The Environmental Center

Webcast: Fighting Back - Taking A Stand Against Trump’s Environmental Rollbacks in Oregon
2020-09-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This webinar is all about taking action for Oregon’s wildlife and wild lands!

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-09-03, 2020-09-10, 2020-09-17
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.

Social Justice Book Club: "So You Want To Talk About Race"
2020-09-04
Each quarter OSU-Cascades Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is hosting a 12-week book discussion group. These weekly conversations are designed to be drop-in and are open to OSU-Cascades students, staff and faculty as well as community members.
This summer, we’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s “So You Want to Talk About Race.” Meeting and reading schedule is below. Please register and join at any time, and contact Erin Rook with questions or requests for accommodations.
Summer Social Justice Book Club (Most) Fridays at noon
Remaining Schedule:
July 10: Ch. 4 and 5 – “Why am I always being told to ‘check my privilege’?” and “What is intersectionality and why do I need it?”
July 24: Ch. 6 – “Is police brutality really about race?”
July 31: Ch. 7 and 8 – “How can I talk about affirmative action?” and “What is the school-to-prison pipeline?”
Aug. 7: Ch. 9 and 10 – “Why can’t I say the ‘N’ word?” and “What is cultural appropriation?”
Aug. 14: Ch. 11 and 12 – “Why can’t I touch your hair?” and “What are microaggressions?”
Aug. 21: Ch. 13 and 14 – “Why are our students so angry?” “What is the model minority myth?”
Aug. 28: Ch. 15 and 16 – “But what if I hate Al Sharpton?” and “I just got called a racist, what do I do now?”
Sept. 4: Ch. 17 – “Talking is great, but what else can I do?”

Black Lives Matter - Solidarity Celebration
2020-09-04
Joing Worthy Brewing in celebrating its solidarity with all of the patriots who have peacefully protested against police brutality in a night of music and advocacy on its famed “Drink up Dream on” stage, featuring philosopher-poet MOsley WOtta and Rep. Peter DeFazio.
The music begins at 6 pm. Admission as is free, but guests will be required to wear masks and safely distance from one another in compliance with state law and common sense. Tables must be reserved in advance by emailing Jeff@worthybrewing.com

Twilight Talk: Eurasian Eagle-owl
2020-09-04
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory newest animal ambassador, join for a twilight talk outdoors featuring the owlet. You’ll hear from SNCO’s animal care team all about how the owl came to live at the nature center and what it takes to raise a baby owl.
This program will take place outdoors in the amphitheater. Masks are required (ages 3+) and capacity is limited to allow for physical distancing.

Reclaiming health through Indigenous Food Systems: A discussion on the film “Gather”
2020-09-08
Join FAO North America for a timely panel discussion on the film Gather, which shows an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their food sovereignty. With your registration, you will receive a free link and password on September 4 to watch the film anytime between September 4 – 9.
The discussion will feature insights from the film director and featured Indigenous figures from the film. Panelists will share their insights on the timely and critical nature of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge, languages, cultures, innovation, and leadership as Native communities build up their traditional food systems across North America.
Gather follows Nephi Craig, a chef from the White Mountain Apache Nation (Arizona), opening an indigenous café as a nutritional recovery clinic; Elsie Dubray, a young scientist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation (South Dakota), conducting landmark studies on bison; and the Ancestral Guard, a group of environmental activists from the Yurok Nation (Northern California), trying to save the Klamath river.

Bend City Council 2020: What's At Stake? CLIMATE
2020-09-08
In December 2019, the City Council adopted the Community Climate Action Plan. It’s Vision: “Neighbors businesses, and community leaders working together to preserve our natural environment while promoting economic opportunity and resilience for current and future generations.”
Join for this important discussion about how our future City Councilors can turn this vision into reality.

Systemic Racism on Public Lands, Part 3 - The New Mavericks
2020-09-09
Join Oregon Wild for a conversation with three trailblazers paving the way for representation, growth, and connection in the outdoors and outdoor industry. Tune in for this forward-looking conversation about opportunities in the outdoors and learn what these mavericks are up to!

Twilight Talks
2020-09-09 - 2020-09-30, 2020-09-13 - 2020-10-04, 2020-09-16 - 2020-10-07
Join members of the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory team as they share their passion for science through a series of engaging twilight talks throughout the fall. Talks will take place outdoors in the amphitheater and a different topic will be presented each night. Questions are always welcome and lively discussion is encouraged!
SNCO Members receive a 20% discount.
Face masks are required for all registrants and capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. All programs are weather permitting.

Virtual Lecture: The Roots of History: Oregon’s Heritage Trees
2020-09-09
If trees tie us to our historical roots, then Oregon’s history is long and rich. Join historian Nate Pedersen as he shares the compelling stories behind some of Oregon’s growing collection of state-recognized heritage trees. Pedersen is a librarian, writer, and historian in Portland, Oregon. He is a former member of the Oregon Heritage Trees Committee.

