The Environmental Center

Transforming Food Loss into Commercial and Nutritional Products: Innovations, Collaborations for Creative Financing and Supportive Legal Approaches
2020-11-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Communities, businesses, governments and non-profits are developing creative mechanisms for purchasing and transforming “food loss” from harvest, slaughter and catch into foods and other products to support rural economies and the nutrition needs of consumers. The 2020 World Food Law Institute Symposium, co-sponsored with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, continues and elaborates the discussions of food loss and food waste held in a series of international Round Tables that progressed from defining the concepts then to exploring national initiatives, global case studies, and international programs.
This 2020 World Food Law Institute Symposium will develop several of these topics through three expert, international Panels about responses to the challenge of reducing food loss by using innovations and new technologies, supportive laws and legal approaches, and creative financing – all of which are being paired with the dedication and creativity of participants along the food supply chain.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month at COCC
2020-11-12
“Responding to a Pandemic: An Indigenous Perspective,” is the focus of a talk on Thursday, Nov. 12, via Zoom: https://cocc.zoom.us/j/92847837717. Hear firsthand stories from presenters Emily Washines (from Yakama Nation, with Cree and Skokmish heritage) and Chuck Sams (of Cayuse, Walla Walla, Cocopah and Yankton Sioux heritage) of the different ways in which tribes have responded to the pandemic, as indigenous populations face a disproportionate impact from the health crisis.

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-11-12, 2020-11-19, 2020-11-26
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.

How to Cost Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes (2-part series)
2020-11-13
Eliminate barriers to ZE home construction and earn a ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation

Join EEBA and Earth Advantage for this two-part webinar series on affordable Zero Energy (ZE) home design and construction in Oregon. Learn how to eliminate common barriers to Zero Energy (ZE) home construction, benefit from the rapid trend towards ZE, and earn a ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation.
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of homebuilding business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will layout numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Friday, November 6 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Intro to ZE, Affordability, Design, Site Orientation, Energy Modeling, Certification Programs, Oregon Case Studies, Local Market & Policy Development, Air Sealing, & Insulation. Guest speaker: Dream Home Building and Design LLC
Friday, November 13 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Windows, Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy, & Incentive Programs. Guest speakers: Earth Advantage & Energy Trust of Oregon
Optional Extended Q&A @ 3PM – 3:30PM (PDT) – Offered both days. Will be recorded and provided to participants.

Participants in this training will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. Other topics include: housing market drivers, localized resources, Oregon case studies, incentive programs, ways to assess and communicate economic benefits, and next steps to put principles into practice.
This training has been designed for Central Oregon building industry professionals and will include information on geographically specific case studies and programs, however audiences from outside Central OR will find value in the content and are welcome to attend. Additional EEBA trainings in other regions can be found here.
‘Zero Energy Professional’ Designation
Participants will have the opportunity to earn EEBA’s ‘Zero Energy Professional’ designation and be listed on EEBA & Earth Advantage registries of accredited professionals. To earn the designation, attendees must pass a designation exam and have completed and passed prerequisite trainings.
12 Steps to Affordable Zero Energy Design & Construction
It’s generally accepted that improvements to the thermal envelope are fundamental. These include high levels of insulation, reduction of thermal bridges and advanced air sealing. However, significant efficiency improvements in heating and cooling equipment and the rapid drop in the cost of rooftop solar electric systems offer new options for cost-effective efficiency packages. There have never been so many ZE options to choose from. This course gives building professionals the knowledge to build ZE homes that are affordable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable to live in.

How to Cost-Effectively Build Zero Energy Homes
2020-11-13
Zero Energy (ZE) homes are a big part of the future of homebuilding business. While the materials and equipment to reach zero energy are available, designers and builders must create a bundle of energy-efficiency features that matches their climate, customers, and business constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This training will will lay out numerous elements of zero energy homebuilding so professionals can formulate a unique package appropriate for their situation:

Friday, November 13 @ 12PM – 3PM (PDT) – Windows, Mechanical Ventilation, Heating & Cooling, Water Heating, Lights & Appliances, Renewable Energy

Guest speaker: Mike Ardeljan, Dream Home Building and Design LLC

Optional Extended Q&A @ 3PM – 3:30PM (PDT) – Offered both days. Will be recorded and provided to participants.

