The Environmental Center

Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride, Skyline Forest
2014-05-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kirin Stryker of CogWild Mountain Bike Tours for an 8-12 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline Forest. This ride is open to experienced* riders who want to explore the crowd-free trails of Skyline Forest while learning about the potential trail network that could connect Bend and Sisters. From fresh water springs to historic lumber mills, riders will experience firsthand why the Land Trust is working to protect Skyline Forest, Bend’s backyard. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
*Riders should be in good physical condition, at least intermediate skill level, and comfortable riding areas of loose dirt and sandy soil, and be able to ride over obstacles in the trail such as rocks and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. The ride is a mixture of single track and old logging roads with several steeper climbs and descents. Expect trails to be a mixture of hard-packed single track and rocky, loose, sandy soil.
Registration is required; please click on the button above to register
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Whychus Canyon Preserve Geology Hike
2014-05-22
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a geology hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Explore ancient juniper groves and native grasslands as you hike towards a scenic boulder overlook. Then, enjoy panoramic mountain views as you brush up on your rock talk and learn about the geologic history of this stunning rimrock canyon. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required.
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Beers Made By Walking Middle Deschutes River
2014-05-22
Beers Made By Walking is happy to announce a series of hikes in collaboration with the Oregon Natural Desert Association in Bend, Oregon. The hikes will be attended by the public, and brewers from Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and Worthy Brewing Co.
The hikes are a part of the educational programming for the Oregon Natural Desert Association. Hike-goers will learn about the natural history of the area we hike through, learn about the flora, and spend time hiking with the brewers.
For more information, go to the Beers Made By Walking website.

Wildflower Hike at the Whychus Canyon Preserve
2014-05-23
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Moorehead for a hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve.
Soak up late spring as you explore ancient juniper groves and wildflower-studded slopes on your
way to a scenic boulder overlook. Take in the bright green aspen groves along Whychus Creek
and panoramic views of mountain peaks while enjoying this dramatic canyon. Registration is
required and opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Moderate, ~3 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Please register online at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Household Hazardous Waste Facility Open
2014-05-23 - 2014-05-24
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is accepted free of charge from residential users at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility. The HHW Facility is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Friday and Saturday of each month.
For more information, visit the ReThink Waste website.

Metolius Preserve Hike with the Deschutes Land Trust
2014-05-23
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Crow for a new hike at the Metolius Preserve. The
Preserve now has two new bridges across Lake Creek that connect trails from north to south.
We’ll explore these new areas as we enjoy the Preserve’s pine forests in their early spring glory.
Rating: Moderate, ~3-4 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event; please register online at
the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Ecology of a Place, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2014-05-24
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop for a spring walk around beautiful Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Visit the upper meadows and springs and learn about the fascinating history of one of Central Oregon’s oldest places. Then, visit the lower meadow to see the forests, meadow and newly restored Whychus Creek that provide important habitat for native fish and wildlife. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required.
Check out all of the great hikes and events of the Deschutes Land Trust by clicking here.

Central OR Saturday Market
2014-05-24
If you’re interested in finely crafted jewelry, artwork, clothing, or household goods, then the Central Oregon Saturday Market is the place to visit. Stroll and shop, and then enjoy lunch while listening to the sounds of local musicians. Enjoy hand crafted items for all ages: Including dyed and painted cotton shirts, stylish hats, totes, aprons, scarves and dresses. Beautiful hand painted silks, along with eye catching wall art in watercolor and acrylic. Handsome stained glass, metalwork, woodwork, and other artistic items can be purchased for home decorating. Glass and Precious stone jewelry is available at attractive pricing for every budget.
Every Saturday from Memorial Day to September (Open both Sat & Sun on Memorial & Labor Day Weekend).
For more information on the Central OR Saturday Market, visit their website.

Local Farm and Ranch Tour
2014-05-24
If you want to learn how our local farmers and ranchers are growing healthy food these days, join The Well Traveled Fork for a tour of Central Oregon farms and ranches that produce food the old fashioned way—the way we used to before big agribusiness became the source of most of our food.

Under the backdrop of the Cascade Mountain range, you may visit:

An organic farm where vegetables, herbs, berries and flowers sprout from the dry high desert earth. Learn about their special production methods that produce some of the best-tasting food you’ll ever taste!

