WaterWise Landscape Field Day
2023-06-04 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hollinshead Barn, 1235 NE Jones Rd., Bend, OR, United States
Event Line Up

Presentations:
Local professionals will give 30-minute presentations on the following topics:

Design and Site Considerations
Plant Selection in the WaterWise Garden
Irrigation-Hands-on Drip Conversion Demostration

Demonstration and Display Booths
Gather information on irrigation, design, and landscape resources from local vendors: Bend Urban Gardens, Central Oregon Lawn Center, Ewing, Horizon, Oregon Bee Atlas, OSU Master Gardener Q&A, Pollinator Pathway Bend, Water Whys Irrigation, and Your Garden Companion.
Native Plant Giveaway
Receive 6 free native plants from Wintercreek Nursery compliments of Worthy Environmental and the City of Bend in cooperation with Pollinator Pathway Bend. Must register to receive plants.
To register for this event, click this link.
Download a copy of the flyer: Water-Wise Field Day June 4, 2023.

Cross-Cultural Celebration
2023-06-04 17:00 - 19:00 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This event takes place at the Pinckney Center for the Performing Arts.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-06-06 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-20 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 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. 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.
For Spring 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
March & April Happy Hours sponsored by Wild Ride Brewing

March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18

May & June Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

May 2 & 16
June 6 & 20

Stay tuned for confirmation of dates for July through October, as these might switch to the 2nd & 4th…)
Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

How to Go Solar + Storage
2023-06-07 18:00 - 19:00 | OR
At this workshop you’ll learn everything you need to know to feel confident adding solar or energy storage to your home or business.

Oregon's Water Strategy: Madras Regional Community Conversation
2023-06-07 18:00 - 20:00 | COCC Madras Campus, 1170 Southeast Ashwood Road, Madras, OR, 97741, United States
In Oregon we have a plan for our water. It is called the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy helps us understand what water we have available in Oregon and what we need for people, plants, animals, and the land. It also has actions we can take to meet those needs.
Now it’s time for that plan to be updated. The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and 13 other state agencies are working with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT), a program at Portland State University.
We want to hear what you want to see in the update to Oregon’s water Strategy. Your input will help the state plan for the future to meet our water needs. We are hosting community conversations in different parts of the state.
If you are interested in attending one of these, please register here. Walk-ins are welcome. We will have food and supervised play for children.
Contact us at (503)725-5248 or info@oregonskitchentable.org if you have questions.

Abundant Oregon: Celebrating 50 Years
2023-06-08 16:00 - 19:00 | The Commons Cafe and Taproom, 875 NW BROOKS ST., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join Central Oregon LandWatch to celebrate 50 years of Oregon’s revolutionary land use planning system – with food, music, art, local vendors, and more!

Patagonia Worn Wear Repair Tour
2023-06-10 10:00 - 19:00 | Bend Brewing Company, 1019 NW Brooks Street, Bend, OR, 97701
Repair Meets the Road
Does your favorite piece of gear need a little help? Come down to Bend Brewing Co and Worn Wear will fix it for free—any brand, one garment per person—so it stays in action and out of the landfill.
Once you’re all patched up, stick around for live music, wader repairs, and enjoy some beverages from our hosts at Bend Brewing Co!
Good times. Great vibes. Come Hang!

IN PERSON Workshop: Supporting Gender Expansive and Transgender Youth
2023-06-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Bend Parks and Rec District Office, 799 SW Columbia St., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The TransActive Gender Project is based in Portland and provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transgender and gender expansive children, youth, and their families to live healthy lives that are free of discrimination. Workshop participants will gain a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths, and stereotypes and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children. This workshop will focus on demonstrating inclusive language, how to address bullying, and ways to analyze curriculum and programs. We’ll also be joined by Jamie Bowman, a local LGBTQIA+ advocate who is co-founder of the Central Oregon Transgender Health Coalition.
All educators are welcome to attend though the content will focus on out-of-school and summer programs. Lunch will be provided.
This workshop has been organized by The Environmental Center, Camp Tamarack, and the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon with support from High Desert ESD.
REGISTER HERE FOR IN PERSON WORKSHOP
Note: Registration is separate for the virtual workshop on May 3oth.