Twilight Talk: Mighty Jupiter
2020-09-09
Join JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador Ian Sherman for a detailed look at Jupiter. Ian’s passion for Jupiter will give you new insight into the wonders and mysteries of this mighty planet.

Indigenous Perspectives on Earth and Sky, Featuring Dr. Gregory Cajete
2020-09-10
Dr. Gregory Cajete, PhD is Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Native American Studies program at the University of New Mexico. He is a renowned author and artist from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. He has pioneered reconciling Indigenous perspectives in science with a western academic setting. His focus is on teaching culturally based science, with its emphasis on health and wellness.

Higher Education - Plans for 2020-2021
2020-09-10
Join Bend Chamber for part three in their education and childcare series as they dig into the plans for implementing classes at OSU-Cascades and COCC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What adjustments will students and professors need to make? How will the workforce pipeline be impacted. Presenters, Dr. Becky Johnson of OSU-Cascades and Dr. Laurie Chesley of COCC will provide answers and insights.

High Desert Pride 2020 (Central Oregon Pride)
2020-09-10 - 2020-09-12
OUT Central Oregon is happy to announce High Desert Pride 2020 – a celebration of Pride in the diversity of our LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Expanding on 15 years of celebrating Central Oregon Pride, presented by Human Dignity Coalition, OUT Central Oregon brings High Desert Pride 2020 to Bend with new energy, focus, and commitment.
The schedule of events for High Desert Pride 2020 is evolving, check out Out Central Oregon website for up to date schedule of events.
***Thursday evening, September 10***
Oh Yess! Pride Edition. Join the community at monthly Dogwood Cocktail Cabin gathering for an evening of meeting and greeting.
***Thursday evening, September 11***
High Desert Pride kick-off party at Crater Lake Spirits downtown tasting room.
***Saturday, September 12***
Bend Pride 5k Fun Run & Walk.
Join us for the 2nd annual fun run & walk, starting in Drake Park as an out and back through the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River. 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Drag Dash. A fun and colorful XXX 10:30 am – 10:45 am in Drake Park
High Desert Pride Festival. Vendor booths, food trucks, and all-day music and entertainment fill the afternoon in beautiful Drake Park. 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hey Honey Dance Party. 9:00 pm – 2:00 am

OLCV's Virtual Annual Celebration for the Environment
2020-09-11
Join OLCV’s (Virtual) Annual Celebration for the Environment. Hear from Senator Jeff Merkley, Governor Kate Brown, and State Senator and OLCV-endorsed candidate for Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. Enter a raffle to win one of five $1000 Vacasa gift certificates and stay at one of their 25,000+ properties in Oregon, the US, and around the world. All proceeds benefit OLCV’s mission: passing laws that protect Oregon’s environmental legacy, electing pro-environment candidates to office, and holding our elected officials accountable.

Timberjack Ultramarathon
2020-09-12
These 30k and 100k races will take place on the Wanoga trails network and nearby forest roads. Timberjack donates part of the registration fees to Central Oregon Trail Alliance as a way to give-back to the trails we all enjoy, that COTA maintains.

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory free day & open house
2020-09-12
Enjoy free admission for the entire family during SNCO’s yearly spring Open House. Come see why Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory remains a Central Oregon destination for discovery and fun. Admission is waived for day-time admission (10am – 4pm) only. Carpooling and biking is strongly recommended as parking is limited.

Census Day of Action Registration
2020-09-12
Join this powerful Day of Action and solidarity featuring some of Oregon’s amazing *BIPOC leaders. The Census deadline is on September 30th and Oregon’s Black, Indigenous, Latinx, rural, and immigrant communities still need to be fully counted. The Census is about representation, and creating a powerful future that includes all of us.

Twilight Talk: The Honey Harvest
2020-09-13
Honey bees have spent the entire summer buzzing around collecting nectar. What happens next? Join Nature Center Manager and resident beekeeper Amanda Accamando to learn all about how honey is made and how bees survive during a long Central Oregon winter.

Virtual Farmer Social
2020-09-14
Join FoFF for a continuation of the conversations they’ve been hosting at their bi-monthly virtual Farmer Chats: Food and Racial Justice. FoFF will explore some of the emergent themes from previous talks including land access, equitable treatment in government programs and services to help farmers, building your local community, and the possibility of a statewide farmer-ally directory. FoFF welcome farmers, farm workers and agricultural producers of all kinds to this conversation.

