The Environmental Center

Bend COTA Work Events
2022-01-06, 2022-01-13, 2022-01-20, 2022-01-27, 2022-02-03 | 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.

Snowshoe Central Oregon
2022-01-12
Join Oregon Wild for a presentation on how and where to snowshoe in Central Oregon. They’ll have tips and suggestions regarding everything from safety to gear to picking the most scenic trails. They’ll include some “Snowshoeing 101” for those new to the activity as well as some tips on locations that would be applicable to all ability levels. The presentation will include:
• Photography of recommended scenic snowshoeing destinations in Central Oregon
• The basics of learning to snowshoe
• Reference map
• What to bring
• How to be safe when snowshoeing
• Gear (snowshoes and clothing)

Universal Representation Community Forum
2022-01-13
FARMWORKER OVERTIME
For too long farmworkers have been excluded from receiving overtime pay. This exclusion has roots in the racist 1938 Federal Labor Standards Act, which sought to deny Black farmworkers from this benefit. This exclusion was wrong in 1938 and it’s wrong now. Farmworkers deserve to be paid for their hard work just like everyone else. Through this multi-year phased-in plan, farmworkers will finally receive the pay they deserve.
UNIVERSAL LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Our country’s immigration court system is complex and confusing. Too many immigrants are left to navigate this complicated system by themselves when they’re given a deportation order, often in a language they’re not fluent in. Through Universal Legal Representation, Oregon would connect immigrants with legal support and help families stay together.
Join Adelante Mujeres and more on a community forum to learn about these two important initiatives.

The Father's Group Film Series Presents: A Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
2022-01-15
Join for a night of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. with The Father’s Group, a local Black-led non-profit that works to enhance the lives of children through education, leadership, and networking; while strengthening our community, eliminating barriers, and helping individuals reach their full potential.
The Father’s Group is presenting a full month of films in collaboration with BendFilm and Open Space Event Studios to celebrate and honor Black History Month kicking off with an MLK celebration on Saturday the 15th.
Come enjoy local artists, a short performance, a film (to be announced shortly) followed by a Q&A led by The Father’s

Central Heat Pumps - Find the most cost effective solution for your home
2022-01-19
If you are contemplating installing a heat pump to heat and cool your home, it can be confusing to understand all the various options and configurations. Join the Electrify Coalition as they discuss the key elements to understand, and explore which type of central heat pumps are most cost effective to help you make the right choice for your home. They’ll talk to leading experts who will help guide you through the different types of heat pumps and their best applications.

If I Had a Billion Dollars: How We Can Transform Oregon’s Transportation Future
2022-01-19
The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is sending nearly a billion dollars to Oregon, with more on the table in the form of grants. If the Build Back Better Act passes, Oregon could see even more transportation dollars.
The Clean and Just Transportation Network is hosting a panel discussion of leaders from communities around the state on January 19 to talk about how we’d like to see transportation dollars spent to make big strides in climate and equity.

Oregon's Fisher and Marten
2022-01-19
In your travels across Oregon, you may have seen a marten. Or was it a wolverine? Or…maybe it was a fisher?
Well, if these questions ever crossed your mind, this is the webcast for you!
On January 19th join guest biologist Dr. Katie Moriarty, a research scientist with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), will be digging into what, exactly, are fisher and marten, how to tell them apart, what their current habitats are, and why they’re so important in the ecosystem. You’ll also learn about some of the threats they are facing today and what can be done to help.
Make sure to RSVP to learn more about these ferocious and fuzzy mammals and their role in Oregon. You won’t want to miss this webcast!

Indigenous Perspectives on Earth, Water and Sky, Featuring Larry Campbell
2022-01-20
Swinomish Elder Larry Campbell (Wanaseah) has been actively involved in Coast Salish tribal affairs for 40 years. He has an extensive background in cultural resources, tribal policy, government-to-government relations, and community health. Larry has a Bachelor of Arts degree in tribal government. He co-manages the Swinomish Community Environmental Health Program.

