The Environmental Center

March Community Pint Nights at Deschutes Brewery
2023-03-14, 2023-03-21, 2023-03-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
We are the designated nonprofit beneficiary for Deschutes Brewery’s Community Pint Nights in March. Join us on Tuesdays in March at the downtown Public House or Tasting Room and Deschutes Brewery will donate $1 from every pint sold to The Environmental Center. Mark your calendars—we hope to see you there! March 7, 14, 21, and 28. Many thanks to Deschutes Brewery for being supporters of our work!

State Transportation Electrification Strategies: Best Practices
2023-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Forth’s New Webinar Series.
Mark your calendars – Forth’s 2023 webinar lineup is live! Forth’s free monthly webinars take a deep dive into the most relevant themes in clean transportation.

A Prototype for Affordable Cottage Cluster Housing - Bend
2023-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Worthy Brewing continues its mission to put the local community at the forefront by supporting eco-friendly non-profit organizations dedicated to conserving and protecting our beautiful Northwest region. Worthy Brewing will host the Net Zero Fellowship research presentation for Central Oregon.
REGISTER NOW

The Inflation Reduction Act and You!
2023-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
We’re kicking off 2023 Power Hours with Neighbors for Climate Action! Come learn about the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
Come Learn About New Federal $$$ Available for Home Energy Upgrades
The IRA includes $369 billion in financial incentives to help local communities reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency, build community resilience, shift to clean energy in our homes, buildings and transportation infrastructure, and develop our local workforce for the clean energy economy.
There are billions in federal funding available for homeowners as well as businesses, non-profit organizations, local governments, schools and faith-based organizations.
Learn more at this community conversation about how individuals and organizations in Bend can benefit from this new federal funding!
We will share the latest info available about federal IRA incentive funding. We will encourage conversation, surface questions, identify opportunities for Bend, and invite community members to get involved and take advantage of this opportunity.
Register for this event
Who should attend:

Homeowners, landlords, and tenants

Anyone who is interested in increasing reducing their monthly energy bills, improving energy efficiency, building community resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and meeting Bend’s climate goals

What you’ll learn:

Which energy improvements may be eligible for tax credits, rebates or other federal incentives

How to get started on an energy efficiency plan

How to schedule an energy assessment and plan improvements to take advantage of federal incentive funding

How to get involved with local community efforts and educate your friends and neighbors

Bring your questions!
Neighbors for Climate Action is a group of local residents in Bend promoting home and building electrification in order to save money, reduce carbon emissions and help meet Bend’s climate goals. Let’s work together! Email us at: neighborsforclimateaction@gmail.com
Register for this event

Know Underwater: What Can Algae Tell Us? at Redmond Prof. Academy
2023-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Explore the future of aquatic ecosystems with algae research.
This is an in-person program. Masks are optional at all in-person library events.
Algae come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from single spherical microscopic cells to forests of giant kelp that can extend up to 60 m. Collectively, this diverse array of aquatic plants fuel food webs and are a key part of the global carbon cycle. Researchers have a wide range of technologies (from satellites to remotely operated submarines) that they use to observe microscopic algae called plankton that live in the surface waters of lakes, rivers, and oceans. This allows them to study how plankton respond to changes in their environment and what that could mean for the future climate and health of aquatic ecosystems. Macroalgae (seaweeds) could also play an important role in our future as part of a more sustainable diet or as a tool to combat the increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
James Fox is a research associate in the department of microbiology at Oregon State University. He received his doctorate from the University of Essex in England where he studied marine science and is currently involved in projects ranging from the monitoring of toxic algal blooms in Oregon lakes to the impact of global climate change on ocean biology. Recently he started working with an Oregon-based start-up to help grow seaweed that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in cattle and provide an alternative source of protein to meat and soy.
Presented in collaboration with The Roundhouse Foundation, a private family foundation based in Sisters, Oregon that supports creative solutions to the unique challenges associated with rural culture and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit their website at http://www.RoundhouseFoundation.org.
Redmond Proficiency Academy – Glacier Building:
657 SW Glacier Ave #2710, Redmond, OR 97756

Our Common Ground: America’s Public Lands as a Political and Conservation Success Story
2023-03-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join professor and author John Leshy at the Tower Theater in Bend for ONDA’s event in the High Desert Speaker Series as he discusses his new book, Our Common Ground: A History of America’s Public Lands. Professor Leshy will offer some lessons that history suggests for future public land policy, such as how, as he writes, “decision making about public lands demonstrates our ability as a people to work together and find genuine common good.” He will explore contemporary challenges such as climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and escalating visitation, sharing insights and perspectives important to ONDA’s conservation work across Oregon’s high desert.
Tickets go on sale in early February. Stay tuned for more information via email.

