The Environmental Center

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
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.

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

Bend COTA Work Events
2018-11-15, 2018-11-22, 2018-11-29, 2018-12-06, 2018-12-13, 2018-12-20, 2018-12-27, 2019-01-03 and 1 more date | 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.

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

Environmental Trivia at Pints and Politics
2018-11-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence Ln #1, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Oregon League of Conservation Voters for a fun night of environmental trivia, hosted by OLCV’s local Leadership Committee.
Come test your knowledge of Oregon’s environment, politics, and OLCV history, or just come to learn a thing or two at the last Pints and Politics of 2018. Snacks and prizes provided!
*This event will also double as a volunteer appreciation event.

Native Bees of Central Oregon
2018-11-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Welcome Andony Melathopoulos, OSU Assistant Professor of Pollinator Health Extension to discuss the native bees of Central Oregon!
Registration is required for this free event – space is limited!
Andony is an Assistant Professor in Pollinator Health Extension in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. OSU’s work around pollinator health comes from mandates passed by the Oregon Legislature. He has four primary responsibilities: (1) training pesticide applicators on how to control pests while minimizing impacts to pollinators, (2) organizing a state-wide native bee survey (the Oregon Bee Atlas), (3) guiding residential beekeepers on how to prevent their honey bees from becoming a nuisance, and (4) hosting a weekly podcast on pollinator health (PolliNation). He also sits on the Steering Committee of the Oregon Bee Project, which coordinates pollinator health work across state agencies.

Post-Turkey Day Hike, Whychus Canyon Preserve
2018-11-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Ready to hike off all that turkey and pie? Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Moorehead for a hike to explore Whychus Canyon reserve. We’ll follow the trail through juniper forests, enjoying the crisp, cool temperatures of late fall. Explore rock outcroppings while taking in the sweeping view of the canyon and Whychus Creek flowing below.
Hike Rating: This is a moderate 4-mile hike on the Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Take a Landfill, Transform it into a University Campus
2018-11-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn from OSU-Cascades planners and experts how the university-owned properties adjacent to the current campus will be transformed in an expanded university campus that will be a model for sustainability and innovation. Hear about the work civil, environmental and geotechnical engineers have done to understand the challenging landscape – and what’s beneath it – and plan for the future. Their plans have already garnered national attention for their sustainability and innovation.
This event is part of OSU’s Science Pubs Series

Meet some of OSU’s leading researchers. Delve into their fascinating worlds in casual Science Pubs at McMenamins in Bend, and in Sisters and Sunriver. No scientific background required—just bring your curiosity, sense of humor and appetite for food, drinks and knowledge!
FREE – RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AND LIMITED TO 100

Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., presentations begin at 6:30 p.m.
Full menu, no-host bar.
Science Pubs are popular and sometimes sell out. Reservations required no later than 5:00 p.m. the day prior to each lecture.

Help us out on Giving Tuesday!
2018-11-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (and all the shopping). Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, and offers a chance to shift your focus to supporting nonprofits in your community that are doing work you’re passionate about.
Giving comes in many forms – and although we rely on your financial support, we also rely on the gift of your TIME! Can you give a little time on Tuesday, November 27th?
Our year-end fundraising campaign is critical to starting off the new year strong. We have stacks of letters to mail out – and as the saying goes, many hands make for light work. Our team can’t finish the job in one day unless we have a few volunteers to help us stuff and address envelopes. It may not sound like a ton of fun… but we’ll offer music, snacks, and great energy & conversations! Our staff will be excited to see you. (We promise, it’s easy work and really makes a difference in our fundraising efforts.)
Come for 30 mins, or stay for hours. You’re welcome to join anytime between 10-4 for as long as you’re able to. Thank you so much. We sincerely appreciate your time and help!

TREE HUNT
2018-12-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
It’s Tree Hunt time! Join the Land Trust for this fun, festive annual event! Search for the perfect holiday tree while helping restore the native forests of the Metolius Preserve.

