Raise the Deschutes: Fox Hollow Ranch Picnic and Farm Tour
2023-07-12 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
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, 2023-08-08 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
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
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.

ThinkBike Public Presentation
2023-08-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Want to learn about Dutch urban and street design philosophy and how Bend can increase ridership through intentional planning? Join cycling and infrastructure expert, Sjors Van Duren, and colleagues, as well as other ThinkBike Workshop participants for a public presentation. The presentation will recap the workshop activities and share some of the concept designs in which Dutch strategies were applied to Bend’s streets.
No registration required but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided.

Weed Warriors at Whychus Canyon Preserve
2023-08-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Join the Weed Warriors to battle invasive weeds at our protected lands! Weed Warriors is a volunteer group that meets several times a month to remove invasive weeds like mullein, spotted knapweed, teasel, and Canada thistle from the Land Trust protected lands. Non-native vegetation is a major threat to functioning natural areas. Pulling them by hand helps restore native plant communities.
Rating: Work party with moderate physical activity that includes digging and pulling weeds out of uneven ground.
What to bring: Work gloves and weeding tools (if you have them), snacks, water, and closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.
Register Here!

CIF Info Session (In Person/Virtual)
2023-08-08 13:00 - 14:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Do you have an idea for reducing waste in your neighborhood, workplace, school, your favorite park or restaurant, or other community space, but aren’t sure how to get started? Apply for the Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund!
The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project will provide a total of $40,000* awards to individuals, businesses, or community organizations to implement waste reduction or recovery projects throughout Deschutes County. Each project will be awarded up to $5,000. There is no minimum project budget/award amount. 20% of the project funds must come from matching funds (cash or in-kind). Depending on project budget requirements, 8 to 12 projects will be funded in 2023.
*$15,000 of the $40,000 total projects budget will be awarded to projects that take place at or largely impact visitor destinations, such as a visitor lodging property, restaurant / eatery, park / trail/ nature area, outfitter / activity company, museum / gallery, entertainment venue.
Attend an info session in-person at The Environmental Center or Virtually! Info sessions are scheduled February 7th, May 9th, and August 8th 2023 from 1-2pm.
Register – In Person
Register – Virtual

E-Bikes Will Change Your Life
2023-08-09 12:00 - 13:30
Find out how and why to get an electric bike to increase your mobility while helping our communities and the planet.
Register here!

Stream Sampling on Whychus Creek
2023-08-10 08:30 - 2023-08-11 16:00 | Whychus Creek, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Do you have an interest in supporting the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council as a community scientist? They invite you to join them for their annual Stream Sampling Days on Whychus Creek this August 10th or 11th!

Sampling the aquatic insect community in restoration project reaches allows our organization and partners to understand the habitat these projects are providing for aquatic critters like bugs and fish. Join on August 10th or 11th (or both!) to collect stream samples along Whychus Creek that will provide information about their restoration projects, fish habitat, and stream health. You’ll spend the day with a small team collecting samples from the stream on Deschutes Land Trust preserves and National Forest lands and will have the opportunity to learn about their restoration efforts and see less-visited reaches of the creek.

Please register below to volunteer for one day or both. For questions about Stream Sampling, please contact Lauren Mork at lmork@restorethedeschutes.org
Thursday, August 10th Registration
Friday, August 11th Registration

Our Disrupted Learning Environment: Schools and Student Behavior
2023-08-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 2850 Rippling River Court, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join City Club and The Bulletin for a discussion about the current state of student behavior in schools, the consequences, and how schools are responding.
More information available soon as the forum is planned.

Plastic-Free Back to School
2023-08-17 14:00 - 15:00
With summer winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s back-to-school time for many students. While back-to-school time is usually associated with plastic binders, water bottles, pens, and other single-use plastics, it’s possible to avoid a school year filled with toxic plastic—and Plastic Pollution Coalition will show you how. On August 17, learn why reusable, refillable, non-plastic school supplies like stainless steel lunch boxes and food storage containers are better for student health, the planet, and wallets—and how to incorporate them into the school year. You will also discuss how schools can incorporate reusable, plastic-free items and practices into their operations.

