Whychus Creek Watershed Speaker Series: Learn About Your Home Waters
2024-02-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-03-05 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sisters Public Library, 110 N Cedar St, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Co-presented by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, a six-part informational speaker series about Whychus Creek and its watershed. Learn about Whychus Creek’s history, hydrology, water quality, habitat conditions, native fish, recreation, conservation, and stream restoration. There are five classroom sessions and one full-day field trip. Field trip date will be determined during the series.

Classroom sessions are every other Tuesday, 2/6, 2/20, 3/5, 3/19, 4/2. Field trip date is tentatively scheduled for the end of April, and will be finalized during the lecture series.

Black Joy: A Strategy for Freedom, Healing, and Reckoning
2024-02-20 18:00 - 19:30 | OR
As the author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award-winning book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts will present a blueprint for making space for Black joy in the world, workplace, the classroom, and our neighborhoods. She will highlight how this is a form of wellness and liberation work that can and should be a core value in any and all diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
COCC Bend Campus
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center
Livestream also available
Registration required for in-person and livestream. Register Here!

The Real Dirt on Soil!
2024-02-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
It’s ALL about soil! Soil is a critical part of the natural world that is perhaps the least understood. That’s why the Deschutes Land Trust and Oregon State University professor James Cassidy are teaming up to share the real dirt on soil! Join to gain a better understanding of soil and its fundamental importance to our lives. Learn what every human should know about the world of soils, including all about nutrients, how soil stores water and nutrients, and the ways soil gives life to the world we know and love. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.
Nature Nights are free, but a ticket is required. Please register online: deschuteslandtrust.org

*RESCHEDULED* Film Screening-Blend: On Being Black in Bend
2024-02-23 18:00 - 20:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
“Blend” is a documentary filmed and edited in Central Oregon that asks 10 Black Central Oregonians about their experiences living, working, and playing on the High Desert. Film creator Kenny Adams uses the film to explore and share uncensored lived experiences.
COCC Bend Campus
Hitchcock Auditorium-Pioneer 201

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend – An Annual Fundraiser for The Environmental Center
2024-02-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend for our annual fundraiser – Mountainfilm on Tour!
Featuring unique films each night and a wide variety of raffle prizes, you are sure to leave with a renewed appreciation for the outdoors and incredible filmmaking.
Visit our Mountainfilm on Tour webpage for film synopses and more information about the event. See you at the Tower!
BUY TICKETS FOR FRIDAY, 2/23
BUY TICKETS FOR SATURDAY, 2/24

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend - An Annual Fundraiser for The Environmental Center
2024-02-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Raise the Deschutes - A River Runs Through It
2024-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Meadow Lakes Golf Course & Restaurant, 300 Southwest Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville, OR, United States
Collaborative Strategies for the Future of the Crooked River
Join us for a discussion focused on balancing water conservation, agricultural needs, and sustainable management of the Crooked River. This seminar unites experts and community members to explore joint efforts in securing a resilient water future for Crook County — for fish, farms, and families alike.
Panelists:
Bill Nasham – Crook County Water Master
Bruce Scanlon – General Manager of Ochoco Irrigation District
Peter Lickwar – US Fish and Wildlife Service
Moderator: Lisa Seales – Program Manager – Deschutes River Conservancy
REGISTER HERE

Power Hour: Fumes in Focus with Beyond Toxics
2024-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Please not the change of venues to The Environmental Center (formerly COCC). Attendees can now also attend virtually. Please use the same link to register and you will receive an email with the Zoom link.
What’s in the air we breathe inside of our own homes? The Fumes in Focus film helps us visualize the air pollution from gas stoves.
Join The Environmental Center’s Climate Solutions program at our first Power Hour event of the year, featuring Willamette Valley-based environmental justice organization, Beyond Toxics. This year, the Power Hour series will focus on healthy, energy efficient homes and the resources available to improve our living spaces and the built environment.
The event will feature a screening of Beyond Toxics’ eye-opening documentary, Fumes in Focus, highlighting the real health and environmental impacts of natural gas stoves that often go unseen. This project utilized advanced FLIR (forward looking Infrared) technology to capture and visualize the immediate emissions during stove operation.
Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics’ will present more information on their Visualizing Air Pollution in Gas Stoves study and be available for questions from attendees. Other local organizations and businesses who can help connect folks with resources to learn more about upgrading appliances in their homes such as Energize Bend and GreenSavers will be available at the event.
Meet our speaker
Lisa Arkin, the Executive Director of Beyond Toxics, has provided innovative policy leadership and grassroots organizing for Beyond Toxics since 2006. Under her guidance, Beyond Toxics embraced the principles of diversity and equity, and adopted an anti-racist ethos to become Oregon’s first environmental justice organization. Arkin is dedicated to placing human rights, racial and social justice at the forefront of all environmental protection and climate resiliency policies. She serves as an appointed member of a number of commissions and workgroups on issues such as land use, environmental justice, pesticide reform and air quality.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to our sponsors