One of the many hearty ranchers that raise beef, sheep, pigs or goats in the Central Oregon area. These animals are treated humanely and have good lives as long as they are on this planet. You will also meet the guard animals that tend to the charges and protect them from predators.

Chickens are supposed to be free range, but have you seen them? Meet the ladies of the high desert that take their independence rather seriously! Superior egg layers and beautiful to boot!

An alpaca operation that raises these exotic animals. At the boutique store, you will see the luxurious garments crafted from one of the most rare and prized fibers.

You may have a chance to meet these hard working farmers and ranchers and talk to them about their operations. You’ll learn about their commitment to using only sustainable production methods as they manage their very diverse businesses.
Our route changes seasonally but is sure to excite and educate visitors to the bounty that Central Oregon has to offer.
Food is not frivolous. Find out where your food comes from! Follow the Fork!
Cost: $55.00 – all inclusive
Duration: 3-4 hours
*Tours are not recommended for children under 5. Please contact us if you need us to make an exception.
Call or Email for reservation.
*For larger groups, additional transportation costs may apply.
For more information on this and other events, visit The Well Traveled Fork website.

Birding for Pre-Schoolers Nature Walk
2014-05-26
Join East Cascades Audubon Society leader Mary Yanalcanlin in Bend’s Drake Park for a birding and nature walk geared towards preschoolers. Meet near the middle of Drake Park by the restrooms at 10 AM. A parent or responsible care-taker is required to accompany the child.
For more information about this and other upcoming events of the East Cascades Audubon Society, visit their website.

Explosion Green Live Online Conversation with Jason F. McLennan
2014-05-27
Watch the Conversation

Join David Gottfried, the founder of the U.S. and World Green Building Councils & CEO of Regenerative Ventures for 45 minute hosted conversations with 35 of the world’s foremost thought leaders in green building and sustainability, including bestselling authors, greentech CEOs, major developers, and luminary architects, engineers and green movement leaders.

Sign up for your FREE ticket today!

Featured Expert: Jason F. McLennan
It’s almost impossible to grow up in Sudbury Ontario without becoming an environmentalist. Sudbury was a nickel-mining town that by 1970 was so moonscape-bleak that NASA used it for astronaut training. When Jason McLennan was in middle school, he participated in restoration efforts that eventually won the town a UN commendation. But then he watched a hill he helped regreen be flattened for a strip mall. He chose the University of Oregon because of its deep environmental program and the greenest architecture program he could find, and studied with a small group of dedicated professors. When he finished school in 1996, Bob Berkebile hired him over the phone, saying he sensed “a change agent.” Jason became a partner in BNIM at 30, the youngest in the firm. He credits BNIM’s Montana State University EpiCenter project for giving him a virtual Ph.D. in “deep green research,” along with the genesis of the Living Building Challenge (LBC). Jason became CEO of the Cascadia Region GBC in 2006, transferred the LBC intellectual property to the Council, and formally launched the program that year.

Today Jason is the CEO of International Living Future Institute, and one of the most influential individuals in the green building movement. The LBC was a major driver in the creation of the Bullitt Center. He is also the creator of Pharos, an advanced building material rating system, Declare, an ingredient disclosure label for building products, and JUST, a social justice transparency platform for organizations. In addition, he serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for Integral Group. He has received numerous awards, and is the author of five books. Jason hopes that eventually people will realize that they are no higher or lower than any other creature, and that all are part of the same act of creation. He believes that instead of valuing size, we should value quality.

For more information on this event, visit the International Living Future Institute’s wesbite.

LandWatch Forum on Farms & Ranches
2014-05-27
Central Oregon LandWatch is hosting Deschutes County at a forum on farms & ranches in Central Oregon on Tuesday, May 27th 5:30 p.m. at the Environmental Center.

In the Garden with Camp Fire Connects
2014-05-28
Join Camp Fire and The Environmental Center in TEC’s Learning Garden to see firsthand where local food comes from! We will tour the garden, plant wildflower seeds to attract pollinators, do some fun and light garden work, sample some fresh garden greens, and plant a seed to take home.
Rain or shine! Meet up location: In the garden next to TEC.
This event is for registered Camp Fire members and their families only. Become a member today by purchasing an individual or family membership, or receive your Camp Fire membership when you register for any of our summer camps!
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register now!

