The Environmental Center

Bend COTA Work Events
2017-03-23, 2017-03-30, 2017-04-06, 2017-04-13, 2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Spring Break Garden Work Day
2017-03-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in the garden anytime between 9am -3pm to help get our garden ready for spring! Coffee & snacks will be served, family friendly, come dressed to get dirty! Contact Denise with questions.

Better Protection for Trees in Bend
2017-03-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
As Bend once was ‘Tree City, USA’ and several signs have never been taken down, many people believe that we still hold the recognition, but the paperwork was never refiled by the city in 2007. There is also confusion as to whether Bend has a Tree Ordinance. In the city code, protection for trees appears in several places written in the code which are ‘tree ordinances’, but the city does not have a stand alone, ‘Tree Ordinance’ or any protection for Heritage Trees. Also, as Bend is rapidly growing, stronger tree protection and management of our urban forest is imperative for our future as a sustainable future for generations to come. As City Council goes into goal setting, it is imperative that we speak out especially to the new Mayor Roats and the new members of Council. Councilors cannot change policy alone. They need to hear from all of us! When we make our voices heard, it is easy for them to react. We all need to speak out, especially children and young adults.
Everyone is welcome!

Notes from 3.8.17 Tree Meeting
Another successful meeting as a Tree Coalition is taking on strong roots! Louise Palmer gave an update from City Council and David Morman introduced the Arbor Day Proclamation draft for the group to review. Wendy Robinson from City Planning Department was instrumental with her experience with the city. Emily Roynestad discuss our strategic planning, vision, and our name. We set 60 day realistic goals Urban Forestry Advisory Team. Community Outreach and the Arbor Day Celebration.
Plans are to hopefully have City Council sign the Arbor Day Proclamation the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 5th. The paperwork has been sent to Nathan Boddie to review. With Oregon Arbor Week April 2-7 this year, having a large crowd at City Council Meeting as they sign the proclamation would encourage council to move forward in making Bend ‘Tree City, USA’, again.
Please send over your ideas for a name for our group as well as our vision statement. We will be voting at the next meeting. Please invite anyone that you think may be interested. Everyone is welcome! For questions, ideas, or suggestions, please call Louise Palmer – 541.788.1786.

March Green Drinks
2017-03-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for March Green Drinks at Bend Electric Bikes, your go-to resource for e-bikes in Bend! Since 2008, BEB has been selling, repairing and converting electric and cargo bikes that help locals get around town. Whether you ride for fun, as your primary mode of transportation, or for the planet, Bend Electric Bikes can help you learn more about what’s possible with an e-bike. Come check out the shop, meet the team, and demo an e-bike around the neighborhood!
Please RSVP to this event!
Learn more about Bend Electric Bikes.
Green Drinks events connect our community with green businesses throughout Central Oregon. Please consider walking, riding, or carpooling to the event. And don’t forget to bring your own cup to enjoy a drink or two!

Mason Bees: Rearing and Caring for a Docile and Efficient Pollinator
2017-03-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This year the Central Oregon Beekeeping Association (COBKA) will host a talk on Mason Bees. This is a unique and interesting pollinator that uses a special beehive and provides a very accessible beekeeping experience. Mason Bees are perfect for the novice or gardener just getting started. They can also be rewarding for experienced beekeepers looking for a safe pollinator that does not pose a risk to pets or children. Entomologist and Master Gardener Rich Little will discuss this interesting insect that is docile, solitary and lives in a hive that looks more like a birdhouse than a beehive.
Learn about:
• Mason Bee Basics
• Equipment for keeping Mason bees
• Suppliers/where to find equipment
This event is perfect for anyone interested in learning about backyard beekeeping, particularly someone who is interested in beekeeping but lacks the time to manage a honey bee hive. Mason bees are an easy way for homeowners to improve their garden. This is also a good chance to network and meet others interested in honey bees. Rich Little is an entomologist, a Master Gardner, and a former Deputy Agriculture Commissioner who is an enthusiastic and passionate speaker about insects (especially bees) and our natural world. About COBKA: We are a diverse bunch of individuals who share a fascination for the honey bee and its workings. Our members range from full-time beekeepers and pollinators with hundreds of hives to hobbyists to those who do not even keep bees, but are fascinated by the six legs and four wings of Apis mellifera.
The Mission of the Central Oregon Beekeeping Association (COBKA) is to promote effective, economic and successful regional beekeeping through education, collaboration, communication and research in the spirit of friendship.