OLCV's Town Hall on the Environment with Senator Ron Wyden
2023-08-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Online Event
Senator Ron Wyden has been a champion of our conservation and environmental values in D.C., voicing our support for strong safeguards for our air, water, forests, wildlife, and communities. During OLCV’s Town Hall on the Environment with Senator Wyden, we’ll celebrate his leadership and learn about the latest news on a broad range of environmental issues, including benefits for Oregon powered by climate investments of the IRA, conservation efforts in progress, and threats to public lands in our state.
RSVP and join us for an afternoon with the senator discussing all things environment and conservation!
WHEN: August 22nd, 2023 from 2 – 3:15PM
WHERE: Zoom – RSVP here!

(Cancelled due to smoke) Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-08-22 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703

Backyard Composting with Worthy Environmental
2023-08-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Worthy Environmental for a Backyard Composting Workshop on Saturday, August 26th, 9:00-11:00 AM at Worthy Brewing Company (495 Northeast Bellevue Drive in Bend)
Learn the basics of starting your own backyard compost system and the simple science behind it. This workshop will cover the basics of composting, different types of compost systems, and how compost can benefit your plants, your soil, and the environment.

Reserve a spot here.
This workshop is part of Worthy Environmental’s Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund Project – learn more.

Tomato Manifesto 2023 - Preserving Your Summer Bounty
2023-08-27 13:30 - 15:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
“Tomato Manifesto – Preserving Your Summer Bounty” – Locavore’s Food School at Open Space Studios, Sunday, August 27th 1:30-3pm
Central Oregon Locavore Non-Profit is proud to offer a learning and demonstration experience for storing, preserving and enjoying tomatoes all season long! Registrants will be given tips, tricks, hands-on experiences and learn the many different methods of storing summer produce for year-round use that preserves nutritional integrity and follows food safety guidelines.
The Food School Program is a hands-on approach bringing local chefs, farmers, ranchers and herbalists together with the community as they teach their trades in a fun and approachable manner to those that want to learn all about food!
Event is $8 for members, $10 for non-members, with limited registration. Please visit our website for more information, or those interested can sign up at the link below.
Sign up here!

Solar + Storage Incentive Review
2023-08-28 12:00 - 13:00
Learn how you can embrace Solar+storage and become apart of the green energy Future!

Rescheduled Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-08-29 16:00 - 18:00
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.
Please note – Happy Hour in the Garden is cancelled when temps are over 100 degrees and AQI in Old Bend is over 150.
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
August 29 – Rescheduled make up date!!

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.

Raise the Deschutes: Deschutes River Walk and Talk Tour
2023-08-30 18:00 - 20:00
Deepen your understanding of the Deschutes Basin through an enriching, serene evening by the river. Join DRC for the “Raise the Deschutes River Walk and Talk Tour,” happening on August 30, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
During the walk, the group will stop along the way to discuss several key points, including the unique dynamics of the Deschutes Basin, the changes it has undergone, and the ways in which human activity has impacted it.
Additionally, DRC will share how they’re working toward DRC’s mission to restore streamflow and improve water quality. You’ll discuss their ongoing projects, collaborations, and the tangible differences they’re making for our rivers and all who depend on them.

Green Energy Series #11: Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage
2023-09-09 10:00 - 11:00
Solar Oregon presents a free webinar on seasonal thermal energy storage – Options, methods, and economics.

Latino Fest
2023-09-09 11:00 - 17:00 | Sahalee Park, 1 SE 7th Street, Madras, OR, 97744, United States
Central Oregon’s most important Latin American heritage celebration!

September 9, 2023 11am – 5pm

Enjoy diverse cultures, live music, dancing, delicious food, a community resource fair, piñatas, and games for kids!