5th Annual Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry
2020-11-14
​​Fill Your Pantry is a community bulk buying event created so YOU can fill up your pantry, freezer, and root cellar full of great local products for the winter. Say bye-bye to busy holiday lines and produce that has traveled farther than you during holiday vacations, and say hello to a cupboard full of local meat, grains, vegetables, ferments, and more.
The Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry will allow you to stock up on items like potatoes, onions, leeks, beets, winter squash, garlic, honey, flours, apples, pears, dried beans, krauts, baked goods, and more.

FORUM ON RACIAL INEQUALITIES
2020-11-16
As part of an ongoing series of discussions on race and equity, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is hosting a virtual community forum titled “Addressing Racial Inequalities and Responding to Hate Speech”
The event is free and open to the public; attendees must register in advance.
The one-hour forum will include a range of items, including an address from COCC’s president, Dr. Laurie Chesley, a talk on stereotypes, prejudice and privilege presented by COCC’s psychology faculty, a personal narrative shared by a college staff member and strategies on how to respond to hate speech. There will also be time for community questions and discussion.

2021 Wild Desert Calendar Virtual Exhibit
2020-11-16
Join for the opening of ONDA’s 2021 Wild Desert Calendar virtual exhibit, “A Year in Oregon’s High Desert.” Tour our virtual gallery of the impressive images of Oregon’s high desert landscapes and wildlife featured in the 2021 calendar. You’ll also enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, a special opportunity to purchase a print of the cover image, and more!

2021 Wild Desert Calendar Virtual Exhibit: A Year in Oregon’s High Desert
Opening night Monday, November 16, 5:30 p.m. PST. Exhibit runs through Friday, January 8, 2021.

Virtual Farmer Chat: Food and Racial Justice
2020-11-16
This is a continuation of the conversation on the intersection of food and racial justice. FOFF will continue the discussions and explore one of the most popular emergent themes from this work. Mutual aid has always been part of the landscape for communities not served by the existing system. Since the pandemic, some of these networks have redoubled their efforts and some have stepped forward for the first time. The need is apparent for long term community aid, by and for its members. Many people have expressed interest in forming partnerships for the next season with organizations doing this work, and many would like more information on how to get involved.
All farmers, farm workers and agricultural producers are welcome to this conversation.

Combating Climate Change: Impacts on your life and solutions for your home
2020-11-17
Learn about the impacts climate change has on your life and discover simple and inexpensive solutions for your home and community.
This 2-part event will first focus on how worsening climate impacts are affecting all of us. Presented by Climate Reality’s Paul Alcantra and Candy Baunsgard, this first part will discuss the latest impacts from the science of climate change, the deepening impacts of the crisis now happening around the world, the present and emerging solutions to this existential problem, and steps we can take to create a more sustainable environment for current and future generations.
The second part of this event will focus on easy, inexpensive steps we can take to achieve a zero-carbon footprint for our homes and communities. Presenters Jim Neu and Betzi Hitz from 350Eugene will talk about the dangers of fossil gas, from extraction to its use in all buildings. They will also cover toxic alerts for indoor and outdoor air quality and pollution and what you can do in your own home or business to protect your health.

Environmental Justice Episode 2
2020-11-17
What are the roots of the conservation movement? This episode will discuss our nation’s actions, history and culture of oppression that led to the modern conservation movement. This episode is pivotal in understanding the injustices that conservation and public lands were born from and that persist today. Learn more about the series

Braiding Sweetgrass Author Robin Wall Kimmerer
2020-11-17
Join for a talk with nationally recognized author Robin Wall Kimmerer, of Braiding Sweetgrass fame, on how themes from it can offer lessons on moving towards a more just and sustainable future. How can we apply the concepts of reciprocity and humility both socially and ecologically? How can we change the lens through which we see the world to help ensure our collective survival and restore our relationship with the Earth and each other?

