environmental Center is hosting the third annual Fall Energy Symposium in Bend, Oregon on November 1 & 2, 2018. This 2-day event will bring together community leaders, businesses, elected officials, ranchers, farmers, and agency partners to identify strategies to advance clean energy initiatives across Oregon.
Panel discussions and events include:

Solar, storage, and microgrids, presented by the Oregon Department of Energy
Oregon’s Community Solar Program with the Oregon Public Utility Commission
A path to net zero for public facilities
An incremental guide to Energy Planning: Perspectives from City of Talent, Hood River County, and City of Bend
Policy roundup: Featuring Carbon Cap-and-Invest, Senate Bill 978, and evolutions on solar siting
Green building tour at Bend Science Station and reception at The Environmental Center on Thursday evening

Register today!
For questions about the Symposium or the Making Energy Work for Rural Oregon Network contact Bridget Callahan, Energy Program Associate, at (503) 756-0494 or bcallahan@sustainablenorthwest.org.

2019 Wild Desert Calendar Release Party
2018-11-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in celebrating the release of ONDA’s 15th Wild Desert Calendar at the Deschutes Brewery Public House! Meet the photographers featured in the 2019 calendar and enjoy a First Friday filled with food, drink, and photographs from local artists and community members. Images will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there!

Energy Supply Working Group Meeting #2 - Community Climate Action Plan
2018-11-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan (C-CAP)to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
What to Expect
The sector working groups are groups of stakeholders and interested citizens that are advising the Climate Action Steering Committee on the right way for Bend to address emissions in the sector. By participating in the working group, you will be directly providing input into Bend’s C-CAP. The first of the two sector meetings focused on objectives, barriers, and equity considerations. The second of the two sector meetings will focus on identifying potential actions for the C-CAP. These meetings are open to the public and any interested members of the community are invited to participate.
How to Prepare
Please review the 2016 Bend Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Additional background reading materials for each working group can be found here.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings Working Group Meeting #2 – Community Climate Action Plan
2018-11-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
What to Expect
The sector working groups are groups of stakeholders and interested citizens that are advising the Climate Action Steering Committee on the right way for Bend to address emissions in the sector. By participating in the working group, you will be directly providing input into Bend’s C-CAP. The first of the two sector meetings focused on objectives, barriers, and equity considerations. The second of the two sector meetings will focus on identifying potential actions for the C-CAP. These meetings are open to the public and any interested members of the community are invited to participate.
How to Prepare
Please review the 2016 Bend Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Additional background reading materials for each working group can be found here.

November Green Drinks
2018-11-08 17:00 - 19:00 | The Gear Fix, 550 Industrial Way, Suite 183, Bend, OR, 97702, 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.

Fill Your Pantry
2018-11-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Tumalo Garden Market, 19879 8th St, Bend, 97701
Fill Your Pantry is a community bulk buying event created so YOU can fill up your pantry, freezer, and root cellar full of great local products for the winter. Say bye-bye to busy holiday lines and produce that has traveled farther than you during holiday vacations, and say hello to a cupboard full of local meat, grains, vegetables, ferments, and more.
The Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry will allow you to stock up on items like potatoes, onions, leeks, beets, winter squash, garlic, honey, flours, apples, pears, dried beans, krauts, baked goods, and more.
This is a bulk buying event, so bring your muscles! Farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and producers will be selling large quantities of items. For example, 20lb bags of onions, 50lb bags of potatoes, 25lb ground beef boxes, etc. This is a great opportunity for vendors to move product before the harsh Central Oregon winter and a great opportunity for YOU to save money and eat well all winter long.
Proceeds from this event and its sponsors benefit Central Oregon Locavore Non Profit. Central Oregon Locavore promotes local food and farmers for the health of our community.

Youth Radio Immersion – No School Day
2018-11-12 | 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 on Friday, November 12 (Veteran’s Day Holiday observed).
Sign up for KPOV’s radio immersion – search under ACTIVITY/KEYWORDS for KPOV
Youth will learn how to use radio equipment, record radio spots, spin tunes, and make announcements all on 88.9 KPOV. 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:
Call Bend Parks and Rec at 389-7275 or sign up online (search under ACTIVITY/KEYWORDS for KPOV), or contact KPOV for your member discount at 541-322-0863.

Waste & Materials Working Group Meeting #2 – Community Climate Action Plan
2018-11-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) is working on a Community Climate Action Plan to implement the policy direction established by Council resolution in 2016. The Community Climate Action Plan goals are to establish a roadmap for the community to achieve fossil fuel use reductions of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Development of the Community Climate Action Plan calls for participation by the entire community. The goals are set, but how we get there is still being decided. We need community members and organizations to help us figure out how to do this for Bend.
The CASC is convening topic-specific working groups to support the development of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan. The topics include energy supply, energy in buildings, waste & materials management, and transportation. The working groups play a vital role of helping brainstorm and develop potential actions we can take as a community to meet our fossil fuel use reduction goals.
The first meeting focused on understanding the objectives and barriers for the sector and this meeting will focus on identifying climate actions.

What the River? Upper Deschutes Hydrology
2018-11-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join USFS hydrologist Jason Gritzner for a close look at the Upper Deschutes River. Jason will zoom in on the river today, how it’s changed through time, and the opportunities the future offers for river restoration.
Speaker: Jason Gritzner, Hydrologist, Watershed Program Manager, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.
Door at 5:30, program starts at 6:00 pm. Free. Please consider making a donation at the door.

Transportation Working Working Group Meeting – Community Climate Action Plan
2018-11-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Sustainability Awards
2018-11-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Celebrate Sustainability in Central Oregon!
Join us on November 15th to honor the leaders, heroes and pioneers of sustainabilty in our community.
The Environmental Center hosts the bi-annual Sustainability Awards to highlight the determined and persistent change makers who are essential to achieving a sustainable future.
For us, sustainability means meeting human needs equitably, living within our planet’s ecological limits, and building a prosperous economy for all.
We will recognize inidividuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate a comprehensive, organization-wide commitment to sustainability; that have a project, service or product that is particularly innovative; and/or that have set an example for and pushed their peers/industry toward sustainable business practices and projects.
Celebrate with us – you’re sure to feel inspired!
Tickets are limited, so reserve your seat today. (As of right now, tickets cannot be purchased at the door.) Event includes hor d’oeuvres, drinks, and an awards presentation at the beautiful Unitarian Universalist Fellowship venue.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
Sponsored by Worthy Brewing

Climate Change: A Geologic Perspective
2018-11-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Local favorite geologist Daniele McKay, Ph.D. will dig into how ancient Oregon was shaped by changes in the climate and the implications of what we can learn from the geologic past. Free.
Note change in venue: Trinity Episcopal Church, Brooks Room, 469 NW Wall Street, downtown Bend.
6:30 PM snacks/networking, 6:50 program begins