Federal Community Grants Program & the Justice40 Initiative
2023-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
The panel will analyze Justice40 initiatives and discuss merits and growth opportunities. The presenters will also share updates and considerations for entities intending to apply for funding from the discretionary grant programs that provide access to EV charging within rural areas, low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, and communities.

Flat Tire / Tubeless 101 Clinic
2023-06-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Good Bike Co., 284 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR, 97754, United States
Learn why tubeless tires are superior to tubes and how to make the switch. This clinic is FREE. All are welcome to attend. Click the button below or call 541-903-0509 to pre-register.
RSVP is required to attend.

Open Spaces and Open Houses? The Tradeoffs in Oregon’s Land Use System
2023-06-15 08:30 - 10:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Oregon’s land use system is 50 years old. It is both celebrated for its prevention of urban sprawl and derided for driving up housing costs. Join City Club as they welcome nationally recognized land use expert Bill Fulton, as he explores what makes Oregon’s land use system unique, and its strengths and weaknesses compared to other systems in the U.S. Is it accomplishing its goals? Have there been unintended consequences? You will then move into a discussion with local representatives from the development and conservation community and Bill, focusing on what they find successful in this system, what is frustrating, and how it could be improved.

JUNETEENTH 2023
2023-06-17 - 2023-06-18 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Drake Park on June 17th-18th. This fun, family-friendly event will be a festival elevating Juneteenth throughout the state of Oregon. It will feature unique entertainment, music, food, and dancing. There will be face painting for the kids, a variety of historical and educational exhibits, artistic displays, and recreation.
Saturday: 11am- 7:30pm
Sunday: 11am- 5:30pm

Plastic-Free Seas: Diving Into How Plastic Impacts Health, Climate, and Our Oceans
2023-06-22 12:00 - 13:00 | OR
Healthy oceans provide vast cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual wellness Blue Mind benefits to all of us throughout our lives. The oceans cover more than three-quarters of Earth’s surface and account for 97 percent of its water, as well as much of the air we breathe. The oceans support an incredible array of life, help regulate the climate, and support life on our blue planet. Unfortunately, our oceans face significant threats from human-made pollution, particularly plastic. Experts estimate nine to 14 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, and without urgent action, that amount will only increase—projected to reach 23–37 million metric tons annually by the year 2040.

Power Hour: Induction Stoves
2023-06-22 16:30 - 18:00 | Johnson Brothers Appliances, 571 NE Azure Dr, Bend, 97701, United States
Join us for this interactive event to learn about induction stoves–everything from what pans to use, myth-busting, and the incentives available to install one in your home!
We’ll do a live cooking demonstration so you can see the magic of induction in action (yes, you’ll get to try the tasty treats) and brew up some local tea to see how fast we can boil the water (you won’t believe it until you see it!). If you are looking into options for your home, we’ll talk about the current incentives that are available and things to think about whether your are swapping out a gas or electric stove.
When we wrap up, you’ll be able to check out many different models in the Johnson Brothers Appliances showroom to see what the options are to meet your kitchen’s needs and ask any questions of their team.
Register here!

33rd Annual Wildflower Show and Pollinator Festival
2023-06-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
This amazing festival showcases the diversity of flowering plants found throughout Central Oregon as well as vendors and partners who work with flowers or native pollinators. This is a great family event, with activities, special guest lectures, partners in education, as well as hundreds of native flowers on display.
If you are interested in volunteering or in being a vendor please e-mail info@snco.org.

Dual Fuel Heating Systems - Advantage or Compromise?
2023-07-12 12:00 - 13:30 | OR
Dual fuel heating systems combine a gas furnace with a heat pump. Is this a short term compromise or a good solution for home comfort?