Public Lands Summit
2017-04-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our public lands face threats on numerous levels, from the Trump administration’s attack on the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument to various attempts by industry-friendly politicians to sell off America’s natural heritage. Join us for the second-annual Public Lands Summit on Saturday, May 12, to learn more about these threats and what you can do about it!
This three hour event will include:

A panel presentation that covers the overview of the threats we faced in 2017, who responded effectively and how, what to expect this year and how we can respond.
Two breakout training sessions to choose from that are geared to help you become a stronger advocate for public lands.
Happy hour beverages and snacks and an opportunity to meet and talk with other public lands advocates in your community.

Suggested $5 donation at the door.
Organizing partners: Oregon Wild, Oregon Natural Desert Association, The Great Old Broads for Wilderness, the Sierra Club, Vocal Seniority, and Central Oregon Landwatch.

Garden Educator Network Meet Up
2017-04-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Garden Educator Network
The Central Oregon Garden Educator Network is for anyone wanting to incorporate garden based learning into their work with youth. This network stems from a grant through the Gray Family Fund that funded a Grow Your School Garden Training through Life Lab in October 2016. To continue that work of strengthening and growing garden-based learning programs in Central Oregon, we are facilitating a local Garden Educator Network. Our first meet up in February 2017 toured St. Francis’s school garden and greenhouse, where students have visited weekly through the winter. We all left inspired to start growing.

Our next meet-up will be April 6 at M.A. Lynch Elementary School in Redmond. We’ll be providing site analysis assistance to a 2nd grade teacher who is beginning the process of converting a small area into a school garden. We’ll then visit and tour the garden at Edwin Brown Education Center and possibly John Tuck Elementary School. This is a great opportunity to both give and glean new ideas for your own garden!
Contact denise via email or call 541-385-6908 x14 to get on the Local Garden Educator Network email list.

Salmon Run 2017: A Benefit for The Environmental Center
2017-04-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Journey!
The 2017 Salmon Run beneficiary is The Environmental Center! In the past 5 years, over $6000 has been raised for our programs. Participate in one of Bend’s oldest organized races for a GREAT cause!
Are you a member of The Environmental Center? Email us for a discount code to use at registration!

Celebrate the amazing expedition at the 29th Annual Salmon Run
Each year, the mighty Salmon make an expedition of a lifetime back to their homes – traversing thousands of miles and overcoming countless obstacles on their river journeys. The Salmon juxtapose the infinite space of their ocean homes against the micro-streams of their birth in one monumental run. Their achievement is awesome in the true sense of the word.
Choose your own migratory distance –Half Marathon, 10K, 5k or Little Fry Children’s Races
Experience the awesomeness of the salmon migration by completing your own Salmon Run! Begin and end your adventure along the Deschutes River and imagine what a river journey could be like for the mighty salmon. The backdrop couldn’t be more beautiful than the Deschutes River corridor in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
Early Registration Still Available !

Event
Early Bird Registration (until 3/10)
3/11-4/8
Packet Pick-up & Race Day

5K Run
$25
$30
$35

10K Run
$30
$35
$40

Half Marathon
$35
$40
$45

Entry fee for the 5K, 10K and Half includes your bib number, professional timing, professional medical response by Crackerjack First Response Specialists if necessary, a custom Salmon Run seed packet at the finish line and post-race food and drinks including beer (21+ make sure to bring a valid ID).

COTA Trail Adoption Training
2017-04-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
These sessions are designed to introduce new Trail Adopters to sustainable construction techniques and basic maintenance, and to give current Adopters a chance to share knowledge and experience. Please rsvp to adopt@cotamtb.com to reserve a spot.

What to Bring:
Sturdy shoes or boots
Gloves
Eye Protection with clear or light colored lens
Long Pants
Hydration Pack with water
Snacks

Legal Stuff: Due to COTA’s insurance requirements and the inherent dangers of trail work we have implemented the following policies regarding 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.
All participants must sign a waiver.

Solving Bend's Missing Middle Housing Puzzle
2017-04-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What is the solution to Bend’s woefully missing middle housing market?
Join Building a Better Bend, Brooks Resources Corporation and Bend 2030 to hear strategies from Dan Parolek, the nation’s premier expert on this critical housing need. Then support progress by offering your own input on a range of new recommendations vetted and proposed by a new collaborative housing work group led by key stakeholders including COAR, COBA, Bend 2030, Brooks Resources, Housing Works, OSU-Cascades, American Institute of Architects, and the City of Bend. Leave this exciting night with a sense of the direction some of the concepts our city must pursue to make real headway on this complicated issue.
Doors open at 5:30pm. FREE, but ticket required.

