The Environmental Center

Moving Beyond the Automobile: Multi-Modal Transportation Planning
2015-03-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Building a Better Bend announces its first lecture of 2015! The lecture is free and open to the public.
Title: “Moving Beyond the Automobile: Multi-Modal Transportation Planning”
Presenter: Chris Comeau, CTP, AICP, Transportation Planner for City of Bellingham, Washington
Learn how Bellingham, Washington evolved from an auto-centric and roadway-based transportation planning program to one that is multi-modal, inclusive, flexible and concurrent. Comeau will share his experience based on more than twenty years of land use and transportation planning for city and county jurisdictions. He specializes in multimodal transportation policy and planning, striving to integrate transportation infrastructure and land use policy to create a balanced systems approach to urban and community planning. He currently manages the Multimodal Transportation Concurrency Program for the City of Bellingham.
Building a Better Bend has been bringing expert speakers to Bend for the last 11 years with a focus on:

Educating planners, real estate development professionals, architects, builders, engineers, elected and volunteer office holders, and the general public;
Positively impacting the quality of development and growth in Bend and the surrounding region;
Bringing expert lecturers in from outside the region who can bring innovative ideas as well as examples of things that have worked (or failed) in other areas; and
Creating a discussion on how to apply these lessons to our community.

For more information on Building a Better Bend, please visit buildingabetterbend.org.
For more information, contact:
Marie Melsheimer
info@buildingabetterbend.org
541-815-3951

COTA Redmond Chapter Bimonthly Meeting
2015-03-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Redmond chapter meetings are held the third Wednesday of odd numbered months beginning January 21nd, 2015 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Contact the Redmond Chapter Representative: redmond@cotamtb.com

Environmental Educator Training
2015-03-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
North American Association of Environmental Educators – Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
What? A one-day workshop introducing participants to the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education series via two modules: Non-formal Environmental Education Programs and Environmental Education Materials– Guidelines for Excellence. These Guidelines offer a set of recommendations for developing and administering high quality non-formal environmental education programs.
What you will receive? Each participant will receive copies of Non-formal Environmental Education Programs –Guidelines for Excellence and Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence.
Workshop Objectives:

To identify the key characteristics of high quality environmental education programs
To discuss the relationship between program design and program evaluation
Describe the key characteristics of quality environmental education materials
Apply the Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence to instructional materials.

Who should attend? Environmental educators, administrators, or program developers who are concerned about the quality of non-formal environmental education programs. Register at the event link provided below.
This workshop is brought to you The Environmental Center and the High Desert Museum.
For more information, please contact:
Kirin Stryker, Sustainability Educator at The Environmental Center: Kirin@envirocenter.org
Christina Cid, Director of Programs at the High Desert Museum: ccid@highdesertmuseum.org

Discover Nature Day
2015-03-14 | 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.
What’s all the BUZZ About? Meet and Greet the local buzzing, burrowing, and creeping bugs of our forests through science activities, stories, and games.

Introduction to Growing Vegetables Class (Spanish version)
2015-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An introductory class on growing vegetables including climate, site selection, soil preparation, season extension, and crop selection given in Spanish by an OSU Master Gardener™.
To register, please call: 541-548-6088

Living on a Few Acres Conference
2015-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Plan to attend this informative annual conference held on March 11, 2017 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. Improve your knowledge and acquire new skills by taking courses taught by experts in a variety of subjects. There is something for everyone, from urban gardeners and hobby farmers to ranch and farm business owners.
This educational experience, presented by the Oregon State University Extension Service, is a successful collaboration of many Central Oregon agencies, sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
Join us this year and learn more about the following topics: parasite control in livestock, enhancing wildlife habitat, beekeeping, raising chickens, weed identification and control, hay and pasture production, raising beef cattle, starting your own farm, irrigation tips and water rights, soil information, raising poultry, Western juniper ecology, hiring forestry professionals, drought impacts on native trees and more!
Registration is now open! Early registration deadline is March 3rd.

Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) Course; Module 2
2015-03-13 - 2015-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
SHP is an interactive six-month accreditation program that provides participants with the opportunity to develop the technical skills and knowledge required to design and build highperformance homes. Each two-day module integrates lecture and discussion, hands-on exercises and tours of certified homes.
Module 2: Building Science Fundamentals
This module provides an exploration of the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building in order to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These fundamentals are necessary tools to use when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect the sustainability of projects. Students will analyze best practices for managing thermal, air, and moisture flows to create a house that is healthy, safe, energy efficient, and durable.
Two day Module Friday & Saturday from 9-5pm
Individual modules cost $295 each and can be taken in any order to achieve SHP accreditation.
Sign up

Energy Trust of Oregon Presents: Deep Retrofits on Historic Projects
2015-03-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Energy Trust for the beginning of the 2015 Allies for Efficiency training series. The training will cover design and construction best practices for deep energy retrofit projects, including a case study on the Vestas building itself. Following the training, Energy Trust will host a catered reception, and Vestas staff will be available to provide building tours. Professionals taking this training are eligible for 2.5 AIA LU/HSW and LFA continuing education credits.
In addition to the live event in Portland, Energy Trust will host group webinars throughout Oregon. Attendees can gather in Salem, Bend, Medford or Eugene to watch the live presentation with an Energy Trust representative facilitating questions.
Presenters:
Mitch Dec, Principal, Glumac
Steve Clem, Vice President of Preconstruction, Skanska
Renee Loveland, Sustainability Manager, Gerding Edlen
Sabine O’Halloran, Principal, Ankrom Moisan
Vanessa Benedetti, Office Services Manager, Vestas
Course Description:
Deep retrofits go well beyond a system-by-system approach to existing building equipment upgrades. They require a holistic building redesign that incorporates infrastructure, mechanical and electrical systems, building skin, renewable energy, and energy analysis and management. Unlike new construction projects, deep retrofits have the added complexity of working through constraints inherent in the existing structure that designers and contractors must resolve.
This course will present how the owner, developer, design teams, and general contractor approached the conversion and deep retrofit of the former Meier & Frank warehouse into a high-performance office building that serves as the North American headquarters for Vestas. The project is LEED® Platinum certified and has achieved an Energy Star score of 99 through post occupancy energy analysis verification.

High Desert Lecture Series: Shane Von Schlemp & Thru-Hiking the Oregon Desert Trail
2015-03-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In the second installment of its new High Desert Lecture Series, the Oregon Natural Desert Association on Wednesday, March 11 will welcome an adventurer who last summer completed the entire 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail.
Join us for “Shane Von Schlemp and Through-Hiking the Oregon Desert Trail.”
Last summer, long-distance hiker Shane Von Schlemp became one of the first to complete the new, roughly 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail. A project of ONDA, the trail winds from outside Bend through Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Steens Mountain Wilderness and the Owyhee Canyonlands to nearly the Idaho border. The journey took Shane through red-rock canyons, over high alpine landscapes and across sagebrush plains. Shane will share his 34 days on the trail, including the moments that made his heart soar and those that tested his spirit through what remains a wild, largely undiscovered part of Oregon.
There will be time after the event to enjoy a beverage and chat with Shane. Space is limited. Please assist us by signing up in advance. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
ONDA’s High Desert Lecture Series offers the chance to learn more about Oregon’s high desert from experts. The next talk is slated for April 7: Stu Garrett, co-founder of the local chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, will talk about high desert wildflowers, just in time for hiking season.

Oregon State Legislature Policy 101
2015-03-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On Wednesday, March 11th, join Central Oregon LandWatch, Friends of Family Farmers, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance for a FREE workshop.
Come learn how the Oregon Legislature works and get engaged with your government.
Learn about relevant food, farm and Land Use Bills that will be addressed by the 2015 Legislature and how to use your voice to stand up for issues that matter to you!
Seating is limited, so please RSVP. Light refreshments and beer from Worthy Brewing will be served.