Geoengineering - An overview of potential earth cooling technologies
2023-03-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about the Earth cooling technologies being researched and how they fit with other climate strategies with Dr. John Perona.

Register here.

Beers, Books, and Belted Kingfishers
2023-03-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
A Benefit for Greater Hells Canyon Council
Join Bend’s Marina Richie, author of the award-winning book Halcyon Journey, In Search of the Belted Kingfisher, for a lively photo and story-filled evening of natural history, myth, memoir, and conservation. She will have books to sign and sell before and after her presentation.
Marina is on the Board of Directors of the Greater Hells Canyon Council. There will be fun “swag” from this grassroots group based in Northeast Oregon for those answering quiz questions during her talk.

Bend COTA Work Events
2023-03-16 | 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.

MEER - Mirrors for Earth's Energy Rebalancing
2023-03-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn how surface-based solar reflectors could provide localized cooling benefits and stabilize Earth’s temperatures to prevent overheating.

Ride About Bike Parade
2023-03-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Good Bike Co. is celebrating Springtime the best way they know how – by bike. Join for a kids duathlon and the tipsy leprechaun slow race. It’ll conclude with a bike parade from Pioneer Park to Good Bike Co. All are welcome.
Join the Parade »

Spring Clean-Up Day at The Museum At Warm Springs
2023-03-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spring Clean-Up Day at The Museum on Saturday, March 18, 1-5 p.m. with Reception to Follow from 5-6:30 p.m.
In honor of The Museum’s 30th anniversary, which is being celebrated throughout 2023, The Museum At Warm Springs is planning a Spring Clean-Up of its grounds. Everyone is invited. Bring your rakes. Garbage bags will be provided.
The Clean-Up will be from 1-5 p.m. with a reception to follow from 5-6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and participants will have an opportunity to mix and mingle with members of The Museum’s Board of Directors and members of the Warm Springs Tribal Council.
Please RSVP by Friday, March 10 to Museum Operations Manager Sunmiet Maben at officemanager@museumatwarmsprings.org, as they will need to get a head count for the caterer.
See you on March 18th!

The EVOLVE Experience
2023-03-19, 2023-03-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
COCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Afrocentric Student program presents The Evolve Experience on March 19 and 20 at the Tower Theatre. The Evolve Experience is a unique arts-based performance that explores the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color through monologues and past interviews with police officers.
The Evolve Experience was created by award-winning, Portland-based non-profit Red Door Project, which seeks to use the transformative power of storytelling to challenge, connect, and co-create the world we all want to live in.
FREE and OPEN to the public. Two performances to choose from:
Register here for Sunday, March 19 – 2 p.m.
Register here for Monday, March 20 – 6:30 p.m.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-03-21 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-04-04 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 Spring 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 1st & 3rd 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

Stay tuned for confirmation of dates for July through October, as these might switch to the 2nd & 4th…)
Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

Bridging the Gaps: The Future of the Intergenerational Climate Movement
2023-03-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Amid devastating wildfires, a global pandemic, and a rapidly changing world, young people across the planet have stepped up to lead in the movement for climate, racial, and social justice. In this workshop, high school organizers Adah Crandall and Danny Cage will offer dialogue and case studies from their involvement in youth-led projects and campaigns: the good, the bad, and the somewhere-in-between. This workshop will invite participants to join in a conversation about collaborative organizing and to imagine the possibilities for a powerful, multigenerational social movement—one that cultivates adult allyship, supports youth, and makes space for youth voices.
Register here!