Wednesday Birders at Malheur NWR
2014-05-28
Wednesday Birders– Malheur NWR – ALL DAY
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 7:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving.
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). It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders.
For more information about this and other upcoming events of the East Cascades Audubon Society, visit their website.

Whychus Canyon Preserve Restoration Hike
2014-05-28
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jane Meissner for a spring hike at Whychus Canyon
Preserve. Explore ancient juniper groves and learn about native plants as you hike through the
grasslands and wind down wildflower-studded slopes to Whychus Creek. Explore boulder
outcroppings and take in panoramic views of mountain peaks and dramatic canyons while you
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learn about recent efforts to restore the forests of the Preserve. Registration is required and
opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Moderate, ~4 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Please register online at the Dechutes Land Trust website.

Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride at Skyline Forest with the Deschutes Land Trust
2014-05-28
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jen Zalewski for an 8-12 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline
Forest. This ride is open to experienced* riders who want to explore the crowd-free trails of
Skyline Forest while learning about the potential trail network that could connect Bend and
Sisters. From fresh water springs to historic lumber mills, riders will experience firsthand why the
Land Trust is working to protect Skyline Forest, Bend’s backyard. Registration is required and
opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/events.
*Riders should be in good physical condition, at least intermediate skill level, and comfortable
riding areas of loose dirt and sandy soil, and be able to ride over obstacles in the trail such as
rocks and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. The ride is a
mixture of single track and old logging roads with several steeper climbs and descents. Expect
trails to be a mixture of hard-packed single track and rocky, loose, sandy soil.
Rating: Challenging, 8-12 mile ride.
What to Bring: Your bike, helmet, a bike repair kit and plenty of water and snacks.
For more information on this event, visit the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Coffer Ranch Wildflower Hike
2014-05-29
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Crow for a wildflower hike around a conserved private
ranch outside of Prineville. We’ll hike along Mill Creek and enjoy scenic views of unique rock
formations while learning more about the springs and wetlands the ranch protects. Then, we’ll
head up into the hills to search for a myriad of native wildflowers including phlox, prairie star,
balsamroot, and bitterroot. Portions of this hike will be off trail with significant elevation gain and
loss. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Difficult, ~6 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Please register online at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Smith Rock State Park Geology Hike
2014-05-29
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Daniele McKay for a hike along the Summit Loop Trail at
Smith Rock State Park. This gorgeous 7-mile hike follows the Burma Road up to a ridge
overlooking famed peaks like Monkey Face. On the descent, the trail crosses a private property
protected by the Land Trust for its mule deer and Crooked River habitat. Along the way, learn
about how Smith Rock’s unqiue geology was shaped by volcanoes and water. Registration is
required and opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Difficult, ~7 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Please register online at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Gerry Mountain and Cougar Wells Wilderness Monitoring Trip with ONDA
2014-05-29 - 2014-06-01
A true “Wilderness Stewardship Trip”. Come help us monitor and take care of two Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) close to home here in Central Oregon. We’ll spend the weekend hiking, driving, biking, and exploring these two WSAs to ensure that they maintain their unique wilderness character. – See more at ONDA’s event page.

Green Drinks with Bloom Well
2014-05-29
Join us at Green Drinks, the bi-monthly gathering to learn about local businesses and their sustainability efforts while enjoying an Eco-conscious drink or two! This month we’ll be learning about Bloom Well, a safe-access medical marijuana dispensary right here in Bend (1814 NE Division Street) from 5-7pm.

Toward One Oregon: Bridging Oregon's Urban and Rural Divide
2014-05-29
A Community Conversation Led By Professors Ethan Seltzer & Michael Hibbard
Every state has a legacy of truths—stories residents tell to explain why things are how they are. When those truths conflict, as they inevitably do, the result is political, social, and cultural tension.
In Oregon, tensions manifest themselves as wet versus dry, the valley versus the east side, and, perhaps most fundamental, urban versus rural. Our state’s conflicting truths can bedevil and sometimes paralyze us despite our shared state borders and public processes. The aim of this conversation is to explore and imagine what unifies Oregon.
1000 Friends of Oregon is pleased to partner with The Environmental Center and Oregon Humanities to bring a Conversation Project event to Bend.
For more information click HERE
RSVP: Please click here to RSVP, or contact Amanda Caffall, amanda@friends.org or 503-497-1000 x137.

