The Environmental Center

Explosion Green Live Online Conversation with Jason F. McLennan
2014-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Bend Farmers Market
2014-06-04
BRINGING OREGON’S BEST TO BEND EVERY WEEK
Open Wednesdays 3-7pm, June 4th through October 10th
Bend Farmers Market is blossoming into one of Oregon’s leading farm–direct marketplaces, bringing together growers and producers with people who hunger for fresh, local, healthful foods and agricultural goods. The Market occurs once a week downtown in the Brooks Street Alley-way behind the Tower Theater. We’ve also continued to reach out to the community as the first farmers market in Oregon to launch a Farm to School program.

Grand Council Fire with Camp Fire
2014-06-04
Grand Council Fire is the Camp Fire ceremony that marks the end of the school year. It is a splendid and inspirational occasion when youth are recognized for their achievements. All Camp Fire members, as well as their friends and families, are encouraged to attend.
The evening will kick off with a family barbecue! We’ll eat and play games first, then at 6:30 we’ll move to our seats to enjoy the Grand Council Fire ceremony.
Pre-registration is required. Register here by Friday, May 30.

Natural History Walk in the Badlands with ONDA
2014-06-05
Natural History Walk in the Badlands Difficulty Rating: 1 out of 5 June 5th (Thursday AM) The second in a new series of educational outings showcasing the high desert environs surrounding Bend: Spend a day with local expert Stu Garret learning about the natural landscapes in Bend’s own high desert Oregon Badlands Wilderness. This is a great introduction to the natural history and conservation themes and the inhabitants (former and current) of eastern Oregon.
See more about this event and registration information at ONDA’s website.

Roy Zimmerman in Concert
2014-06-05
Back By Popular Demand! Funny Songs about Peace and Justice
Satirical singer-songwriter & Troubadour for the Truth, Roy Zimmerman, is coming back to Bend for a repeat performance! You won’t want to miss him this time around!
Possible themes he’ll touch on: creationism, same-sex marriage, fracking, government shut-down, marijuana, immigration.
Visit his website.
Invite your Friends!
Sponsored by the Central Oregon Social Justice Center and Jobs with Justice

Metolius River Hike with the Sierra Club
2014-06-06
Start at Lower Canyon Creek and hike down to fish hatchery, passing a number of springs and falls. Wildflowers should be wonderful. No dogs.
For more information about this and other Central-Oregon Sierra Club adventures and to sign up, visit the Juniper Group Sierra Club website.

Natural History Walk at Pine Mountain with ONDA
2014-06-06
Natural History Walk at Pine Mountain Difficulty Rating: 1 out of 5 June 6th (Friday PM) The third in ONDA’s new series of educational outings showcasing the high desert environs surrounding Bend. Pine Mountain just east of Bend, will allow local expert Tom Rodhouse to showcase views near and far for learning about everything from Pleistocene lakes to birds to distant galaxies (thanks to the astronomy observatory on top).
See more about this event and how to register at ONDA’s website.

The HUB Cyclery Work Event with COTA
2014-06-07
Join COTA and The Hub Cyclery for new trail construction on the new Welcome Center trails.
We will meet at the Old Mount Bachelor Park & Ride, load up on coffee and pastries, and then carpool to the Welcome Center trails work site.
There will be a drawing for some Hub items after the work is finished.
For more information on this event, visit COTA’s website.

Larkspur Festival Plant Sale
2014-06-07
What a great opportunity to purchase potted, started herbs, perenials, annuals, and vegetables! Come on down to Larkspur Park at the Bend Senior Center to join the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association for their 2014 plant sale. Prices for potted plants will vary, so check their website for more information (link below).

For more information about this event, visit the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association website.

Dirty Half Trail Run to benefit the Deschutes Land Trust
2014-06-08
The annual FootZone Dirty Half Trail Run is once again a benefit for the Land Trust. Registration for the race is now open usually fills quickly! Register today.
See the Deschutes Land Trust website for more information.

Beers Made by Walking Badlands
2014-06-09
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.

This is the area where we will hike: TBD in the Badlands with Worthy Brewing

For more information, go to the Beers Made By Walking website.