Downtown Bend: Know Underwater - What Can Algae Tell Us?
2023-03-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Explore the future of aquatic ecosystems with algae research.
This is an in-person program. Masks are optional at all in-person library events.
Algae come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from single spherical microscopic cells to forests of giant kelp that can extend up to 60 m. Collectively, this diverse array of aquatic plants fuel food webs and are a key part of the global carbon cycle. Researchers have a wide range of technologies (from satellites to remotely operated submarines) that they use to observe microscopic algae called plankton that live in the surface waters of lakes, rivers, and oceans. This allows them to study how plankton respond to changes in their environment and what that could mean for the future climate and health of aquatic ecosystems. Macroalgae (seaweeds) could also play an important role in our future as part of a more sustainable diet or as a tool to combat the increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
James Fox is a research associate in the department of microbiology at Oregon State University. He received his doctorate from the University of Essex in England where he studied marine science and is currently involved in projects ranging from the monitoring of toxic algal blooms in Oregon lakes to the impact of global climate change on ocean biology. Recently he started working with an Oregon-based start-up to help grow seaweed that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in cattle and provide an alternative source of protein to meat and soy.
Presented in collaboration with The Roundhouse Foundation, a private family foundation based in Sisters, Oregon that supports creative solutions to the unique challenges associated with rural culture and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit their website at http://www.RoundhouseFoundation.org.

Wild Horses, Wolves, and Other Wildlife of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation: 2023 Nature Nights series
2023-03-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save the date! The Land Trust is pleased to present its 2023 Nature Nights series.
The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is a vast (640,000 acres) and diverse landscape that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Austin L. Smith, Jr., the General Manager of the Branch of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, to take a closer look at wildlife and wildlife management on the Warm Springs Reservation. Smith will discuss the dynamics of managing populations of wildlife including wild horses, wolves, and the reintroduction efforts around bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Learn more about these animals and others as they adapt to climate change, wildfire risk, and the shift of predators within their habitats. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

Nature Night: Wild Horses, Wolves, and Other Wildlife of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
2023-03-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Registration for this Nature Night will open on February 22nd.

Wild Horses, Wolves, and Other Wildlife of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is a vast (640,000 acres) and diverse landscape that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Austin L. Smith, Jr., the General Manager of the Branch of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, to take a closer look at wildlife and wildlife management on the Warm Springs Reservation. Smith will discuss the dynamics of managing populations of wildlife including wild horses, wolves, and the reintroduction efforts around bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Learn more about these animals and others as they adapt to climate change, wildfire risk, and the shift of predators within their habitats.
The Land Trust is working to make our events as accessible as possible. This event will feature:

A free livestream option. Registration is required.
An ASL interpreter.
Accessible parking, a ramped entrance, wheelchair seating, restrooms, water fountains, and assisted listening devices at the Tower Theatre. Learn more.
Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this event to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.

About Austin Smith Jr.
Austin Smith Jr. has lived in Central Oregon most of his life. He grew up on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and is an avid hunter and fisherman, exercising his rights as a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs like his ancestors before him. Austin served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2009, and was deployed three times overseas before separating from the Corps with an Honorable Discharge to pursue an education using the GI Bill. Austin attended Central Oregon Community College where he earned his Associate’s degree, and then transferred to Oregon State University-Cascades and graduated with a degree in natural resources conservation and technology with a focus on wildlife management. While attending college, Austin worked as a wildlife technician for the Tribes from 2010 to 2015, and was hired on full-time by the Branch of Natural Resources in Warm Springs as the tribal wildlife biologist in 2015. Currently, he oversees the Branch of Natural Resources for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Austin has a lovely wife, a 20-year-old son, a 3-year-old daughter, and the newest addition, a 1-year-old son. He enjoys his time with his family taking adventure trips to the “Inche’Wana” (Columbia River), and exercising his treaty hunting and fishing rights.

Solar Geoengineering - Research on solar radiation management technologies
2023-03-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Researchers from Harvard will discuss stratospheric aerosol injection and other technologies they are studying to cool the Earth.
Register here!

ODOT's Community Charging Rebates Information Session
2023-03-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Are you interested in applying for ODOT’s Community Charging Rebates (CCR)? ODOT has contracted with Forth to provide technical assistance and support to applicants on their journey to installing EV charging. Whether you need basic information about installing and maintaining EV charging stations or assistance with submitting a rebate application – Forth is here to help!
Register here!