The Tree Hunt will be held at the Land Trust’s Metolius Preserve North Trailhead, weather and pandemic permitting. Please check their website for updates as we get closer to the hunt.

To help keep our community safe during the pandemic, Deschutes Land Trust have a couple of new details for this year’s Tree Hunt:

You and your group will need to pre-register for the Tree Hunt.
You must bring and wear face masks: Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, all participants (regardless of vaccination status) must bring and wear a face mask whenever they cannot maintain 6 feet of social distance.

Learn more and register today!

High Desert Hootenanny
2018-12-07 17:00 - 20:30 | Hollinshead Barn, 1235 NE Jones Rd., Bend, OR, United States
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association, friends and supporters in celebrating Oregon’s incredible high desert and the conservation successes you have achieved this year!
On Friday, December 7 ONDA board and staff will share highlights from 2018 and discuss conservation opportunities in the year ahead. Enjoy music from the Silvertone Devils Duo, refreshments from Spork, Worthy Brewing, Crater Lake Spirits and Humm Kombucha, and giveaways from Wildish, Patagonia, Osprey and more.
This event is free and open to all. The party starts at 5 p.m. See you there!

9th Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire
2018-12-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Give the Gift of Local!
Tired of holiday lines, products from far away lands, and just the same ol’ same ol’? Then shop local this holiday season, support local crafters, makers, and artisans, and feel good about gift giving in 2018. We will have everything from gourmet food and art to locally crafted goods.

Holiday Lights Ride
2018-12-08 17:45 - 21:00 | Bend Senior Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
This benefit event for Bend Bikes is gonna be a special evening of fun for the whole family. Gather at the Bend Senior Center and then head off on our tour of the Larkspur Trail. Decorate your bicycle to get into the holiday spirit while you cruise along on an off-street path on Bend’s eastside.
After the ride, meet back at the Senior Center for food and drink courtesy of Whole Foods and Cascades Lakes Brewing, and Velo Sprints. If you’ve never seen head-to-head stationary sprint racing, you won’t want to miss this.

Weekend Workshop: Wind Energy
2018-12-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Families can explore together in this renewable energy workshop. Learn about different energy sources and how engineers have gotten some of their best ideas from nature. Design and test your own wind turbine blades to harness the wind.

Vegan Holiday Potluck & Bethlehem Inn Supply Drive
2018-12-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
VegNet’s Vegan Holiday potluck
Please bring a vegan dish (no animal products, including honey) to serve 6-8 people, plus extra if there are more than two in your party, a card listing ingredients, and your own cup, plate, and utensils.
If you can, please also bring a donation for Bethlehem Inn: store gift cards, 33-gallon trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, hand/foot warmers, deodorant, shaving cream, tampons, lip balm, cough drops. See their wish list.
Kids of all ages are are welcome and you don’t have to be vegan to join us – come and meet the Central Oregon veg community!
Suggested donation $2-5 to help cover room rental.
VegNet’s community potlucks are held on the third Saturday of every month, 6pm, at the Environmental Center. Save the date: next month’s potluck is January 19th.

Juniper Group Program Night
2018-12-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Holiday Pot Luck, Let’s Make a Party! – In the midst of deep December, let’s give thanks, step back from the news, and join others who care deeply about Oregon and our Earth.
Live spirited music by duet NTT (“entity”), fun get-to-know-you activities, slides of hikes, camp outs, and nature’s treasures, plus your tasty pot luck dishes and door prizes. Bring canned or other non-perishable food item(s) for a Food Drive for a local food bank.

Camp Fire Cookie Exchange
2018-12-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Camp Fire Teen Connects offers stand-alone service projects and fun outings for teens looking for some volunteer experience or an opportunity to just have fun while meeting new friends or reconnecting with other teens in Camp Fire. All opportunities are either offered for free or, in a few instances, at low cost (covering outside vendor fees or other hard costs.) We are excited for any teen to join us, whether as an one-time, some-time, or regular participant.
Cookie Exchange:
Grab your Camp Fire friends and we’ll bake all the fun holiday cookies you can think of! Half to take and half to donate back to the community.
Exact meeting location tbd. We will send an email about 1 week before the event with the specifics.

