The Environmental Center

United By Water: Culture, Fish, Water
2018-01-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The inspiring journey of Upper Columbia River tribal communities as they reconnect with their tribal traditions and the river.
Doors open at 5:30 pm; program begins at 6:30 pm
Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room
Tickets can be found here.
The Coalition for the Deschutes is pleased to invite the community to join us for a showing the film “United by Water” followed by a panel discussion with Columbia River and Warm Springs tribal members. The film will be followed by a panel discussion about rivers and how we relate to and understand them. Panelists are:
DR Michel – Executive Director, Upper Columbia United Tribes
John Sirois – Committee Coordinator, Upper Columbia United Tribes
Elke and Alysia Littleleaf – Warm Springs tribal members, Littleleaf Guide Services
Gary Lewis – writer, photographer, show host, Gary Lewis Outdoors
United by Water tells the story of the inspiring journey undertaken by Upper Columbia tribal communities to Kettle Falls, the fishing site of their ancestors, for the first time in 80 years. It is a story about the tribes’ reconnection with their traditions and heritage, and with the river that was once so integral to their way of life.
Kettle Falls is now the site of the Grand Coulee Dam. In 1940, the tribes held a Ceremony of Tears to mark the final time they saw Kettle Falls.
MORE ABOUT THE FILM:
United by Water has received national attention and has been accepted into several film festivals. Directed by Derrick LaMere of War Pony Pictures, this film follows the first tribal canoe journey and gathering at Kettle Falls since the Ceremony of Tears in 1940. The film, narrated by famed author Sherman Alexie, documents this inspiring journey in 2016—building the canoes, the physical and spiritual journey on the Columbia River, and finally the historic landing at Kettle Falls.
The timely film highlights the need to recognize the importance of reconnecting to the Columbia River and restoring our salmon runs. Not only does the film bring attention to the historic wrongs that blocked salmon from the Upper Columbia River; it also shares the current efforts by Upper Columbia United Tribes and other tribes to bring forward tribal traditions to help better understand what is lacking in our contemporary society. We need to forge a deeper connection to the waters that bring life to our communities.
United by Water offers an example of how, working together, we can act and make a positive difference for the future of our shared ecosystem.

Texts and Taps for Clean Energy Jobs Bill
2018-01-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Sierra Club and over 40 partnering orgs of the Oregon Conservation Network to make a push for the Clean Energy Jobs Bill in the upcoming short Legislative session. This is a carbon cap and invest bill that will limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels, electric and gas utilities, and large industrial companies, price the pollution our largest polluters are emitting, and invest those funds back into clean energy jobs and community.
Can you spare an hour and a half to help get this bill passed in February? This is like a phone bank but easier, just text messaging to supporters, no phone calls. Bring your laptop or smart phone and we will train users on-site on a cool new app. Let’s get Oregon on the road to a clean energy economy!

Winter Clamshell Recycling Event
2018-01-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Whole Foods successfully recycled all the plastic clamshell containers they collected last October, and want to do it again in 2018!
Mark your calendars:

Jan 27

Please note, due to shifting markets in the global recycling industry, these clamshell recycling events at Whole Foods have been cancelled for the remainder of 2018. If you have been collecting them they will need to be put in the trash. When possible, please consider bringing your own containers/bags and make bulk purchases to avoid bringing home more material.

These events will run from 10:00 – 4:00. Items collected are only plastic clamshells. Here are some examples of what often comes in clamshells:

To-Go style plastic take out containers
Grapes, cheery tomatoes, strawberries
Lettuce

We are also looking for volunteers to help staff these events, as it is a great opportunity to talk to people about what is and isn’t recyclable locally, as well as other topics related to rethinking waste. Contact Denise if you’re interested!

Bend COTA Work Events
2018-01-25, 2018-01-18, 2018-01-11, 2018-01-04, 2017-12-28, 2017-12-21, 2017-12-14 | 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.

Snowshoeing Central Oregon
2018-01-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Wild for a presentation on how and where to snowshoe in central Oregon. We’ll have tips and suggestions regarding everything from safety to gear to picking the most scenic trails. We’ll include some “Snowshoeing 101” for those new to the activity as well as some tips on locations that would be applicable to all ability levels.
The presentation will include:
• Photography of recommended scenic snowshoeing destinations in central Oregon
• The basics on learning to snowshoe
• Reference map
• What to bring
• How to be safe when snowshoeing
• Gear (snowshoes and clothing)
In addition to the snowshoeing presentation, learn more about Oregon Wild’s current efforts to protect wild places and public lands across the state.
Free and open to all ages. Enter our raffle for great prizes at the end!