Oregon Wildfire Impact Panel
2020-11-17
Oregon Parks Forever will host a webinar with representatives of the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to talk about the seven major fires (Beachie Creek, Holiday Farm, Riverside, Archie Creek, Lionshead, Slater and S. Obenchain) that impacted our public lands.
If you would like to know how each started, how they expanded, why they burned so hot, the acreage burned, plans for any salvage logging, interim plans for managing soil erosion and hillside stabilization, and thoughts regarding possible replanting … this will be interesting to you!

Heat Pump Water Heaters - Cost effective carbon action
2020-11-18
Join Electrify Now, Community Energy Project, Solar Oregon, Passive House Northwest, New Buildings Institute, Zero Energy Project, Renewable Hydrogen Alliance and The Environmental Center as we explore why Heat Pump Water Heaters are becoming the new standard and how to take advantage of these amazing devices in your home.
Water heaters are the second biggest energy users in most homes and will account for 1.5 – 2.5 Tons of carbon emissions each year. Heat Pump Water Heaters use a fraction of the energy required by standard electric or gas powered models. In most homes this translates to hundreds of dollars of savings on utility bills each year. Our panel will discuss why these products are so efficient, why they avoid carbon emissions, what to know about installing one in your home, and how to take advantage of the money saving promotions that are available now.

Tribal & Indigenous Knowledge in Policy-Webinar
2020-11-18
This webinar will focus on the Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Data, Research, and Policy-making. Join Beyond Toxics to hear from Tribal staff, community members, and scholars explore the role of TEK in data collection, research, and policy-making. Panelists will also discuss best practices when learning about the use of TEK, and how to avoid knowledge appropriation and exploitation.
Panelist Lineup:
– Robert Kentta – Treasurer, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
– Susan Fricke – Water Quality Program Manager, Karuk Tribe
– Colleen Sanders – Climate Adaptation Planner, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
– Wenix Red Elk – Public Education and Outreach Specialist, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Native American Heritage Month Events
2020-11-18
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, please join upcoming virtual events hosted by the Papalaxsimisha program.
Nov 18: Hunting Regulations and Climate Change with Wildlife Biologist, Austin Smith Jr.

Making Sense of the 2020 Wildfires
2020-11-18
Making Sense of the 2020 Wildfires will focus on the most recent wildfires and what we can do to protect our communities, our forests, and our climate in the face of unprecedented change.
Making Sense of the 2020 Wildfires
Wednesday, November 18th | 4pm – 5:30pm
Virtual meeting via Zoom
This multimedia conversation moderated by Courtney Johnson, Executive Director of Crag Law Center, builds on years of work in the courtroom and in the forests, and information from top wildfire and climate scientists. Panelists include:

Dr. Tim Ingalsbee, Executive Director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology
Ralph Bloemers, Senior Staff Attorney at Crag Law Center

LandWatch’s Executive Director, Ben Gordon, will join at the beginning of the presentation to discuss our work to prevent development in fire-prone areas and how we use land use planning to keep Central Oregon safe.

Wolverine(s) of Oregon Webcast
2020-11-18
According to biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are fewer than 300 wolverines left in the contiguous United States, putting the future of this species in jeopardy. Here in Oregon, the Wallowa Wolverine Project will begin its second year using remote camera monitoring and snow-tracking to learn more about the status and conservation needs of the state’s most elusive carnivore.
We hope you can join Oregon Wild for next week’s webcast, where they welcome special guests Scott Shively and Kayla Deher, field biologists for the Wallowa Wolverine Project. In addition to sharing unique (and exclusive) photos and videos of Stormy, they’ll also talk about what you can do to help this extraordinary species.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month at COCC
2020-11-18
Join a Native fry bread cooking demonstration with Joie Simtustus-Chavez, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs via Zoom: https://cocc.zoom.us/j/97954015852. Simtustus-Chavez learned how to make this customary food from her grandmother and mother, with the recipe handed down in the oral tradition. Please have the following ingredients assembled prior to the event: flour, salt, baking powder and warm water.