Making it to Wild: Saving Wild Baby Birds
2017-04-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Raising an orphaned baby bird to a fully flighted, healthy bird ready for the wild is challenging. Elise Wolf, of Native Bird Care, will explore why they wind up in case, and share fascinating stories, pictures, video and insights into the lives of our native birds.

COCC Food and Farm Faire
2017-04-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get to know local farmers and ranchers
Sign up for Community Supported Agriculture memberships
Learn about local farm events and volunteer opportunities
Purchase early season crops directly from farmers
Food-related artwork and activities

Earth Day Costume Workshop
2017-04-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join local artist Debra Fisher to create your own predator animal mask for the 2017 Earth Day Fair & Parade! Choose whether you’d like to create a feline, canine or bird, and construct your own mask. Feel free to bring a picture of a feline, canine or bird that you’d like to recreate.
Please bring two large cereal boxes – these will be used to construct your mask. Other materials will be provided. ($2-3 suggested donation per mask to help cover the cost of these materials.)
This workshop is appropriate for children of all ages; Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a parent. Parent participation in costume-making is encouraged!
PLEASE RSVP via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costume-workshop-predator-masks-tickets-32967173704
Learn more about Debra: http://artmask.net/index.html

VegNet Earth Day Potluck
2017-04-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Enjoy Earth Day-themed trivia at VegNet’s monthly potluck!
Please bring a vegan dish (no animal products, including honey) to serve 6-8 people, a card listing ingredients, and your own cup, plate, and utensils. Eat, socialize, and meet the Central Oregon veg community. This is a family friendly event.
Suggested donation $2-5 to help cover room rental. See you soon!

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
2017-04-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Interested in learning proper pruning techniques for fruit trees in Central Oregon? Join Heidi Noordijk, OSU Small Farms Coordinator to learn principles and hands-on techniques. Workshop will be held at Rainshadow Organics – their orchard has primarily young apple trees, but also cherry, pear, peach and plum. Heidi has over 20 years experience working with orchards and vegetable farms, and is an apple fanatic!
Please bring loppers and/or hand pruners, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Rough Agenda
9:30 – 9:45 Welcome and introductions
9:45 – 10:00 Tree anatomy and physiology (including resource allocation and thinning)
10:00 – 10:20 Pruning equipment, sanitation, basics of pruning (when to prune, where to cut and why)
10:20 – 11:40 hands-on pruning demonstrations and group pruning
11:40 – noon Wrap-up discussion
Noon(ish) – option to stay for farm-to-table lunch served directly from Rainshadow Organics. Lunch is extra $15 per person, and must be organized directly with Sarahlee ahead of time.
Please register online by March 12th. (Can pay by card or check). Space will be limited so register early!

Spring Repair Cafe at The Gear Fix
2017-04-18 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
We’re excited to return to The Gear Fix for our Spring Repair Cafe! Volunteers will be on hand to fix, for free, small appliances/electronics, outdoor gear, clothes, boots/shoes, bikes, jewelry, small furniture/household goods, and knitting repairs. NEW – This event will also feature mobile phone screen repair!
Email or call denise at 541-385-6908 x14 if you have any questions or would like to be added to the list of volunteer fixers!

Science Reporting and Community Memory
2017-04-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Science Reporting and Community Memory will feature Mark Blaine, senior instructor at the University of Oregon in the School of Journalism and Communication. Blaine will tell the story of the UO’s Science Stories Initiative, which brings students and scientists together to create credible, accessible stories about environmental research.
6pm social hour.
Registration: Free, $5 donation at the door suggested.
Register at: https://sciencereportingandmemory.eventbrite.com

The Age of Consequences
2017-04-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On Tuesday, April 18th at 7pm, BendFilm will celebrate Earth Day 2017 with a screening of a compelling and powerful new documentary that the Hollywood Reporter called “eye opening.”
Director Jared P. Scott, chooses an unusual perspective in “The Age of Consequences” (USA, 2016, 80 min) as he investigates the issue of climate change through the lens of US national security and global instability. With the participation of Pentagon insiders, admirals, generals and military veterans, the film looks at how climate change can amplify social tensions in volatile regions of the world. The film’s goal is to open the audience’s eyes and minds and show that if we all come together, there is hope.
Sophie Robinson, Executive Producer of THE AGE OF CONSEQUENCES, will be on hand for a discussion with the Environmental Center’s Mike Riley following the film.
Film Trailer
Film Website