Bend Bikeway Project Open House and Survey
2024-02-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Bend Municipal Court Building, 555 NE 15th Street,, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Project Goal
The City is designing a variety of safer and more accessible bike and pedestrian (routes/projects/intersections, etc.) throughout the community, including the Bend Bikeway Project that will make the most of the existing system to build one connected and protected North-South and one East-West key route.
The North-South and East-West routes are being implemented to fulfill the City Council’s 2023-2025 Transportation and Infrastructure Goal to “Implement near-term multimodal and safety projects to capitalize on the existing system, including building one connected and protected North-South and one East-West key route, and wayfinding.”
Can’t make it in person?
The same information is available here. Browse the open house exhibits by clicking on the tabs, then share your feedback by completing the survey. The survey and interactive map will close on March 6, 2024.

OPB Think Out Loud: How Central Oregon is responding to ongoing drought
2024-03-01 13:30 - 15:00 | Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 2850 Rippling River Court, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Be part of the audience for an engaging, solution-oriented discussion about how Central Oregon is tackling the ongoing drought. “Think Out Loud” host Dave Miller will talk with local officials, policy makers, advocates, irrigators, conservationists and water users of all kinds. Discover the innovative strategies and initiatives being implemented to conserve water and safeguard the environment and economic interests. This in-person event will be held at Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, in the Deschutes South room. Audience participation is welcomed.
Doors open at 1:30 with light refreshments, and the show will start promptly at 2pm.

Upgrading your Water Heater for efficiency, savings and pollution reduction
2024-03-04 17:15 - 18:00 | Online Event
Upgrading your Water Heater for efficiency, savings and pollution reduction
Join us for an exciting online event where local experts will share their knowledge on options for upgrading your home water heater for maximum efficiency, cost savings, and pollution reduction. Learn about the latest ultra-efficient heat pump water heater technology, the performance and benefits, and the pricing, rebates and incentives available to help you save while you upgrade your home energy equipment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from our local experts in home energy efficiency at GreenSavers.
Thanks to The Environmental Center and GreenSavers for co-hosting this event with us!
REGISTER HERE

Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-03-05 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in our Kansas Avenue Learning Garden for our ongoing volunteer work party series. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 200 hours to help keep our learning garden maintained over the growing season. We couldn’t do it without you!
This event is open to all ages and gardening abilities! No experience or tools required. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for all who volunteer. Each event includes seasonal ongoing tasks as well as special projects as needed throughout the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to pop in for an hour or stay the whole time. No need to RSVP or commit ahead of time. (Pro tip – put the following dates in your phone calendar now – then when it pops up you can decide if it works out for you or not!)
In 2024, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4-6pm. This schedule throughout the extent of the growing season offers meaningful volunteer experiences for all who come, and deeper care for the garden when it needs it.

Music as a Tool for Social Justice
2024-03-06 18:00 - 19:30 | OR
Explore the meaning of “justice” as Facilitator, Donovan Scribes examines Black life in Oregon through the eyes of hip-hop. Join writer, artist, and producer Donovan Scribes for an exploration of Oregon as he lets music guide us through a shared dialogue about race and justice in post-2020 society. SPACE IS LIMITED. If you register and then can no longer attend, please contact us (cgilbride@cocc.edu) to cancel so that others can join.
Virtual Conversation Space is limited Register Here!

Farm to Warm Springs Fundraiser
2024-03-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Aspen Hall, 18920 NW Shevlin Park, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Around the Bend Farms for an evening filled with great local food, entertainment, and fun! We are raising funds for our current farming project, where we will be growing and providing vegetables for Warm Springs. Event attendees will enjoy a beautiful setting, nestled in the Cascades foothills adjacent to Shevlin Park. Guests will enjoy great local food, participate in auctions of local products and services, and enjoy the social and creative atmosphere. You will surely be pleased by our locally sourced, artisan food made by Central Oregon’s finest bakers and chefs. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
Ticket admission includes a full tasting menu and one beverage. GET TICKETS HERE!
LOCAL TASTING MENU with wild salmon, bison meatballs, a rainbow of roasted vegetables, leafy green salad, locally made sourdough bread, and foraged cobbler for dessert.
Do you have any food allergies that we should accommodate? Please send an email to Makena at makena@aroundthebendfarms.org with this information.

