Discover Nature Day - Madras
2017-07-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
This event:
Watery Wonders with Middle Deschutes Watershed Council. Check out stream critters, learn about what makes a healthy stream, and get your hands dirty designing the perfect stream.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2017-07-18, 2017-07-25, 2017-08-01, 2017-08-08
This year, Happy Hour in the Garden will run from March through October. Instead of weekly, this volunteer event will be on the *1st & 3rd Tuesdays*, kicking off Tuesday, March 1st. Stop by anytime between 4-6 on the following dates to help out in the garden and enjoy a bubbly beverage. Family friendly, no experience or tools necessary.
Contact Denise Rowcroft, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

March 1 & 15 (March & April beer sponsored by Worthy Garden Club)
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17 (May & June beer sponsored by Boneyard Beer)
June 7 & 21

Due to summer trips, please note that summer dates (July & August) are the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month!

July 12 & 26 (July & August beer sponsored by Deschutes Brewery)
*August 9 & 23* (Note, this is the 2nd & 4th Tuesday, rescheduled due to planned time off)
September 6 & 20 (Sept & Oct beer sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing Co)
October 4 & 18

Summer Discover Nature Days - Bend
2017-07-20, 2017-07-27, 2017-08-03, 2017-08-10
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
Bend Events
Thursdays, July 13-August 17, 11 am – 12 noon

July 13: Hillside Park
Special Ops Survivors presented by Wildheart Nature School. Learn to navigate the world of unpredictability while playing team games and practicing survival skills in nature.
July 20: Ponderosa Park
What’s all the BUZZ About? presented by Discover Your Forest. Meet and greet the local buzzing, burrowing, and creeping bugs of our forests through science activities, stories, and games.
July 27: Pine Ridge Park
Birds of Prey presented by High Desert Museum. Experience an up close encounter with a raptor, learn about its amazing adaptations, and play a game about bird migration.
August 3: Larkspur Park
Predators and Prey with The Environmental Center. Have fun learning about the diverse animals that call Central Oregon home through exciting games and interactive science activities!
August 10: Shevlin Park
Watery Wonders presented by Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. Explore the watery wonders of Tumalo Creek, collect and identify stream critters, and learn about what makes a healthy stream.
August 17: Sawyer Park
Amphibious Adventure! presented by Sunriver Nature Center. Jump into the wet and wild world of your favorite amphibian! We’ll explore the life of frogs and their relationship with wetland ecosystems.

Bend COTA Work Events
2017-07-20, 2017-07-27, 2017-08-03, 2017-08-10
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.

Discover Nature Day - Redmond
2017-07-21
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
This event:
Habitat Heroes with Children’s Forest of Central Oregon. Learn about what makes healthy habitat for wildlife and how you can help.

The Unusual Flora of Pine Mountain
2017-07-23
Savor the views along the open crest of Pine Mountain while exploring the mountain’s distinctive flora, which is more closely affiliated with the Blue Mountain region than Central Oregon’s typical volcanic soils. Charmane Powers, who has worked as a botanist on the Deschutes National Forest since 1990, and LeeAnn Kriegh, author of “The Nature of Bend,” will lead the hike. Along with taking a close look at the remarkable adaptations of species like mountain mahogany that line the trail, we’ll have fun scouting for the rare green-tinged paintbrush (Castilleja chlorotica).
Register here for the hike.
Difficulty: Moderate – 2-3 miles. The trail is rocky in places, with moderate elevation gain. Some off-trail excursions may be included.

Picnic lunch provided by: El Sancho

Discover Nature Day - Prineville
2017-07-25
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
This event:
Birds of Prey presented by High Desert Museum. Experience an up close encounter with a raptor, learn about its amazing adaptations, and play a game about bird migration.

Long and Winding River Field Trip
2017-07-26
Have you wondered where the water in the Deschutes River comes from and where it goes? If so, then join Dr. Daniele McKay and Dr. Lisa Seales on an exploration of the headwaters of the Deschutes.
Explore the Upper Deschutes River and learn about its geology and hydrology, dip a toe into water rights and policy, and delve into how water is used in the basin. We’ll spend the day visiting places like Sparks, Devils, and Little Lava Lakes along with Crane Prairie and Wickiup dams. Discover how volcanoes have shaped the geology and the hydrology of our area, and how the water that comes from these sources is used by all of us in Central Oregon.
Registration required. $10

Rally for Public Lands
2017-07-27
In Central Oregon, public lands like the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, Mt. Bachelor, and the Deschutes River, are central to our way of life and our outdoor recreation economy. On July 27th, people nationwide will celebrate public lands by gathering at the same time in solidarity with hundreds of outdoor industry businesses, catalyzed by the summer Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, Utah. Oregon Natural Desert Association is pleased to partner with other nonprofits and local businesses to bring this celebration to Bend!
This event is FREE and open to the public. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend!

War on Weeds WOW WEEK
2017-07-28 - 2017-08-04
Summer is finally here! It’s time to get out and enjoy all the natural beauty Oregon has to offer. Why not make the most of your time outdoors by helping your friends and neighbors keep our state clean and green with SOLVE? SOLVE events are a fun, easy way to improve our environment, meet your neighbors and spend quality time outdoors with family and friends. Best of all our projects are family-friendly, open to all, and no experience is necessary. Our volunteer leaders bring the tools and the plan, but we need you to make it work!
War on Weeds WOW WEEK – July 28 to August 4 in Sunriver
Coordinated volunteer effort to pull noxious weeds in Sunriver and surrounding neighborhoods. Bring water, sunscreen and gloves for pulling. WOW is a week-long event. Pull noxious weeds anytime during the week then join fellow volunteers for a celebration lunch at 12 noon on Friday August 4th!
Sign up to get involved today! Visit our full calendar of events which shows projects happening year round, or contact SOLVE at 503-844-9571 ext. 332 or info@solveoregon.org.