Optimizing Crisis to Address Climate Change
2020-09-15
Crisis management became front and center for Arlene Burns when an oil train derailed in Mosier, Oregon. Arlene will discuss how she transformed a major incident into a positive future for her tiny town of Mosier, caught in the cross hairs of fossil fuel infrastructure development. These same lessons of creative problem solving apply to the climate crisis, where action is long overdue. Arlene discusses her philosophy of bringing people together to collaborate on solutions to rural issues through a lens of resilience and regeneration, an essential link to solving our climate crisis.
Conference Overview by Eileen Kiely, 350Deschutes Board Member, Candidate Senate District 27
Diane Hodiak, Executive Director, 350Deschutes
Plenary Arlene Burns, Mayor of Moser, Candidate, Senate District 59

Connecting with Pollinators in Your Own Backyard
2020-09-15
Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for the first session in their Living with Wildlife Series where they’ll explore how closely pollinators are tied to our lives through food and take an in-depth look at the current environmental issues threatening pollinator health and diversity. You’ll come away with some ideas and resources on how to help pollinators in our everyday lives while teaching those around us how to become pollinator stewards.

The Right to a Healthy Workplace
2020-09-16
Environmental Justice Pathways next webinar is “The Right to a Healthy Workplace”
This webinar will shed light on the intersections between environmental degradation and unhealthy working conditions experienced by frontline communities. Impacts are unique due to the type of work, place, ability, access, nationality, and race and the application of workplace safety protocols. We will hear from environmental justice and workers rights advocates on how they are navigating unsafe or unhealthy workplaces, and actions that are being taken to address inequities, and achieve environmental and worker justice for all.
Panelists:
Martha Sonato, Political Director, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN).
Susan Sygall, CEO and Co-Founder of Mobility International USA.
Moderated by:
Kate Suisman, Attorney and Campaigns Coordinator, Northwest Workers’ Justice Project

20th Annual Green Tour goes virtual!
2020-09-17 - 2020-09-26
The 20th Annual Green Tour Goes Virtual!
Save the date for a week and a half of inspiration and real-world solutions. Full event line-up coming soon. Sign up to get the full list when it’s released.
Now more than ever, locally and globally, we need enhanced environmental stewardship, affordability, health, comfort, and durability associated with the homes and buildings that we live and work in. In Bend, 57% of our carbon emissions comes from the energy that our buildings consume. If we are going to make an impact, we need bold, collaborative, innovative action starting now.
Join the 20th Annual Green Tour in our first-ever virtual event to have conversations about these important topics and see how local innovators are leading the way. We have a lot to learn but the good news is, that we have experts and enthusiasts right here in our community who are already putting best practice into action
Sign up today and get the full line-up of events when it’s released so you can join live panel discussion to engage with the local champions leading the green building industry.
We’ll be featuring zero energy homes and businesses, accessory dwelling units, tiny homes, solar, using electric vehicles with zero energy homes and for businesses, materials management for reducing waste and improving health, and more!
Coming soon–view virtual tours of the official Green Tour sites! See behind the scenes of the green building process and meet local innovators. All tours, interviews, and photos will be posted on the Green Tour page.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Energy Trust of Oregon with additional support from E2 Solar, Miller Lumber, Saginaw Sunset, and Earth Advantage.

Green Tour kickoff with Keynote Speaker, Sam Rashkin
2020-09-17
Kick off the Green Tour! with US Department of Energy’s Chief Architect of the Building Technology Office, Sam Rashkin

REGISTER HERE

High-performance home advocates couldn’t be more passionate. Sharing that passion has always proven difficult because the benefits of high-performance homes are invisible to most consumers. This conversation is too important and too easy not to get right.

Join us to hear from Sam Rashkin as he shares his insight from his 25 years in field overseeing the certification of over 1 million ENERGY STAR homes. He’ll show us opportunities that are often overlooked to connect with consumers to demonstrate the value of high-performance homes.

Meet the Speaker:

As Chief Architect for the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, Sam’s primary role is leading deployment of proven innovations for new and existing high-performance homes. In his prior position, he managed the growth of ENERGY STAR for Homes from its inception in 1996 to more than 8,000 builder partners, over one million labeled homes, and over 25 percent market penetration nationwide. During his 20-plus years as a licensed architect, he specialized in energy efficient design and completed over 100 residential projects. He has served on the national Steering Committees for USGBC’s LEED for Homes, NAHB’s Green Builder Guidelines, and U.S. EPA’s Water Sense and Indoor airPLUS labels. Mr. Rashkin is a published author and has been recognized for his contributions to sustainable housing with the 2012 Hanley Award and 2019 EEBA Legend Award.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Energy Trust of Oregon with additional support from E2 Solar, Miller Lumber, Saginaw Sunset, Stemach Design + Architecture, and Earth Advantage.

BLM Solidarity March-Redmond-Rescheduled from 9/12
2020-09-19
Join our community for a peaceful march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter! Let’s make it known that hate and racism have no place in our communities or local law enforcement!
Water and snacks will be provided. Please wear a mask and practice physical distance.