Bye Lawn, High Desert! How Turf Rebates Can Help
2024-03-09 09:00 - 10:15, 2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:15, 2024-03-20 18:00 - 19:15 | Online Event
Are you looking to update your landscape and save water? The City of Bend Water Conservation program is offering a Turf Removal Rebate to convert thirsty lawns into low water use landscapes. The result is a gorgeous High Desert landscape that provides a colorful, biodiverse, pollinator-friendly, and waterwise alternative to traditional lawns!
In this webinar, hosted by the City of Bend, Oregon you will learn how to:

Plan and Prepare for your Lawn Conversion
Remove Turf Without the Use of Chemicals
Use Highly Efficient Irrigation
Successfully Apply for the Turf Removal Rebate

The BuildRight Roadshow
2024-03-12 08:00 - 12:00 | 20545 Murray Rd, 20545 Murray Rd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for a morning of learning – Earn 4 hours of CCB CE Credits
Presented by: Builders FirstSource – READY-FRAME
Presenters:
RON NUTTALL Advanced Framing
As energy codes become stricter, builders and designers are seeking options for energy-efficient construction that maintain strength, durability, sustainability, and costeffectiveness. One effective solution is advanced framing, a system of construction framing techniques that optimize material use and increase energy efficiency. Join APA’s Ron Nuttall as he discusses common advanced framing techniques, the benefits of the system and typical challenges that builders encounter during the conversion from traditional framing to advanced framing.
CAROL EISENLOHR 5 Easy Steps for Implementing Best Practices in the Field
1. How a Quality Assurance and Best Practices Program can positively impact warranty and customer experience. 2. Identifying and gathering information for easy access to those who need it. 3. Creating and using simple checklists for each task during the building process. 4. Setting unified expectations between Trades, Warranty and Construction Managers. 5. Efficiency and Accountability tips: The key to making the program work.

GREG LASHER What does the Oregon Energy Code Require Now & Where is it Going?
The latest Oregon Energy Code (ORSC 2021) introduced balanced ventilation and the complex choices where a builder can locate the HVAC system in a new home. Furthermore, the proposed ORSC 2023 takes these requirements further. Greg will explain the current choices that builders have to comply with the current code and suggest changes that will prepare for the future code changes. The Energy Trust of Oregon offers builders free consultation and training for code preparations and cash incentives to build above code in the EPS for New Construction offering—not a bad way to prepare for the future!

Bonus tour of the Ready-Frame Facility on-site at Noon

Hosting Native Bees Webinar
2024-03-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Sponsored by OSU’s 10 minute university, this free webinar will help you understand native bees and host them in your garden. Register here!

REEL ROCK 18
2024-03-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presented by Mountain Supply. A benefit for Bend Endurance Academy and Vámonos Outside!
General admission, doors open at 6:30 PM.
Follow the philosophical journey of Japanese climbing phenom Sachi Amma, as he evolves from three-time world champion to traditional climbing purist, culminating in a visionary first ascent on the mythical Mt. Mizugaki. (30 min)
ANGIE SCARTH-JOHNSON & HAZEL FINDLAY IN – YEAH BUDDY
Australian climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, who first made her mark setting records at a young age, teams up with veteran adventure climber Hazel Findlay to explore the best of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. (25 min)
JOSH WHARTON & VINCE ANDERSON IN – JIRISHANCA
Renowned alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 20,000-foot peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure. (40 min)
MATT GROOM & DANYIL BOLDYREV IN – CLIMBING NEVER DIE
Climbing journalist Matt Groom journeys deep into war-torn Ukraine to discover a community held together by climbing and patriotism, but indelibly changed by war. (35 min)
GET TICKETS

Science Pub: Klamath Dam Removal and Beyond
2024-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The largest dam removal in U.S. history is underway on Oregon’s Klamath River. Come hear from OSU’s biological engineer Desiree Tullos and anthropologist Bryan Tilt about the complex issues involved in the project including the hopeful impacts for ecosystems and Native peoples.
When: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 6 p.pm, Networking
9 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Presentation and Q&A
Registration Fee:
$22 per person includes:
Networking
Heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by OSU-Cascades’ Edge Catering
No-host bar with beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.
Event Limited to 100 people
Where:
OSU-Cascades
Edward J. Ray Hall
1500 SW Chandler Ave
Bend Oregon 97702
For any questions regarding payment for registration or event, please email events@osucascades.edu
Full refunds provided for cancelations submitted 48 hours prior to event start day/time (no later than 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 17th)

