The Environmental Center

MOVE Bend Launch Party
2017-09-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In the next year, hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for new roads, highway projects, bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and transit services will be on the table—how will it be spent?
We have a moment, right now, to shape the future of our transportation system for decades to come.
That’s because every transportation agency in our area including the City of Bend, ODOT, Cascades East Transit, the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization and even Bend Park and Recreation District are all updating their major transportation and trail plans.
MOVE BEND is the community initiative making sure you have a say in what happens. And Sept. 27 is the launch of this interactive community conversation!
Bring your friends and see the MOVE BEND launch video starring local heroes. Get the first look at our new, super cool website. Have a beer. Grab some apps. But most importantly learn how you can take make sure your voice is heard by decision-makers no matter your opinion, background or hopes for the future.

Bend COTA Work Events
2017-09-28, 2017-10-05, 2017-10-12, 2017-10-19 | 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.

September Nature Night: Coming Home to Central Oregon
2017-09-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A “Sense of Place” is a phrase often used to describe the ways in which a given landscape’s geology, climate, forest history, indigenous culture, and patterns of settlement can all influence the experience of living there. But another term that can also be useful in this connection is “affiliation.” It relates to a more active and conscious process of claiming a place as one’s own. Join the Deschutes Land Trust and John Elder for a talk on place and affiliation where we will explore a unified vision of nature and culture, citizenship and stewardship. Among the writers to be referred to along the way will be Leslie Marmon Silko and Gary Snyder.
This event is free, but registration is required.

All About ADUs Course
2017-09-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This half-day course + tour is intended for real estate, building and design professionals looking to increase their knowledge about Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development in Bend.
Offered in partnership with the

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2017-09-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival! Join for an evening of short films showcasing our earth’s natural wonders and the amazing stories of activists working to conserve the environment.
The event is fully virtual this year. Enjoy the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, screened in HD, from the comfort of your home. The virtual waiting room will open at 5:30PM, and the livestream will start at 6:00PM. Only one person per household needs to register.

National Public Lands Day
2017-09-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Did you know that September 30 is National Public Lands Day?
A great way to celebrate is by getting together with friends to take action for our public lands. Oregon Natural Desert Association’s new Public Land Leaders program makes it simple to host a fun get-together that will inform and inspire your community, and result in effective grassroots action for our public lands.
Ready to start planning your public lands celebration? Sign up today!
You could host a backyard barbeque, meet up at a restaurant, or take your friends to explore your local public lands. To make sure this opportunity is accessible and affordable for everyone, ONDA will cover the costs of your gathering. You read that right—get your friends together to take action for public lands, and the food and drinks are on us!

Local Food Challenge
2017-10-01 - 2017-10-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
4th Annual Local Food Challenge brought to you by High Desert Food & Farm Alliance
How to participate: Every day from Sept 24-29th, HDFFA will send you daily mini-challenges. These are fun opportunities to try new flavors, interact with your community, and learn about farmers, ranchers and the Central Oregon food landscape. The more challenges you do, the more points you rack up. The more points you earn, the closer you get to the Grand Prize!
What you’ll win: Every day, HDFFA will draw a new winner to receive $15 to spend on local food. So what’s the Grand Prize? $75 worth of local fresh local food, a local food gift basket and a chef’s knife. It’s the ultimate foodie’s dream come true!
Are you ready for the challenge? Sign up today!

Walk + Roll to School October
2017-10-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Every October and May, schools from all 50 states and more than 40 countries organize students, parents and school staff to walk or bike to school for one day. With some planning, preparation and communication, your school or district can organize a Walk or Bike to School Day to get students active and learning about walking to school. The Walk & Bike to School website is an excellent resource for ideas and resources.

Feast for the Planet
2017-10-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Chef Bethlyn Rider of Global Fusion will provide Asian-inspired cuisine at this 350Deschutes fundraiser dinner. Inspirational speakers will engage you while a raffle and silent auction of gifts will offer value and interest. Food choices include options for vegetarians, dairy, and gluten free. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to mingle with people who care about our planet.
Includes an appetizer, meal, beverage, beer or cider.
Advance tickets required at: http://350deschutes.org/1418-2/

Springs in the Fall: Metolius
2017-10-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join LandWatch on our first fall Springs walk in a series of three to explore the Metolius River Springs, one of the most spectacular field sites in Central Oregon. We will experience the area’s fascinating hydrology and discuss the importance of healthy Springs while engaging in a restorative walk which will include guided reflection on our connection to the natural environment.
Hike leaders:
Jeff Perreault – Retired USGS hydrologist and LandWatch board member
Anne Gordon – Ecopsychologist and former LandWatch intern
Nathan Hovekamp – Naturalist and LandWatch Wildlife Program Director