21st Annual Deschutes River Clean-Up
2017-07-29
The Deschutes River Clean-Up is a special day for watershed stewards of all ages to give back to the river. This year marks the 21 st annual River Clean-Up! The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council coordinates the Deschutes River Clean-Up each year to engage business partners, river users, and community members in hands-on stewardship activities on the Deschutes River. On July 29th , they will work with volunteers to remove harmful weeds and instream debris and clean-up litter along the Deschutes River. Recreation use of the river has increased dramatically over the past few years and, unfortunately, so too has the amount of debris that ends up in the river.
Sign up today to lend a hand!

Write Around the River Creative Writing Workshop
2017-07-31
If you are inspired by the Deschutes River and the natural beauty of Central Oregon and would like to learn more about expressing your thoughts on paper, please join us for this community creative writing workshop.
The workshop will entail readings, structured writing in response to prompts, and optional sharing of participants’ work.
Our instructor will be Courtney Carlson. Courtney is assistant professor at the University of Wyoming Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, where she teaches creative writing and literary analysis in the context of socio-ecological systems. Courtney has been artist in residence at Caldera and the H.J. Andrews Forest.
Bring pen, paper and your appreciation of place.
Registration required. $10

Discover Nature Day - La Pine
2017-08-01
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
This event:
Predators and Prey with Sunriver Nature Center. Have fun learning about the diverse animals that call Central Oregon home through exciting games and interactive science activities!

Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive
2017-08-03
Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities and Forth are hosting a free electric vehicle and charging workshop and ride & drive event for businesses and fleet owners. This event is also open to the community so you can come and check out some EVs for yourself, too!
Come to the workshop to learn more:
Workshop: 9 – 10AM
Test drive the latest plug-in hybrid and electric cars:
Ride & Drive: 10A – 1PM

Discover Nature Day - Redmond
2017-08-04
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature.
Bring your family to a different park each week for an interactive experience and learn, play and have fun in nature! Recommended for ages 5-10, with family, but all ages are welcome. Free!
This event:
Predators and Prey with The Environmental Center. Have fun learning about the diverse animals that call Central Oregon home through exciting games and interactive science activities!

Discover Nature Day - Madras
2017-08-08

Mazamas Smith Rock Public Hearing
2017-08-08
The Mazamas, a Portland based climbing organization who are committed to education, stewardship, and the protection of natural environments, recently purchased property directly across from Smith Rock (2.5 acres) and are applying for a conditional use permit with Deschutes County in hopes to develop a bed and breakfast inn and campground for the climbing community. The county is holding a hearing in Bend Tuesday, August 8th, at 6pm.
This development will bring a bed and breakfast with 3 rooms as well as a campground with 6 campsites that holds 24 guests. There will be indoor/outdoor gathering areas, 4 restrooms with showers, food storage and water bottle fill stations, Wifi, compost toilet, and 17 parking spaces along with landscape restoration and enhancements.
When: Tuesday, August 8th @ 6pm
Where: Deschutes Services Center- Barns and Sawyer Room, 300 NW Wall St. Bend
What: Public Hearing for Mazamas Development

Electric Vehicle Workshop: Get Plugged In – Bend
2017-08-09
You’re invited to join The Energy Challenge, a program of The Environmental Center, to demystify electric vehicles and have a conversation about how a zero emissions vehicle might fit into your life. Come get all your EV questions answered and learn about Central Oregon’s new Electric Vehicle Group Buy Program that can help you save up to $17,500 off the cost of a new all-electric car. You can even come by early to take a Nissan LEAF for a spin.

How far can you really go?
How long do the batteries last?
Are they fast?
Can I charge at home?
How much will it cost to charge it?
Can I still take a road trip?
Can I fit my whole family in the car?
Can I power my car with solar?

You bring the questions–we’ll bring the answers, beer, and kombucha!

Stars Over Newberry
2017-08-11
On Friday, August 10th, 2018, Discover Your Forest will play host to hundreds of guests at the 4th Annual Stars Over Newberry fundraiser. The event will take place atop Lava Butte in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and will feature stargazing with Worthy Garden Club and Sisters Astronomy Club, live music by Blackstrap Bluegrass, a silent auction, delicious Worthy Brewing beers, wine from Volcano Vineyards and creative bites by Wild Oregon Foods.
This event will raise much needed funds for conservation education programs which connect over 9,000 kids annually with their public lands on free field trips. This event will sell out so get your tickets early. Patron tickets are available for those who want to provide additional support for these important programs.

Picture This: The Nature of the Deschutes River
2017-08-12
One of the best ways to get to know the Deschutes River and the plant and animal species that depend upon it is to photograph them.
Join Coalition board president and amazing photographer Kim Elton and the celebrated nature guide author LeeAnn Kriegh for a short walk along the First Street Rapids trail near downtown Bend. Bring your camera because we’ll be learning how to take better photographs of specific species and the broader landscape. The trail is mostly flat. Total distance walked will be no more than 2.5 miles round trip.
Registration required. $10

Stream Sampling on Whychus Creek
2017-08-12
Sampling benthic macroinvertebrates, the aquatic life form of insects including mayflies and stoneflies, provides important insights into the health of Whychus Creek. Volunteers will meet at Creekside Park in Sisters for a sampling training, then, in teams of two to four, collect macroinvertebrate samples from sites along Whychus. This event is a great opportunity to learn about restoration and reintroduction of steelhead and salmon on Whychus Creek, see less-visited reaches of the creek, and contribute to knowledge about how restoration actions are changing stream conditions.