School of Ranch - Seed Start Basics
2024-03-19 17:30 - 20:30 | Redmond, Oregon
It all starts with a seed! At this hands-on workshop you’ll learn the “when”, “where”, “why” and “how” of seed starting. You’ll leave knowing how to successfully prepare for and start plants from seeds, as well as how to care for your seedlings from germination to transplanting. Each participant will go home with a personally planted seed tray to get them started! Bonus: Potluck Dinner!
3 hour workshop – $40.
Held in the Redmond area (address provided upon registration)
REGISTER HERE!

Cultivating Partnerships: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Science in Land Stewardship
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Experience an enlightening evening with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg as she delves into ecocultural restoration and the fusion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science in land stewardship. ONDA Stewardship Director Gena Goodman-Campbell will explore current ONDA initiatives to restore Oregon’s high desert and foster partnerships with the region’s tribes. Buy tickets in Bend.
—
We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

An Introduction to the Klamath Tribes
2024-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Gabriann Hall of the Klamath Tribes and the Deschutes Land Trust for an evening centered around the Klamath Tribes. Gabriann will share her personal perspective and insight through acknowledging Native history and carrying on the tradition of oral storytelling. Learn about the impact of Termination and Restoration on the Klamath Tribes’ people, then gain a better understanding about current issues related to treaty rights, first foods, and dam removal. Gabriann will finish the evening talking about the Klamath Tribes’ work on water and land restoration. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.
Nature Nights are free, but a ticket is required. Please register online: deschuteslandtrust.org

A Cut Above: Pruning basics for the High Desert (Prineville)
2024-03-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Crook County Extension Services, 498 Southeast Lynn Boulevard, Prineville, 97754, United States
Join us for a class that will teach you basic pruning skills for trees and shrubs including basic fruit tree pruning. Class will include an outdoor component so dress accordingly. Bring your hand pruners or some will be available on site. Amy Jo Detweiler, professor for OSU Extension Service’s Central Oregon Horticulture program will be offering two pruning workshops this month.
Space is limited for these classes, so register now!
REGISTER HERE

March Green Drinks: DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair
2024-03-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
If you truly want to see how the all-terrain wheelchair AdvenChair holds up under the rigorous environment of four days down and back up the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, then come see the premiere showing of DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair, the new 48-minute documentary of Geoff Babb and his expedition team currently in review by film festivals from coast-to-coast, and even Cannes, France. Then, stick around for a moderated panel discussion featuring Geoff Babb, members of his team, and Marcia Volk, the filmmaker, as well as the opportunity to ask questions you may have.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Learn about Geoff’s arduous journey to realize his dream as a survivor of two strokes, taking years to perfect an all-terrain human-powered wheelchair, culminating in a rigorous 4-day expedition down and back out of the Grand Canyon, with a ripple effect on others from its creation—access to nature previously out of reach. Sometimes one bold dream can change the world for many.
In partnership with Outback Film, The Onward Project, and COCC, we’re honored to present a debut showing of DREAM BOLDLY The Grand AdvenChair.
REGISTER HERE!
In advance of College events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact Caitlyn Gardner at 541-383-7237. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact Disability Services at 541-383-7583.

Earth Day Parade Upcycled Costumes Workshop
2024-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Hello, fellow recyclers and art enthusiasts! Earth Day is just around the corner… and you’re invited to participate in this year’s Reclaimed Trash//Treasure Transformation Workshop – a chance for families and friends to come together and get crafty with stuff nearly left behind to dumpsters! If you’ve ever looked at something headed for the trash and thought, “What could I make of that? A costume or Pet?” Now’s your chance to imagine and create! Bring along anything you’ve been itching to upcycle – old clothes, empty containers, boxes, cards… you name it. We’ll work our magic and turn them into funky puppets and costumes to wear in the Earth Day parade!! We’ll meet up twice, giving us plenty of time to explore and bring our ideas to life. If you don’t think you’re a crafty human, no problem, because this is all about having fun and getting creative with the ones we love on the earth we love. Let’s make Earth Day a time for creativity, community, and celebrating our planet in style – one recycled masterpiece at a time!
No registration is required!