Clamshell Drop Off Recycling at Whole Foods
2017-10-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Plastic clam shells are not recyclable locally, so Whole Foods has worked out a deal with their distributors to make use of their empty trucks heading back to Portland, to recycle your plastic clam shell containers! For a limited time, Whole Foods will pilot this project by allowing the public to drop off their plastic clam shells at their Bend store EVERY Saturday in October, from 11-2. Rethink Waste Project will be assisting with volunteers to help educate our community about what they are accepting, as well as what you can and can’t put in our curbside mixed recycling containers.

Garden Educator Network Fall Meeting
2017-10-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Let’s get together and connect over our shared interest in getting kids outside and connected to where their food comes from! Whether you have a school garden, volunteer in one, or are interested in getting one started, its helpful to get together with other garden educators to share resources and ideas, and to see different garden spaces.
On Tuesday October 10th, we’ll meet at the Elk Meadow Elementary School Garden from 4:30 – 6:30. We’ll hear about their school garden, including how its utilized during the summer for their ‘Brain Camp’ sessions. Afterwards, everyone will have an opportunity to share highs and lows from this past season (or hopes for the next one), and new learnings for next year. We will also come prepared with a few grant opportunities and Farm to School Month resources to share..
Snacks and beverages provided! Questions? Email or call denise at 541-385-6908 x14

Oregon Wild - Wild Wednesday; Mountain Biking Bend
2017-10-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Thinking of hitting the trails this fall? Join Oregon Wild and local guidebook author and mountain biker, Katy Bryce at Crow’s Feet Commons in Bend for an evening of inspiring imagery and trail beta to get you out and about this fall. Katy will share her story about mountain biking in central Oregon. Come find out what you need to know, where to go, and what to expect, and of course hear some exciting stories along the way. In addition to Katy’s presentation, learn more about Oregon Wild’s current efforts to protect wild places and public lands across the state. Free and open to all ages. Enter our raffle for great prizes at the end!

BCD Initiative Launch Party
2017-10-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Bend Central District (BCD) is the area east of downtown bounded roughly by Revere Avenue on the north, 4th Street on the east, and the railroad on the south and west sides. It has long been identified in the City of Bend’s plans to transition from mostly industrial uses to a more urban neighborhood, and it is uniquely positioned to distribute the load of future growth.
The BCD Initiative is buiding momentum and support for the Bend Central District’s transformation into a healthy and vibrant mixed-use neighborhood with safe connections between east and west Bend.

Free hors d’oeurves, drink ticket, and live music!
We invite Midtown neighbors, Maker’s District & other BCD business owners, employees, landowners, and anyone interested in Bend’s future to join us as we launch a community conversation about the heart of our city.

Eastbound & Around Ride
2017-10-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Bend Bikes at Whole Foods Market for the 2nd annual Eastbound & Around Ride. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover Bend’s wonderful eastside off-street trails.

There are two route options (one family-friendly) this year. Both include a mix of gravel and pavement on parts of the Larkspur and Coyner Trails.

Meet-up at Whole Foods Market. The event is free, but registration is required.

Your home, your air!
2017-10-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This workshop will take you through the steps of a whole house retrofit of a 1971 home by walking through first Earth Advantage remodel project in Central Oregon. The step by step discussion will take the fear and mystery our of a whole-house retrofit. Using the motto “build tight, ventilate right,” this community demonstration project showcases the products and techniques to make your home healthy and efficient at the same time.
Presented by Matt Douglas, Earth Advantage, and Louise Palmer, homeowner.
Please RSVP for this event.
This home will be open to tour on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00 – 4:00, with additional workshops on Thursday, 10/19 from 2:00 – 3:00 and Saturday, 10/21 from 11:00 – 12:00.

Deschutes Land Trust Open House
2017-10-18 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Celebrate conservation successes, honor outstanding volunteers, and mingle with Land Trust staff and friends. Drinks and light appetizers will be provided with remarks to begin at 6:00pm. Please RSVP.

Wildfire: Central Oregon fire season in review
2017-10-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Are you curious about what happened out there this summer? Join Oregon Wild for an evening event on the wildfire season in review. Alison Dean, the Fire Effects Monitoring Coordinator for the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville BLM, and Crooked River National Grasslands will present using local fire examples to discuss fire ecology and behavior, the contributing factors affecting fire season intensity and duration, and what we can do moving forward. It should be a fun and informative evening, so bring a friend and your questions!