Raise the Deschutes: Fox Hollow Ranch Picnic and Farm Tour
2023-07-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Fox Hollow Ranch, 3459 SE Baldwin Drive, Madras, OR, 97741, United States
Join us on July 12 from 4-6 for a fun and informative afternoon at a family owned and operated farm, Fox Hollow Ranch.
The Richards family are junior irrigators in North Unit Irrigation District (just south of Madras) who grow hay, hybrid carrot seed, Kentucky Bluegrass seed, peppermint oil, and wheat. Learn how they have worked hard to do more with less water than other farmers in the basin and how they have remained successful despite a multi-year drought.
Register Here!

July Green Drinks: Fire and Flood film screening
2023-07-13 16:00 - 21:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us for July Green Drinks for a Sneak-Peek Screening of Fire and Flood: Queer Resilience in the Era of Climate Change. Queer Ecojustice Project and their fiscal host Out For Sustainability are sharing the draft sneak-peek screening of the Fire & Flood Film to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ vulnerability to climate change, encourage conversations on resilience preparedness, and to fundraise for the completion of the project.
This film tells the story of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the fires in Santa Rosa, California, two-near simultaneous climate-related disasters in the fall of 2017, through the voices of LGBTQ people who lived through them and were part of the community response.
You can expect a powerful and engaging 104-min storyline full of brilliant, insightful interviews with over 20 queer and trans people recounting their stories of disaster and resilience.
We will be offering two screenings. One with alternating English-Spanish captions for bilingual audiences, and one with English-only captions for the hearing impaired (provided by the Scottish Queer International Film Festival).
This draft film is not yet rated. It contains some complex themes, discussion of potentially triggering incidents, and infrequent mature language. It is recommended for adult audiences or for young adult audiences who have access to adult mentors for discussion and processing. Watch the Trailer.
TEC will collect voluntary donations for this event, and are providing a sliding scale that will not turn people away for lack of funds. We hope you can join us!

Get tickets here!

High Desert Garden Tour
2023-07-15 09:00 - 15:30 | OR
The 28th Annual High Desert Garden Tour
Explore 7 gardens in Bend and Tumalo on this self-guided tour
Buy tickets here!

Summer Repair Café at High Desert Music Hall in Redmond
2023-07-19 17:30 - 19:30 | High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Join us for our in-person Repair Café on Wednesday, July 19th, 5:30-7:30pm at High Desert Music Hall in Redmond.

Free e-waste collection for computers, laptops, monitors, desktop printers, keyboards, mice, and TVs (while space is available) at this event

The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project coordinates with an amazing group of volunteer fixers to host Repair Cafés every few months. This will be the second in-person Repair Café in Central Oregon since 2020. These free events connect people with broken stuff to people who like to fix stuff – they’re all about repairing things (together). Stuff like, jewelry, small appliances and electronics, outdoor gear, clothing, and more. Repair Cafés are held around the world! Repairing with other people saves natural resources, prevents waste, and cultivates community. Learn more at envirocenter.org/tec-events/repair-cafe/
Not sure if it can be fixed? Bring it!
Contact: udara@envirocenter.org with questions or if you’re interested in being a volunteer fixer!

CANCELED - July Power Hour - Deschutes Energy Future
2023-07-20 17:00 - 18:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID. You can still sign up and we will send you an update when we have one!
We are excited to share that our energy planning work over the last couple of years has resulted in a new initiative called Deschutes Energy Future! Come to this event and learn about the work we’ve done so far for community-based energy projects, as well as our plans for launching this initiative.
We’ll also be sharing a brand new community energy analysis of Deschutes County. Ever wondered where your energy comes from, what energy is most used for, or how much of it is really produced locally? We’ll share new insights on all these questions and more in a first look at our new energy inventory.