No Man's Land Film Festival (2023)
2023-04-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
NO MANS LAND FILM FESTIVAL! SAVE THE DATE, APRIL 8TH!
Join forBendFilm for their annual “IndieWomen” Appreciation screening! All Independent Women for Independent Film get in for free!
Order tickets or reserve your free seat if you are an Indiewoman. (here)
Climber, Filmmaker and She Moves Mountain Guide Lizzy Van Patten will be in attendance and more!
Purchase tickets here!

The Land, its People and the Future (Bend)
2023-04-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Wilson Wewa will discuss the land, its people and the past, present and future of protecting the high desert in Oregon. Wilson is a storyteller, spiritual leader, and the Warm Spring’s Paiute Tribe’s oral historian. A descendant of Paiute Chief Paulina and Chief Weahwewa, he learned most of the stories and legends he tells from his grandmother and tribal elders in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and California. Wewa is the author of Legends of the Northern Paiute (OSU Press 2017).
The Land, its People and the Future will take place at the Tower Theatre in Bend. Purchase tickets here!

EV Charging At Multi-Family Housing and The Workplace
2023-04-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Power Hour | Deschutes County 2040: Engage in the future of our community
2023-04-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Between now and February 2024, Deschutes County will be updating its Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s roadmap for the future and provides the goals, policies, and actions that are intended to guide the day-to-day decisions of elected officials and staff for a 20-year period. This update will provide direction through the year 2044. By 2044, it’s estimated that Deschutes County will grow as a whole from 207,921 residents to 275,905. Right now, Deschutes County is looking for input from residents, business owners, and subject matter experts. As someone who lives or works in Deschutes County, your input is essential to preparing an effective plan.
Join us to review and comment on proposed policy directions for the plan, and share your concerns, hopes, and priorities with the County. If you want to have a say in how the County grows, it is important to get involved in this process now.
Agenda
5:00 – 5:30: Networking & Grab a refreshment
5:30 – 6:30: Presentation & Discussion
Register for this event
How is the plan used?
The County’s Comprehensive applies to the area in County jurisdiction, outside of city limits. The plan serves as criteria for rezonings, provides guidance for public investments, and sets direction for additional projects to be undertaken by County planning staff. The plan was last updated in 2010, to plan for a 20-year period ending in 2030 and resulted in 63 subsequent projects to date including wetland mapping, participation in a regional large lot industrial lands program, and streamlining of processes to permit childcare. Due to significant population growth and changes in land use trends, County staff is updating this document to reflect the most recent data and community perspectives. Deliverables from this project will include an action plan to help identify key initiatives and projects for the planning department to undertake in the next 1-5 years.
Deschutes County faces several challenges that the Comprehensive Plan will help address.

Livability
Rural Development
Natural Hazards
Water
Growth Management
Tourism

Meet our speaker
Nicole Mardell, AICP, Senior Long Range Planner. Nicole is the County-side project manager for the Deschutes County 2040 project, working closely with project consultant MIG. She serves on the long-range planning team for Deschutes County, which is responsible for planning for the future of Deschutes County. This includes developing and implementing land use policy with the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission and serving as the regional planning coordinating body for all cities and special districts within the County limits. She has been a planner for 8 years, for both city and county jurisdictions. She holds a B.S. in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Register for this event

SheJumps | OR | Empowering Women Through Adventure Speaker Series
2023-04-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
SheJumps, AdventurUs Women, & Crow’s Feet “Empowering Women Through Adventure” Bend Women’s Speaker Series featuring Janel Spilker with “Women in Cycling: Riding into a Female Future”
Dec 14th – Chelsey Magness – “Adventure Racing: Empowering Women to Embody Adventure”
Jan 11th – Janel Spilker – “Women in Cycling: Riding into a Female Future”
Feb 8th – Ingrid Granlin – “Women Who Ski: Exploring the Joy of Winter on Nordic Skis”
March 8th – Jennifer Miles – “Your Pelvic Floor: Strengthening Your Adventures from Within”
April 12th – Kirin Stryker – “The Oregon Timber Trail, Cog Wild, and Life on Two Wheels”

Kids' Business Shopping Event
2023-04-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Kids in our community who make and sell their own products & services. (with minimal help from parents). See fresh business ideas from young minds in our community. Come support these young entrepreneurs and empower them to dream big! There will be crafts, food, gifts, toys, games, and more!

Bring: Friends and Cash
FREE to shop, $5 to participate.

Participation Details: www.izzaroo.com/KidsBizEvent