Sisters Discussion of Siddhartha Mukherjee's “The Gene
2017-04-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for a lively discussion of Siddhartha Mukherjee’s “The Gene.” Mukherjee is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.” The discussion will be facilitated by Barbara Pettersen, a nationally certified genetic counselor who will address some of the societal, cultural, and medical implications of the rapidly advancing science of genetics.
Registration: Registration is free; guaranteed seating is limited.
Register at: https://thegene-paulinasprings.eventbrite.com

Time to Choose, a film
2017-04-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Climate Change, the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced… TIME TO CHOOSE’s investigation of the true costs of fossil fuels and industrialized agriculture takes audiences inside the drivers of these global phenomena. Producer Charles Ferguson shows the toll the status quo is taking on human lives and the world around us. TIME TO CHOOSE explores the comprehensive scope of the climate crisis and shows that across the globe, in myriad ways, people are coming together to find and implement solutions. But, we are in a race against the clock to implement them in time. The clear message to viewers is action to stop this global threat is imperative. The solutions to Climate Change are already here, waiting for us.
Run time: 87 minutes.
Trailer: Time to Choose – Trailer

Locavore Food School Presents: Chef Tips and Shortcuts
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Locavore Food School is a monthly, on the third Thursday of each month, offering of nutrition and cooking classes taught by volunteers and community members including farmers, local food producers, nutritionists, chefs and alternative health care practitioners.
The class- Learn about kitchen knives and fundamental knife skills, professional tricks of the trade (like how to cut an onion without crying!) and enjoy tasty recipes. Learn the right knife to use for different foods, the best knives to own and how to sharpen them and use them like a pro. Demonstrated cutting techniques including easy matchstick carrots and preparation of delicious, simple vegetable dishes.
The Instructor- “I have been teaching my love and passion for cooking for over 30 years. My own family’s history of health challenges is what sparked this passion. We changed our diet from a S.A.D. (standard American diet) to a more natural diet centered around whole grains and fresh produce. Our health improved dramatically and I have been inspired to continue to grow and learn since. My favorite recipes are in my first cookbook “The Passionate Vegetable.” Find out more information at http://www.suzannelandry.com/

Wine Benefit to Support Affordable Housing in Bend
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Let’s face it, wine goes great with most anything, but attainable home ownership and wine may be one of our favorites. Join Kôr Community Land Trust for a free wine tasting with ONEHOPE Winery Thursday, April 20. The wine tasting is organized to raise money for sustainable and affordable housing in Bend.
The wine tasting benefit is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road. A percentage of all wine sales benefit Kôr Community Land Trust.
ONEHOPE Winery is in the heart of Napa Valley and boasts the creations of winemaker Robert Mondavi Junior. Fifty percent of their profits are donated to partnered causes. In addition to the partnered causes, they also donate fifteen percent of half and full case sales to host charities such as Kôr Community Land Trust.
Kôr is a young, enthusiastic nonprofit which seeks to make home ownership attainable for Bend’s many skilled residents who find themselves priced out of the local housing market. Kôr uses the Community Land Trust model to build goal net-zero housing that will be affordable for generations.

Stories From the Soil
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn from the experts what it takes to grow food in Central Oregon and why agricultural land is so important to protect. You’ll hear from local farmers, ranchers and land use experts about innovative farming practices and protections, and enjoy samples of food produced right in our backyard! This event is free, but an RSVP is required.

Sponsored by: Central Oregon LandWatch, High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, and Central Oregon Locavore

Bend Discussion of Siddhartha Mukherjee's “The Gene"
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for a lively discussion of Siddhartha Mukherjee’s “The Gene.” Mukherjee is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.” The discussion will be facilitated by Barbara Pettersen, a nationally certified genetic counselor who will address some of the societal, cultural, and medical implications of the rapidly advancing science of genetics.
Registration: Registration is free; guaranteed seating is limited.
Register at: https://thegene-roundaboutbooks.eventbrite.com

Meet Bend Park and Recreation Board Candidates at Pints and Politics
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get to know Lauren Sprang, Nathan Hovekamp and Ted Schoenborn; three great candidates who have earned OLCV’s endorsement for the Bend Park and Recreation District Board of Directors. Join us for Pints and Politics to learn why these candidates are running for the Bend Park and Recreation Board and why they deserve your vote this May!

COTA Movie Night: Joe Kid On A Sting Ray
2017-04-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
High Desert BMX & The Hub Cyclery presents Joe Kid On A Sting-Ray: The History of BMX.
Joe Kid On A Sting-Ray documents the evolution of a sport created by kids who were modifying their Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles to look like motorcycles. This film takes a serious look at the crazy-fun history and evolution of BMX bicycle riding, from the streets of 1960s suburban neighborhoods to today’s Redbull-fueled dirt, street & halfpipe insanity.