January COBKA Meeting - Beekeeping Supplies & Suppliers
2018-01-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Beekeeping Association will be sharing their2018 supplier list with the regular information (availability and cost) as well as some educational information about options available and when and what treatments are given. This will be followed up by a panel discussion on everything you’ve wanted to know about where to get your bees.
Beginner’s Corner will be held at 5:30 across the hall. Hope to see you all there!

VegNet Potluck
2018-01-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Happy Healthy New Year!
It’s a new year and we’re feeling wholesome. To kickstart a healthy 2018, please join us at the monthly VegNet community potluck. This is your chance to share your favorite whole-food, plant-based (no animal products, including honey) preparations.
For this potluck, think whole, unrefined or minimally refined plants: fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, legumes, and mushrooms. Consider steering clear of bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil. Let’s show off how tasty and satisfying healthy plant foods can be! Need ideas? Check out the free recipes at Forks Over Knives (https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/).
Bring a vegan dish to serve 6-8, plus extra if there are more than two in your party, a card listing ingredients, and your own cup, plate, and cutlery. Kids are welcome and you don’t have to be vegan to join us. Come and try veg!
Suggested donation $2-5 to help cover room rental.
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VegNet’s community potlucks are held on the third Saturday of every month, 6pm, at the Environmental Center.
To stay up on VegNet Bend’s activities and events:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vegnetbend/
https://www.meetup.com/VegNet-Bend/
http://www.vegnetbend.org/

Central Oregon’s Women’s March for Action
2018-01-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Anniversary event of the first Women’s March. Get ready to take ACTION! 2018 will be an energized and fast paced year.
A year ago, nearly 5,000 Central Oregonians marched to make a statement and feel the strength of our numbers! This January 20th, we peacefully march again to remind ourselves of our commitment to making the world a better place, in solidarity with the official Women’s March anniversary event in Las Vegas as well as sister marches across the country and world. The theme of the National Women’s March is “Power to the Polls” at a local, state, and national level.
This year’s march begins in Drake Park where we will gather at 11:30. The Resistas will perform at 11:50, and the feet start moving at 12:00 noon. The one-mile route flows around downtown Bend, ending back at Drake Park. We encourage all to come march peacefully with us and put those in power on notice: we are taking our Power to the Polls this year in a big way. This is the Central Oregon Women’s March for ACTION!
Congregate at 11:30AM
The Resistas Perform at 11:50AM
March at 12:00PM

Teacher Training: Our Changing Climate
2018-01-20, 2018-01-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join educators from the Environmental Center and High Desert Museum for two days of interactive, hands-on experiments. Teachers will gain knowledge and tools to teach 5th-8th grade students about climate science issues and solutions. Teachers will receive a curriculum, classroom kit and full unit plan aligned with NGSS standards. Substitute funding provided.

Environmental Priorities for the 2018 Oregon Legislature
2018-01-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon League of Conservation Voters as we prepare for the 2018 Oregon Legislative Session. Learn about important priorities, like passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill, and how you can get involved in passing laws that will protect Oregon’s environmental legacy.

Birders Night- The Golden Eagle Camera
2018-01-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Golden Eagle Camera on Whychus Creek with Jim Hammond
ECAS members can be justifiably proud of sponsoring and bearing most of the cost of operating the only nest camera in the world providing on-line live viewing of nesting, raising and fledging of Golden Eagles in the wild. Many individuals and groups have had and continue to have a hand in maintaining and improving the operation of this educational resource. Jim Hammond has been responsible for the telescopes and lenses used since ECAS became involved in the project in 2015.
Jim will review the history of the nest and the observation facility since the first on-line camera started operating about 8 years ago. The nest is on a cliff beside Whychus Creek near Sisters and the camera is on private property on the opposite side of the creek. The camera and its operation do not interact in any way with the eagles, a pair named Rocky and Petra, that have been using the same nest location for at least 10 years and have successfully raised one or two eaglets each of those years.
Jim will briefly discuss the technical aspects of the camera, the lenses used and the internet connection used to stream the image. With many hours of video available showing interesting behavior of the parents and the eaglets, Jim will show selected images and videos of the most interesting of these behaviors.
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.

Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show
2018-01-18 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Rooted in a love of fashion, an appreciation of art and a passion for the planet, the Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show is an annual fundraising event for REALMS Magnet School. Started in 2010, this fundraiser features two eclectic, wearable art runway shows (one that features local students), a live auction of runway garments, a silent auction comprised of local sustainable donations, a pop up “marketplace”, featuring sustainable, creative products from local artists, local food (food trucks providing a variety of dinner choices) and drink.
Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show fuses environmental responsibility, funky fashion and community. Join other socially conscious individuals for an evening of sustainable fashion, showcasing styles that the future demands, while supporting a fundraiser for REALMS Magnet School.
First Show Tickets: Doors 5pm / SHOW 6PM
Second Show Tickets: Doors 7:30pm / SHOW 8:30PM

Climate Solutions for Future Pow Days | Jan. Green Drinks
2018-01-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our January Green Drinks event will be a unique collaboration! We’re partnering with Protect our Winters and others to learn more about carbon pricing legislation. Please note the date and time, as logistics are a little different than our usual Green Drinks event. Hope you can join us! No need to RSVP in advance.
One of the best ways to ensure a future of powder days is to act on climate change. One of the best solutions to climate change is to put a price on carbon. This February, Oregon has a chance to lead the nation and pass carbon pricing legislation. But what the heck does that even mean? Don’t worry, Protect Our Winters (POW) is here to help! Join POW, their friends at Renew Oregon, and local businesses and athletes at 10 Barrel Brewing Company’s Eastside Pub on Thursday, January 18th for a happy hour and panel discussion to dive a bit deeper into how passionate outdoor enthusiasts can help Oregon put a price on carbon pollution and invest in clean energy jobs. Come for the beer, stay for the future of fresh pow!
Hosted by 10 Barrel Brewing Company, in partnership with the Environmental Center as the January Green Drinks event for Central Oregon.
Read more at the Facebook event.

Regenerative Agriculture: A Win for Climate, Carbon Sequestration and Health
2018-01-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
From the reality of climate change to its future implications, what must change so we can start mitigating, preventing the worst foreseeable tragedies? How can Agriculture provide solutions to climate change and ensure future food security? Feeding 9.5 billion people in 2050 depends on healthy, alive soil—and a 4% annual growth rate of soil carbon would make it possible to halt the current increase in atmospheric CO2.

But working against a healthy U.S. agricultural system is an outdated, unsustainable system of chemical-intensive, industrial agriculture responsible for much of the pathology we find both in Nature and in the population itself. While the Farm Bill has historically embedded massive subsidies for industrial ag, with the Farm Bill up for renewal in 2018 we have a huge opportunity to reshape how our food system works while mitigating climate change. We need Regenerative Agriculture to pull CO2 from the atmosphere back into the soil to rebuild a robust soil microbiome, regenerate topsoil, enhance the nutrient density of food, and restore water balance to the landscape. Presented by Klaus Mager, Food with Thought for the Sierra Club.

Keeping it Local in the Three Sisters Wilderness
2018-01-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our local wilderness areas offer fantastic backcountry skiing right out our back door! Join Oregon Wild to learn what the Three Sisters Wilderness has to offer with a presentation of inspiring imagery and stories from local backcountry skier and avalanche instructor Lindsey Clark.
On January 17th, Lindsey Clark will share her love of backcountry skiing in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Lindsey loves nothing more than skiing, and has spent over a decade exploring the Three Sisters Wilderness on skis. From winter powder hunting missions at Tam McArthur Rim, to spring summit ski adventures on South Sister, she will surely inspire you to grab your skis and get out there too. In addition to personal photos and stories, Lindsey will cover local backcountry weather and avalanche resources, access points, and resources to help you plan a memorable trip of your own!
In addition to Lindsey’s presentation, learn more about Oregon Wild’s current efforts to protect wild places and public lands across the state.
Free and open to all ages. Enter our raffle for great prizes at the end!

Notes from the Field: Campfire Edition
2018-01-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Gather around the campfire for this special dispatch of “Notes from the Field.” ONDA’s stewardship staff will regale you with stories about the people, places, and impact of restoration projects across Oregon’s high desert. Learn more about the community that is built through these trips to Oregon’s most stunning wild lands and leave inspired for your next trip east!
About the speakers: Collectively, Ben Gordon, Jefferson Jacobs, Michael O’Casey, and Renee Patrick have hiked at least 15,000miles across North, Central, and South America. They bring a deep connection to wild landscapes to their roles on ONDA’s stewardship team, but their love for building community while restoring lands and waters runs even deeper.
The event will take place at 10 Barrel Brewing Company’s Eastside Banquet Room at 62950 NE 18th Street in Bend. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the speaker beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about other speakers in this series, visit ONDA.org/speakerseries

Sally Fallon Coming to Central Oregon
2018-01-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What is the best diet for optimal health? Sally Fallon Morell will explain the principles of healthy traditional diets, based on the pioneering work of Dr. Weston A. Price. Learn about the need for animal fats, organ meats, fermented foods, bone broth and properly prepared grains.
Sally is the founder of the international non-profit, Weston A Price foundation, author of several gamechanger cookbooks, including Nourshing Traditions and Nourishing Broth. Sally is also the founder of A Campaign for Real Milk and owner of New Trends Publishing Company.
$5 Locavore members, $8 Non Members
(Register soon, spots are limited and we do expect this presentation to fill up very quickly!)