Springs in the Fall: Fall River Springs
2017-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join LandWatch on their second fall Springs walk in a series of three to explore the Fall River Springs. Experience the area’s fascinating hydrology and discuss the importance of healthy Springs while engaging in a restorative walk which will include guided reflection on our connection to the natural environment.
Hike leaders:
Jeff Perreault – Retired USGS hydrologist and LandWatch board member
Anne Gordon – Ecopsychologist and former LandWatch intern
Nathan Hovekamp – Naturalist and LandWatch Wildlife Program Director

Your home, your air!
2017-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This workshop will take you through the steps of a whole house retrofit of a 1971 home by walking through first Earth Advantage remodel project in Central Oregon. The step by step discussion will take the fear and mystery our of a whole-house retrofit. Using the motto “build tight, ventilate right,” this community demonstration project showcases the products and techniques to make your home healthy and efficient at the same time.
Presented by Matt Douglas, Earth Advantage, and Louise Palmer, homeowner.
Please RSVP for this event.
The home will be open to tour from 12:00 – 4:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Wild & Scenic Rivers: America’s Legacy
2017-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Slides of America’s greatest wild rivers taken by award-winning photographer Tim Palmer from his latest book. These rivers flow from mountains, forests and grasslands with astonishing beauty, and they are essential to all life. Tim will draw attention to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, now defending 12,734 miles of rivers running free, and the need to maintain strong conservation protections for this proud American legacy.

OLCV Environmental Scorecard Release at Pints and Politics
2017-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Find out your legislators’ voting records on environmental issues and hear about Oregon League of Conservation Voters’ notable champions and leaders in the 2017 Oregon Legislature. Reflect on the 2017 legislative session with OLCV staff and learn how Bend can make a big impact in Salem in 2018.

Whychus Creek Planting Party
2017-10-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Whychus Canyon Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Roll up your sleeves and help the Deschutes Land Trust plant native plants, trees, and shrubs at the recent restoration site along Whychus Creek at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Get your hands dirty and have fun while improving key fish and wildlife habitat along Whychus Creek.
The Land Trust and partners completed the construction phase of the restoration at Whychus Canyon Preserve last fall, returning water to the lower meadow and Whychus Creek to it’s historic channel. Planting native trees and shrubs is the next step to restore Whychus Creek, and will benefit not only fish, but native birds and wildlife that live along the creek’s banks.
Rating: Work party with moderate difficulty; digging and lifting required .
What to Bring: Work gloves and shovel if you have them, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks/lunch, water. Dress for the weather.

Your home, your air!
2017-10-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This workshop will take you through the steps of a whole house retrofit of a 1971 home by walking through first Earth Advantage remodel project in Central Oregon. The step by step discussion will take the fear and mystery our of a whole-house retrofit. Using the motto “build tight, ventilate right,” this community demonstration project showcases the products and techniques to make your home healthy and efficient at the same time.
Presented by Louise Palmer, homeowner.
Please RSVP for this event.
This home will be open to tour on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00 – 4:00.

RedTail Banquet
2017-10-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Deschutes Brewery, 901 SW Simpson Ave., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Sunset for dinner, drinks and a small silent auction and raffle to benefit Central Oregon’s natural resources and livable communities. This year will be celebrating the launch of the Bend Central District Initiative.
Tickets for Central Oregon LandWatch’s RedTail Banquet are $75 per person and include one raffle ticket. You have the option to pay by credit card or send a check.
Please contact Kori with any questions at 541-647-2930 x802, kori@colw.org
All proceeds benefit Central Oregon LandWatch.

Upper Deschutes Historical Fishery
2017-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join former Coalition for the Deschutes board member, Craig Lacy, for a presentation about the Upper Deschutes fishery of decades past. Craig was one of the founders of the original Coalition for the Deschutes, and in 2016, he helped launch the new Coalition. He has a degree in fishery science and has worked tirelessly to restore and protect the rivers he loves, including the Deschutes River, Crooked River, and the John Day River.
We’ll also hear about the more recent situation on the Upper Deschutes.

Beekeeping Myths & Misinformation
2017-10-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
October COBKA Meeting: Beekeeping Myths & Misinformation
Presented by Naomi Price
What is a beekeeping myth? A myth is something you believe to be true which is not. Bring your skeptic pants and science-loving goggles.
Our Beginner’s Corner will be held at 5:30 across the hall. Hope to see you all there!