Green Drinks
2019-01-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Please RSVP in advance!
RSVP

You helped us to get the Climate Action Resolution passed, and now it’s time to weigh in on what goes into the Climate Action Plan.
The City of Bend and the Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) are asking for your input on how to address climate change. Come learn more at our first Green Drinks event of 2019!
Public working groups have identified potential climate action strategies, and now there’s a survey available in order to gather community input. The survey will outline some of the new programs and policies that the CASC is considering to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Bend, and allow respondents to share which they support the most.
Take the survey here: go.participate.online/BendClimateSurvey
(Available through Feb 3rd, and we’ll have iPads at the event if you want to complete it on-site.)
Our work did not wrap up when the Climate Action Resolution was passed. In fact, it’s just getting started! Share your ideas to help shape the plan that will define our climate legacy.
Thanks to Deschutes Brewery for hosting this event at the downtown pub. We’ll be joined by the City of Bend’s Sustainability Coordinator and members of the CASC to help answer questions and guide discussion.

“The Beaver Believers” Film Screening and Q&A
2019-01-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Beaver Believers is a feature documentary that tells the urgent yet whimsical story of an unlikely cadre of activists — a biologist, a hydrologist, a botanist, an ecologist, a psychologist, and a hairdresser — who share a common vision: restoring the North American beaver to the watersheds of the American West. The Beaver Believers encourage us to embrace a new paradigm for managing our western lands, one that seeks to partner with the natural world rather than overpower it. Shot in eight western U.S. states, Mexico and Canada, through desert drought, raging wildfires, spring floods and wetland serenity, this film will change the way you think about climate change and inspire you to take a bite out of the challenges we face, one stick at a time. Join us for a screening of The Beaver Believers followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, Sarah Koenigsberg.
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Film starts at 7:00 pm. Event ends at 8:45 pm.
No-host bar. Museum café will be open from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
$10, Members receive 20 % discount
RSVP here – pre-payment required.

Wild Rivers Night! Films, Images, and Presentations on Wild Rivers with Zach Collier
2019-01-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Coalition for the Deschutes and Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe for Wild Rivers Night, a collection of presentations about wild rivers. It’s a fun gathering of people who love rivers.
Zach Collier is a whitewater paddler, guide, and outfitter based in Hood River, Oregon. His business, Northwest Rafting Company, runs multi-day trips on Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon, Idaho, and a few international destinations. When he’s not running his business, he’s out exploring as many rivers as he can.
With beer by Boneyard!
Suggested Donation $5 at the door

Regional Transit Master Plan: Community Open House
2019-01-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Help shape the future of public transportation! Weigh in on future public transportation services at a Community Open House.
Cascades East Transit (CET) is developing a Regional Transit Master Plan to identify future transit service priorities over the next 25 years and we need your input. Drop by one of our Community Open Houses in January between 4:30 and 6:30 pm to discuss the future vision, goals, and near-term priorities for public transportation in Central Oregon. Light refreshments and activities for children will be provided.
Community Open House Events:

La Pine: Tuesday, January 15 at the La Pine Public Library (16425 1st St.)
Madras: Thursday, January 17 at the Rodriguez Jefferson Library Annex (134 SE E St.)
Redmond: Tuesday, January 22 at the Redmond City Hall, Room 208 (411 SW 9th St.)
Warm Springs: Wednesday, January 23 at the Warm Springs Community Center (2200 Hollywood Blvd.)
Prineville: Thursday, January 24 at the Crook County Library, Broughton Room (175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr.)
Bend: Tuesday, January 29 at the Trinity Episcopal Church, Brooks Hall (469 NW Wall St.)

Public comments can also be submitted through February 3, 2019 via an online open house at CETTransitPlan.com.
To request information in an alternative format or different language, please email Rachel Zakem or call 541-504-3310 five days prior to the meeting.