Oregon Climate Meet Up
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Climate is a statewide, grassroots campaign to put a price on pollution in Oregon. We have one overarching goal: to pass a carbon price and dividend for our state. This simple system will charge polluters and give the money directly back to each and every taxpayer. Join the Oregon Climate Action Hub in Bend, where we’ll be initiating and organizing action on the local level, to contribute to our ambitious campaign to put a price on carbon.
The following topics will be discussed:
1) What is the purpose of this Oregon Climate Action Hub?
— Our voice
— Our views on climate
— Our resources
2) What is the role of the Action Hub Leader (job description)
3) What is the role of the Assistant Action Hub Leader (job description)
4) What is the role of the Action Hub Secretary (job description)
5) What is the role of the Action Hub Members (job description)
6) Nominations and vote for leader, assistant leader and secretary
7) Determine Action Hub regular meeting times and location
8) Discuss Bend area event survey results
9) Discuss possible city and/or county resolutions
10) Actions, ideas, thoughts and comments for next meeting

Birding for PreSchoolers
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
10:00 AM Monday mornings, Drake Park in Bend
A birding and nature walk geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Exploration, singing, finger plays, observation, learning, questioning…it’s all part of a fun-filled hour on Monday mornings at Drake Park. We meet near the middle of the park by the restrooms. Parent or responsible care-taker is required to accompany child. Come join us for the whole hour or feel free to leave early if necessary for your child’s needs and interest. We will meet regardless of the weather so please dress in warm, dry layers.
Contact Mary Yanalcanlin by email (birdingfun@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Oregon Strong Voice Grassroots Lobby Day
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Leaving from Bend for conversations with legislators about laws on wages and working conditions and other priorities for our Oregon Strong Voice Coalition.
Contact: Bruce Morris, Bruce Morris, coscjenter@gmail.

Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
3:45-5:15 PM
(3:45-4:15 pm: gathering & crafts; 4:15-5:15 pm: activities & presentation)
March 9th: Cranes
April 13th: Bird Migration
May 11th: A Bird-Day Celebration …(A celebration of what we have learned)
Join Mary Yanalcanlin for an exploration of our local birds geared towards grades K-5 (though all ages are welcome). The February session, devoted to the Life cycle of Birds, is from 3:45-5:15 PM, doors open at 3:15pm. Location is the Environmental Care Center, 16 NW Kansas in Bend. Fledglings (kids) must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The East Cascades Audubon Society (ECAS) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to further the knowledge and appreciation of birds and their habitats through field trips and education programs. Besides outreach to the community for the enjoyment and study of birds, ECAS also actively participates in field studies, data collection programs and other conservation projects to help protect local bird populations. Join ECAS and help preserve the birds in the Central Oregon region at www.ecaudubon.org.

Class - Plan Before Planting
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn everything you need to know from OSU Master Gardeners™ about planning a successful vegetable garden in Central Oregon including climate issues, soil preparation, choosing seeds and other vegetable starts, for optimal growth and harvests.
For more info: Page 32 in Winter-Spring catalogue www.bendparksandrec.org
541-389-7275

Introduction to Growing Vegetables Class
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An introductory class given by OSU Master Gardeners™ on growing vegetables including climate, site selection, soil preparation, season extension, and how to grow the most common vegetables for the area.