The Clean Energy Jobs Bill 2018
2018-01-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An evening of information, engagement and action. Get an update on what is in the bill, the economic benefits to Oregonians of a cap and invest policy, plus apps, info, strategies, and ideas to help make our voices heard by our elected representatives in Salem. Presented by the UUFCO Environmental Justice Committee, the Juniper Group of the Sierra Club, and Caroline Skidmore, Climate Leader and graduate of Al Gore’s Climate Reality project.

Snowshoeing Central Oregon
2018-01-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Wild for a presentation on how and where to snowshoe in central Oregon. We’ll have tips and suggestions regarding everything from safety to gear to picking the most scenic trails. We’ll include some “Snowshoeing 101” for those new to the activity as well as some tips on locations that would be applicable to all ability levels.
The presentation will include:
• Photography of recommended scenic snowshoeing destinations in central Oregon
• The basics on learning to snowshoe
• Reference map
• What to bring
• How to be safe when snowshoeing
• Gear (snowshoes and clothing)
In addition to the snowshoeing presentation, learn more about Oregon Wild’s current efforts to protect wild places and public lands across the state.
Free and open to all ages.

Intro to Trail Maintenance
2017-12-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Mid Oregon section of the PCT was hit hard by wildfires this year so we’re preparing for a busy trail maintenance season next year.
Trails in the burned areas will need our help! Pacific Crest Trail Association and other trail maintenance groups will need new volunteers, and we’ll also need experienced volunteers ready to step up and become leaders.
This 2-hour classroom session is geared towards people NEW to trail work. We’ll start out with a short presentation on the condition of trails (especially the PCT and connectors) in the Three Sisters and Mt Jefferson post-fire areas. We’ll then discuss basic types of trail work and the tools we use to do it. We’ll conclude by explaining how our volunteer trail maintenance program works and how you can get involved.
It will take place at the Deschutes National Forest Service office in the Ponderosa Conference Room. (Please do NOT enter via the main entrance.)
We hope you can join us! Please email with any questions: midoregon@pcta.org

Sierra Club Holiday Pot Luck
2017-12-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Take time out to give thanks, step back from the intensity of news, and enjoy the company of others who like you care deeply about Oregon and our planet. Live lively music by the Appaloosa three-some, a few fun get-to-know-you activities, slides of hikes-camp outs-treasures, tasty dishes of your favorite recipes and door prizes. Wear an ugly sweater if you’re feeling feisty. We’ll supply dishes and flatware, you bring a food item to share (label if gluten-free).
Bring canned or other non-perishable food item(s) for our annual Food Drive to be donated to Neighbor Impact. At the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend, 6:00 pm.

VegNet Holiday Potluck & Clothing Drive
2017-12-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Celebrate the holidays with Central Oregon’s vegan community! Eat, socialize, and participate in a New Year’s game.
Please bring a vegan dish (no animal products, including honey) to serve 6-8 people, 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, 8 oz. paper cups (hot and cold),
deodorant, shaving cream, tampons, lip balm, cough drops. See their wish list: https://bethleheminn.org/donate/other-ways-to-give/.
This is a family-friendly event. Suggested donation $2-5 to help cover room rental. See you soon!

The Greatest Good: A Lecture Series
2017-12-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Deschutes National Forest, Discover Your Forest and OSU-Cascades are partnering to offer educational opportunities for OSU-Cascades Students and the public. A lecture series called “The Greatest Good” will feature presentations from land managers and specialists from the Deschutes National Forest on a variety of topics in natural resources.
The lecture Series begins October 2017 and will be held the second Thursday of each month through March of next year. Each lecture will take place at 4:00 p.m. in OSU-Cascade’s Tykeson Hall Room 207. All lectures are free and open to the public.
Geologist Bart Wills will give a presentation briefly discussing the geology of Newberry, the 40-year geothermal history, the formation of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, some of the difficulties is producing geothermal power, and the most recent geothermal projects.