She Feeds the World – Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition
2020-11-19
Join FAO North America and CARE USA for a Congressional Briefing on how empowering women brings us closer to our goals of eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, eliminating all forms of malnutrition, and improving the lives of people around the globe.

Supporting Youth Through the Holidays during COVID
2020-11-19
Join Camp Fire Central Oregon for their monthly community conversation series covering the latest topics in youth development. FREE and open to anyone who cares about our youth!

This month: There’s no denying it: Holidays will look different this year. Join Camp Fire for an interactive discussion, emphasizing easy, actionable, low-stress ways to support your kids through a COVID-19 holiday season.

Gather Film Documentary and Discussion-InFARMation: Racial and Food Justice Series
2020-11-19
Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.

Environmental Justice Shared Learning Space
2020-11-20
Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation is offering a focused space to help people hold themselves accountable in what is intended to be a primarily self-led learning experience around justice and equity within conservation. COWC will be convening monthly, from 6:00-7:30pm on:
Call 1: Tuesday, October 20
Call 2: Tuesday, November 17
Call 3: Tuesday, December 15
Call 4: Tuesday, January 19
Call 5: Tuesday, February 16

Locavore's 11th Annual Holiday Gift Faire
2020-11-23 - 2020-12-08
Shop the 11th Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire- Special 2020 Online version!
The Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire is one of the best ways to find perfectly unique gifts for your special people made right here in Central Oregon. Will you buy them art, local honey or vinegar, hats, a new painting or a beautiful piece of jewelry? You don’t have to decide now—browsing the merry tables of these artists, farmers, and crafters is half the joy of this top notch gift faire.
The other half is knowing your dollars are supporting a vibrant local arts scene. Spending your money on local products is a rewarding way to diversify our economy. These events are truly for our community, by our community and are made possible by the support of dozens of local businesses and volunteers!  Snacks, warm beverages, and lunch will be available.
Ordering from Your Market helps to build and support our community, and to preserve our precious agricultural land for future use.
Support local businesses this holiday season.
Over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and vendors are selling their wares via an online platform. Ordering opens November 23rd and closes December 8th. Pickup up at Agricultural Connections on December 12th.

Virtual Lecture: A Storm of Stars – The Life Story of the Milky Way
2020-11-23
This virtual lecture will be presented by Dr. Shane Larson, Research Associate Professor of Physics at Northwestern University, where he is the Associate Director of CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics). He works in the field of gravitational wave astrophysics, specializing in studies of compact stars, binaries, and the galaxy. He works in gravitational wave astronomy with both the ground-based LIGO project, and the future space-based detector LISA.

Native American Heritage Month events
2020-11-25
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, please join upcoming virtual events hosted by the Papalaxsimisha program.
Nov 25: Language Presentation

Rise up for Climate Justice: A Giving Tuesday Celebration
2020-12-01
Join Beyond Toxics on Tuesday, December 1st at 6:30 pm for an uplifting virtual membership party to learn about their exciting new opportunities to lead Oregon on a path to climate justice. The event, Rise Up for Climate Justice: A Giving Tuesday Celebration, includes the premiere of a new short video, introductions of new staff members and live music.

World Soil Day Webinar
2020-12-02
Join FAONorthAmerica ahead of World Soil Day to celebrate healthy soils for the future of food. This year’s campaign “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity” urges us to focus our attention on the workers below ground – from tiny bacteria to agile millipedes and slimy earthworms – all of which contribute to processes that are indispensable to life on Earth. Biodiversity loss is a major threat to soil, which is home to more than a quarter of the Earth’s biodiversity. Yet, we only know 1% of this universe.
This timely webinar will feature a keynote lecture by Dr. Rattan Lal, 2020 World Food Prize Laureate, followed by an expert panel discussion on safeguarding soil biodiversity.