'Wild' Night in Bend
2015-03-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
BendFilm is hosting a screening of two independent films celebrating the Pacific Crest Trail and the 50thAnniversary of the Wilderness Act. Filmmakers will be in attendance!
The headlining film, “Only the Essential”, is a truly independent documentary film by former Bend resident, Colin Arsiman. Arisman and friend Casey Gannon thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with cameras in hand. “Only The Essential” is the story of their 5 month, 2668 mile journey on foot from Mexico to Canada across the wilderness of California, Oregon, and Washington. Their goal was to capture the brutal, yet breathtaking, ebb and flow of thru-hiking. The film serves as a window to experience the Pacific Crest Trail and witness the value of simplifying life to a point where “only the essential” remains. Arisman and Gannon are scheduled to attend for a post-screening Q&A and a raffle. (See more information and the trailer here: http://www.onlytheessential.com/watch)
A screening of “The Meaning of Wild” will open the evening. The film is a half hour documentary film that takes viewers on a journeythrough one of our nation’s wildest landscapes, the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska. The film follows wildlife cameraman Ben Hamilton as he travels by boat, plane, kayak and foot to capture and share the true value of Wilderness. Along the journey, Ben encounters bears, calving glaciers, ancient forests, and harsh seas, but it’s the characters he meets along the way that bring true insight to his mission. (See more information and the trailer here: http://www.meaningofwild.com/)
Tickets are available on BendTicket.com and on the BendFilm websites: http://bendticket.strangertickets.com/events/23290288/a-wild-night-in-bend

Eagles in Oregon: Watching Them Watch Us Watch Them
2015-03-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) Winter Lecture Series:
Eagles in Oregon: Watching Them Watch Us Watch Them
Presented by Frank Isaacs, Oregon Eagle Foundation
Oregon is fortunate to have abundant habitat for both bald and golden eagles. Frank Isaacs has studied both species for over thirty years. His program will compare and contrast the look, behavior, history and current status of eagles in Oregon.
Frank Isaacs is co-founder of The Oregon Eagle Foundation. He leads a statewide golden eagle nest survey in Oregon and has many volunteers monitoring nests throughout our Central Oregon scenic canyons. Frank graduated Michigan Technological University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Forest Wildlife Management. He has lived in Oregon since 1977 and worked on bald eagle research at Oregon State University for 31 years. While at OSU, Frank led the statewide bald eagle nest survey for 29 years and studied wintering bald eagles in eastern Oregon for 10 winters. He has also led Oregon’s peregrine falcon nest survey for 5 years. Frank has received many awards for his work with bald eagles, habitat and conservation.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation starts at 7:00 p.m. FANs members are admitted free; non-members pay $1 at the door. Held at The Ranch Chapel’s Family Center, Crooked River Ranch. Space is limited; click here to register today.

Building Science Literacy through Outdoor Inquiry
2015-03-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners for fun and interactive trainings which provide skills for K-12 teachers to lead effective outdoor educational activities. Teachers will learn natural resource information, inquiry skills, hands-on science activities which align with Next Generation Science Standards, and tips for group management and logistics for field trips. Substitute costs are available for public school teachers through the School Engagement Fund. Post-training support will be provided to participating teachers to assist with facilitating field experiences.

Full Moon Hike
2015-03-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Full Moon Hike; May 4th from 8pm-9pm, June 2nd from 9pm-10pm; At SNCO; Adults $6, kids $4, SNCO members Free (Registration required: 541-593-4394).

Kôr Community Land Trust Info Exchange
2015-03-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Kôr Community Land Trust invites you to join us for cocktails, lite-bites and some great information about our vision for affordable housing communities in Bend. The event is open to the public. Bring your questions and a friend!

Book Discussion Celebration: A Community United Against Racism
2015-03-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
As the community book discussions conclude their review of “Overcoming Our Racism: Journey to Liberation”, we will hold a community celebration and dialogue about the next steps that we can take together to end racial injustice in our community. Whether you’ve participated in the book discussions or not, please join in this important community conversation.
Co-sponsored with Building Common Ground and the Social Justice Center.
Wille Hall, COCC Campus Center, Bend
Contact: Bruce Morris, cosjcenter@gmail; Info@cosjc.org

Green Team Movie Night
2015-03-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Green Team Movie Night is coming right up! We are going to watch a few episodes of “Saving the Ocean with Carl Safina” on Tuesday, Aug 4th at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE Ninth St., in Bend in the church library. Watch and hear stories of hope and the innovation and the inspiration of scientists, conservationists and local communities who are working hard to care for the world’s oceans. This PBS series is hosted by Carl Safina, renowned marine biologist and writer and founder of the Blue Ocean Institute.