Sustainable Homes Project Showcase
2022-01-20
Join for this exciting new event where you’ll hear rapid-fire project presentations from graduates of the Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) accreditation training!
Tap into insights from some of the freshest minds and building best practices that SHP participants have to offer. Hear from speakers that are building industry professionals and who have been selected for their outstanding SHP Final Projects that illustrate different approaches to successful high performance design and building in residential construction.
The SHP Project Showcase is open to NW audiences who are looking for both project inspiration and practical applications. Anyone who is SHP curious or a current SHP participant will also find the session to be highly valuable.

Connecting with the Big River: Introduction to Confluence
2022-01-20
Curious about how Confluence got started? Want to explore their five completed art landscapes? Interested in the work they’re doing in schools?
Join Founding Board Chair Antone Minthorn (CTUIR) and Executive Director Colin Fogarty for a discussion about where Confluence began, how it has evolved and where they’re going in the future. You’ll also hear about the Confluence sites from Ann Batchelor Hursey, author of the recently published “Field Notes to Maya Lin’s Confluence Project Landscapes.”

Factory Farm Gas Webinar: Oregon Needs Real Climate Solutions
2022-01-20
Experts agree, we must decrease methane emissions now to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Instead of facing the fact that agriculture is the leading source of methane emissions in Oregon, leaders have pushed false solutions, like factory farm gas. Together, we can change that and push for real solutions!

Virtual Program: NASA’s Lucy Mission
2022-01-20
Join SNCO’s very own JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador Paul Poncy for a special virtual program on NASA’s LUCY Mission. Paul was in Florida at the historic launch of the probe. NASA’s Lucy mission is the first spacecraft launched to explore the Trojan asteroids, a population of primitive asteroids orbiting in tandem with Jupiter.
SNCO members receive 15% off registration

Bonfires, Bikes & Brews
2022-01-21, 2022-02-04
Every other Friday this winter Good Bike Co will open their patio and strike up the fire cauldron. Bring your neighbors, family, and friends out to enjoy the warmth of community. Their bar hosts a rotating selection of some of the finest Oregon craft brews around. All are welcome. Pet friendly.

Livestream Author Event Robin Wall Kimmerer
2022-01-24
Join for a talk with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of UO Common Reading selection Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.
Drawing on her life as an Indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world.

Welcoming seeds home: Seed rematriation webinar series
2022-01-25
Seed Savers Exchange is excited to announce a Seed Rematriation webinar series. This series will highlight Seed Rematriation partnerships funded through a North Central SARE Partnership grant in conjunction with Seed Savers Exchange. Join to learn how Indigenous farmers, activists, communities, and nations are welcoming seeds home to grow and share.

Note: The event will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers. Even if you are unable to join live you will be able to watch it at your own convenience.
The second webinar will be held Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 1 – 2 PM Central Time (US).

January Townhall with Jason Kropf & Phil Chang
2022-01-25
Join Commissioner Chang for a town hall moderated by Rep. Kropf on Tuesday, January 25 from 7-8pm!

Classroom Greenhouse Educator Workshop
2022-01-26
Start a Classroom Greenhouse!
Grow plants in your classroom with a pop-up greenhouse! Participants of this workshop will receive a classroom greenhouse and materials to start seeding plants in the classroom. Guest speaker and former classroom teacher Dawn Alexander will share tips and tricks of utilizing this system in the classroom with students.
Apply now! Limited space available! Applications will be selected based on first-come, first-serve basis, student reach and new to network teachers to meet the requirements of the grant funding this workshop.

Nature Nights: A Low-to-No Snow Future
2022-01-26
Save the date! The Land Trust is pleased to present their 2022 Nature Nights series.
Mountain snowpacks have historically acted as large, natural reservoirs of water, as well as providing awesome recreational opportunities. In recent decades, however, snowpack has declined—another sign of a changing climate. If our climate continues to warm, snow loss will be exacerbated across the Western US, termed a “no-to-low snow future.” Join the Deschutes Land Trust, Dr. Alan Rhoades, and Dr. Erica Siirila-Woodburn to learn about the possibility of a low-to-no snow future in the Cascades. Dr. Rhoades and Dr. Siirila-Woodburn will offer proactive solutions to both mitigate the extent of and adapt to the changing conditions of a low-to-no snow future. Learn how you can help make a difference in our (hopefully!) snowy future. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online.