Wednesday Birders-Raptors in Millican Valley, Brothers, and Hampton
2014-05-30
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 7:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving.
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). It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders.
For more information about this and other upcoming events of the East Cascades Audubon Society, visit their website.

Bird Walk at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2014-05-30
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jan Rising for a bird walk at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.
Enjoy spring bird migrations to the fullest as you watch for songbirds and hummingbirds in the
willows, warblers along the restored Whychus Creek, and woodpeckers working the pine groves.
Explore this Sisters-area Preserve that is considered a birding hot spot with more than 165
species observed! Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.
Rating: Moderate, ~2 mile walk.
What to Bring: Binoculars, snacks, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Please register at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Wildflower Hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve
2014-05-31
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and David Miller for a hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Soak up
spring as you wind down wildflower-studded slopes to the bright green aspen along Whychus
Creek. Scan the canyon for colorful native blooms, like balsamroot or pale blue flax, and watch
for songbirds and signs of wildlife. Explore boulder outcroppings and take in panoramic views of
mountain peaks, scenic rivers, and dramatic canyons. Registration is required and opens 1 month
prior to the event.
Rating: Moderate, ~4 mile hike.
What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
Please register online at the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Spring Fling with Central Oregon Trail Alliance
2014-05-31
When: 9:00 A.M., Saturday, May 31, 2014
Meeting place: Old Mount Bachelor Park & Ride, NE corner of SW Columbia and SW Simpson
Light breakfast and coffee will be provided.
Lunch, beer, and raffle: 2:00 P.M. at Crowsfeet Commons, 875 NW Brook Street
Beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.
Lunch by Yo Mama’s Food Cart and Big Troys BBQ
Music by Greg Botsford
Central Oregon Trail Alliance is looking for volunteers for the 14th annual Spring Fling work event. Meet at 9:00 a.m. to sign waivers and get into a trail crew, then hang out and enjoy breakfast and coffee. We will then carpool to the work sites. This community effort will focus on building the new Visitor Center trail network. COTA will supply tools, direction, and refreshments. Bring your friends and family to help contribute.
Go to Central Oregon Trail Alliance website for more information on this and other upcoming COTA events.

First Annual Bend VegFest!
2014-05-31
VegNet Bend is pleased to announce the first annual Bend VegFest, a day-long celebration to promote compassionate living with plant-based foods and other animal-free products, taking place Saturday, May 31, 2014. Bend VegFest will feature nationally recognized speakers, informative exhibitors, a film screening, and delicious samples of vegan food from veg-friendly restaurants and food companies.
For more information on this event, please visit VegNet Bend.

Class on Planning Your Own Garden
2014-05-31
Learn from the local experts on how to garden in Central Oregon’s short growing season. This class will include site selection, season extenders, when to plant, getting the most out of a small garden and plant care.
Click here for more information or call 541-389-7275

Camp Fire Central Oregon Presentations and Wo-He-Lo Awards
2014-06-02
On Monday, June 2, at 5:30pm, local youth will be giving presentations at the Deschutes Public Library to mark the culmination of their experience with Camp Fire Central Oregon. At the end of their presentations, each participant will be given Camp Fire’s most prestigious award, the Wo-He-Lo (Work Health Love), which is only presented after the completion of 150 service hours. The upcoming June 4 Grand Council Fire will also celebrate these youth’s achievements.
For more information about this event, please visit the Camp Fire Central Oregon’s website.

Wednesday Birders-Walking Loop at Tumalo Reservoir and Hatfield Ponds
2014-06-04

Metolius Preserve Wander
2014-06-04
Explore your Land Trust Preserves in a whole new way: the Wander! Join Derek Loeb for a short stroll with easy walking to learn about one of our flagship Preserves, the Metolius Preserve. We’ll explore the south entrance of the Preseve including its forks of Lake Creek and its sometimes overlooked glacial geology. Along the way, we will also see examples of a forest restoration that is helping bring back the old-growth pines of the Preserve. Registration is required and opens 1
month prior to the event.
Rating: Easy, ~1 mile walk.
What to Bring: Snacks, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.
For more information about this event and to register, please visit the Deschutes Land Trust website.