Youth Climate Roundtable 2023
2023-07-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join OLCV for a youth-led roundtable discussion with some of Oregon’s state lawmakers about their climate priorities, as well as the trials and tribulations that go into successfully passing environmental policy. We’ll also discuss ways young people can make their voices heard in the fight against the climate crisis. You’ll get to ask questions and share ideas about ways youth would like to engage in climate advocacy and the political process.
WHEN: Thursday, July 20th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Zoom
WHO: Oregonians aged 13-24 & Oregon state lawmakers

Guest Panel Speakers:
Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (Beaverton & SW Portland)
State Rep Khanh Pham (outer SE Portland)
State Rep Pam Marsh (Ashland/Southern Jackson County)

RSVP and submit your question/s using the form below.
Sign up here!

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-07-25 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 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. 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.
For Summer & Fall 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month.
March & April Happy Hours sponsored by Wild Ride Brewing

March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18

May & June Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

May 2 & 16
June 6 & 20

July & August Happy Hours sponsored by TBD

July 11 & 25
August 8 & 22

September & October Happy Hours sponsored by Boneyard Beer

September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24

Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-07-25 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 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. 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.
For Summer & Fall 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month.
March & April Happy Hours sponsored by Wild Ride Brewing

March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18

May & June Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

May 2 & 16
June 6 & 20

July & August Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

July 11 & 25
August 8 & 22

September & October Happy Hours sponsored by Boneyard Beer

September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24

Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

Youth Vote Roundtable
2023-07-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join us for a a Youth Democracy Roundtable to foster a back-and-forth discussion between young Oregonians and our state decision makers.
This youth-led virtual event is your chance to hear from dynamic state and local elected officials on the work they do to strengthen democracy, increase access to the ballot box, and improve election transparency in Oregon and beyond. We’ll also demystify the voting process for new and soon-to-be voters.
We know it can be challenging for young people to make their voices heard or feel like they’re being taken seriously. Our goals with this event are to break down some of those barriers, connect youth with lawmakers, empower young people, and talk about the ways Oregon can dream bigger in terms of making democracy more accessible to more people.

Register here!

Deschutes River Cleanup
2023-07-29 09:00 - 14:00 | OR
Join us for our largest annual day of stewardship, the Deschutes River Cleanup on July 29th. River and riparian cleanup activities will take place along the riparian areas of the Deschutes River at six different stewardship sites: La Pine State Park, Meadow Camp Picnic Area, Farewell Bend Park, Riverbend Park, First Street Rapids Trail, and Tumalo State Park. We would like to thank our partners at Oregon State Parks and Leave No Trace for helping make this incredible day of stewardship possible!
Community volunteers of all ages are invited to pull invasive weeds, remove litter from the stream banks, and dive instream to pull debris out of the river itself. Thanks to volunteers’ hard work last year, we removed approximately 2,600 pounds of garbage and weeds from the Deschutes River and its sensitive riparian areas! We hope you can join us for another great day of stewardship this summer.
Register here!

ThinkBike Ride & Learn #1
2023-07-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Juniper Swim and Fitness Center, 800 NE 6th St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During a two-day workshop, local and Dutch experts will exchange ideas for how to include walking, biking, and rolling in Bend’s transportation systems. This workshop is invite only but we want to keep the conversation going with the community!
Join us for a bike ride after the workshop to learn about the activities and explore a few of Bend’s key bike and pedestrian infrastructure elements on the east side of town.
Meet at Juniper Swim & Fitness by the horseshoe courts for a party-pace community ride!

2023 Legislative Session Debrief
2023-08-01 11:00 - 12:00 | OR
Please join OEC for a virtual webinar with OEC’s very own Executive Director, Jana Gastellum, and Legislative Director, Thomas Baker, for a closer look at this year’s state legislative session. Together, you will discuss the ins and outs of this session’s major environmental wins, how they will impact Oregonians, and how these victories set the stage for future progress.

ThinkBike Ride & Learn #2
2023-08-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Mirror Pond Plaza, downtown off Brooks St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During a two-day workshop, local and Dutch experts will exchange ideas for how to include walking, biking, and rolling in Bend’s transportation systems. The ThinkBike workshop is invite only but we want to keep the conversation going with the community!
Join us for a bike ride after the workshop to learn about the activities and travel to the public presentation at Open Space Studios.
Meet at the Mirror Pond Plaza to ride together to the event.