COTA Crook County Membership Meeting
2015-03-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Please join us for the COTA Crook County Chapter monthly meeting. These meetings are now held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Mind the Gaps: How Gender Shapes Our Lives
2015-03-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Part of the Central Oregon Community College Multicultural Center Season of Nonviolence.
Jade Aguilar, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Willamette University, will lead participants in a conversation about how, from the moment we are born, gender shapes every aspect of our lives. Aguilar will guide the audience in a discussion about these questions and examine ways of finding meaning within gender gaps.
Wille Hall, Campus Center, Bend Campus of COCC

Economics of Happiness Conference
2015-02-27 - 2015-03-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
All around the world, thousands of initiatives are demonstrating that we can create a better future: resilient communities, healthier ecosystems, equitable economies. Now we need to connect the dots, get together, translate understanding into action, and build a global to local movement!
Join us at the Economics of Happiness conference to discuss, discover and devise better systems for now and the future. Get involved in a new project. Find out how to make your work more effective. Link up with local initiatives. Debate the details. Explore new policies. Deconstruct the old. See the connections. Articulate solutions. Get engaged in creating new economy – one that works for people and the planet!
The program will include plenaries, panels, interactive workshops and other participatory sessions. The wide range of inter-connected topics will include: local food, public policy, democracy, local business, the commons, cooperatives, local finance, spirituality, connecting to nature, economic indicators, health, education, bridging the North-South divide, the new economy movement, climate justice, cultural diversity, biodiversity, environmental justice, income inequality, and the impact of the economy on our psychological well-being.

Telluride MountainFilm on Tour
2015-02-27 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save The Date: Telluride MountainFilm on Tour
February 27 & 28 at The Tower Theatre
MountainFilm on Tour features the best films from the world-renowned film festival in Telluride, Colorado. MountainFilm is dedicated to educating, inspiring and motivating audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving, adventures worth pursuing and conversations worth sustaining. All proceeds benefit The Environmental Center. Watch a teaser trailer!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door (careful – this event often sells out!) and $35 for both nights. Get your tickets online now at The Tower Theatre.
Different films each night! Check out the film lineup here.

An Obsession with Odonata—Oregon’s dragonflies and damselflies
2015-02-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
With evocative common names such as leaftail, jewelwing, and sprite, and more threatening nicknames like “Devil’s darning needle” and “horse stinger”, dragonflies and damselflies have long captured the human imagination. However, there is still much to be learned at the scientific level about these colorful, fierce, and fascinating insects. Join entomologist Celeste Searles Mazzacano for an exploration of dragonfly and damselfly ecology, life history, and conservation, with a focus on the species that inhabit Oregon’s rivers and wetlands. Discover the important roles they play in aquatic food chains, the threats they face, and their fascinating behaviors, such as the large annual migrations. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online. Ticket are free and you must register. Sales open one month prior to the event.

Wednesday Birders
2015-02-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Wednesday Birders – February 4, 11, 18, 25
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 8:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving. Current plans for February are:
• February 25: Sisters area and Suttle Lake,
Plans may vary due to weather or rare birds spotted prior to the meeting. To keep up to date on the latest bird sightings and birding opportunities including Wednesday Birders join Central Oregon Birders Online (COBOL) http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/cobol It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders..

The Dam Fiasco at Bull Flat: A History of Tumalo Reservoir
2015-02-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
One hundred years ago the State of Oregon stepped in to help settlers in the Tumalo area salvage their crushed dreams after a rogue’s gallery of grifters, chiselers, swindlers and cheats had left hundreds of settlers high and dry.
The State’s well intended plans to bring irrigation to the area went awry.
Join Mike Berry, history enthusiast and Deschutes County Surveyor, as he recounts the follies and foibles of the Tumalo Project in the area now known as the Tumalo Reservoir.
Please RSVP by clicking here