Climate & Farmworker Rights Forum
2022-01-27
Did you know that, despite being essential workers, farmworkers have been excluded from overtime pay since 1938? Now, Oregon has the opportunity to right this historic wrong by passing the Farmworker Overtime bill. RSVP below to find out more on Thursday, January 27th from 6 to 7:30pm at the Climate & Farmworker Rights Forum.

No Water, No Food: How can agriculture respond to the climate crisis?
2022-01-28
From no water to too much, farmers are facing increasing challenges affecting the production & success of their crops. This panel will examine both the problems and some solutions to the water issues brought on by climate change.

Winona LaDuke-The Green Path Ahead: Indigenous Teachings for the Next Economy
2022-02-01
Winona LaDuke is a global leader and an economist focused on issues of culturally based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, water protection, and sustainable food systems. Drawing upon her work in these areas, LaDuke strongly believes there is a clear path forward towards our shared economic future. LaDuke will share her vision for this transition, one that is just and equitable for all, including Mother Earth.
*FREE and OPEN to the public. Registration opens 1.10.22

11th Organic Seed Growers Conference
2022-02-04 - 2022-02-11
The Organic Seed Growers Conference is a biennial gathering by and for agroecological seed communities in the U.S. and across the world. The event creates spaces where experienced and emerging seed stewards can convene timely conversations, educational trainings, and strategy sessions. The gathering serves as a conduit for making new connections and catching up with old friends, networking across organic seed communities, sharing knowledge with other participants, and celebrating the growing movement. Organizers curate a conference agenda that reflects the multifaceted needs of seed growers and advocates, no matter the ease or discomfort of the topics. The goal of the Organic Seed Growers Conference is to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses to take actions that support and improve the integrity of the philosophical and practical systems that make up the organic seed movement and trade.

State Agency Trails Funding and Assistance Opportunities Webinar
2022-02-09
Learn about trails funding and assistance opportunities available through Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Marine Board, and Travel Oregon.
This webinar will give an overview of the Recreational Trails Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Local Government Grants, ATV Grant Program, Oregon Community Paths, Boating Facility and Waterways Access Grants, and more.

Cancelled-All We Can Save Book Circle Bend, Oregon
2022-02-09
Join for an in-person, self-organized book circle. Over 10-weeks this small group will create a safe and open space for climate conversations and read “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage & Solutions for the Climate Crisis” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson.
All We Can Save is an anthology of writings by 60 women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward. While the book is compiled and written by women, everyone is welcome to join the book circle.
DATES: The group will meet Wednesdays starting Feb 9th. No meeting Mar 23rd due to Bend La-Pine school district spring break. Last circle meeting is Apr 20th (just before Earth Day).
**Class size is limited to 10 people. Please purchase a copy of the book at Roundabout Books, Dudley’s, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite online seller. Loaner copies of the book will be available to borrow for the 10-week circle.
More info about All We Can Save book circles
More praise for All We Can Save

Deschutes County Town Hall with Senator Jeff Merkley
2022-02-09
On Wednesday, February 9, Senator Jeff Merkley is hosting his sixth digital town hall of the year — and 474th since first being elected to the Senate. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to hear directly from you, our community, but it’s also important to respect the health and safety of every member of our communities while there is still a very real risk of spreading COVID-19 through in-person gatherings. Senator Jeff Merkley invites Deschutes County residents to join online, on mobile devices, or on the telephone to discuss what we need to do to strengthen our state and our nation.
Where:
On a computer, smartphone or tablet: click here
On the phone:
Call 669-254-5252
Enter meeting ID: 161 178 9072
Enter participant ID: #
Enter passcode: [REDACTED]
