The Environmental Center

Sunriver Know Wonder: Wondering How to Rethink Plastic Waste?
2022-05-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Discover actions you can take to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
This is an in-person program. Masks are recommended at all in-person programs.
Did you know that less than 9% of the plastic ever produced is recycled? Meanwhile, 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, and over 60% of paper and 90% of paperboard gets recycled. There’s a lot we can do to address our plastics problem from learning to recycle right to reducing our reliance on single-use plastics. Udara Abeysekera, Program Manager of the Rethink Waste Project at the Environmental Center, will share tips and resources for rethinking our relationship with plastic stuff. This interactive discussion will cover actions we can take in our homes and community to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics.
Contact
Paige M. Ferro | paigef@deschuteslibrary.org | 541-312-1063

City Club of Central Oregon Forum: Building Resiliency into Living with Wildfire
2022-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
You will hear about the steps taken over the past 30 years to help our communities combat fire at the urban interface and what steps are being taken going forward. Whose responsibility is fire protection in our neighborhoods? How do we develop new housing and remodel in fire-safe ways?
Registration Options

Virtual Option
In-Person Luncheon

Whys and Hows of Food Waste Reduction and Composting
2022-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn why food waste matters, how to reduce food waste, strategies for composting, and pros and cons of various at home compost bins
About this event
Did you know that wasted food makes up over 25% of waste at Knott Landfill by tonnage – making it the largest category of waste in the landfill? Yet, in Deschutes County, 1 in 8 people is food insecure, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from.
And perhaps most astounding of all, the average family of four tosses $1600 worth of food every year. We’re better than that. It’s time to rethink food waste, and we want to help you do it.
This free interactive workshop will dig into why food waste matters, how to reduce food waste in the first place, and strategies for composting at home or in our community. Workshop will cover pros and cons of different styles of compost bins outside in our Learning Garden. Open to adults and youth, composting beginners and pros! Attendees will be entered into a drawing for an at home composting system.
Located at The Environmental Center’s Learning Garden at 16 NW Kansas Ave.
Register Here

Letting Trees Grow for Wildlife
2022-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Hundreds of threatened and endangered wildlife species rely on mature and old-growth forests. The northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and Coho salmon are some of the most high-profile cases, but there are many other species that also call these forests home across the country and are imperiled by commercial logging and other development.
Join Oregon Wild, Environment America, and Portland Audubon to learn more about our climate forests and endangered species that depend on them.

Bend COTA Work Events
2022-05-26, 2022-06-02, 2022-06-09, 2022-06-16 | 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.

How to Go Solar + Storage
2022-05-26, 2022-06-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
At this workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to know to feel confident adding solar or energy storage to your home or business.

Epic Journeys: The Lives of Baby Birds
2022-05-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Baby birds are endearing, their cuteness and antics bring smiles to our faces. But, make no mistake, being a baby bird is the most dangerous, vulnerable stage of their lives. From hatchling to their final launch as fledglings, each species is unique in its development, challenges, and paths to adulthood.
Join Elise Wolf of Native Bird Care Avian Rescue on Tuesday, May 31 at 6:00pm in exploring the diverse journeys of some of our local bird youth. Elise will also have answers to some common baby season questions and yard tips for you to help our local birds during their most vulnerable stages.
Suggested donation $5

Deschutes River Corridor Weed Pulls
2022-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes National Forest and Coalition for the Deschutes to pull invasive weeds along the Deschutes River. You’ll mostly be pulling knapweed and possibly some other invasives such as cheatgrass. With a small group of people spending two or three hours on the job, significant areas can be cleared and kept free of knapweed. And it’s fun and greatly appreciated!
Please bring:

gardening gloves
weeding tools if you have them (e.g., dandelion weeder)
snacks
water
And please dress for the weather and the work

For more information, send an email to inge@coalitionforthedeschutes.org

Lend a Helping Hand: Pull Invasive Plants along Whychus Creek
2022-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Pine Meadow Ranch and Coalition for the Deschutes to pull invasive weeds along Whychus Creek as it flows through the ranch. Never doubt that a small group of people can clear an area of knapweed! Plus, it’s fun and greatly appreciated.
When: Next Wednesday! Wednesday, June 1, 9:00 am – noon
Where: Pine Meadow Ranch, Sisters
For more information, send an email to Inge@CoalitionfortheDeschutes.org

Central Oregon Signature Trails Forum
2022-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join to:

Create a shared understanding of what Signature Trails mean

Identify existing or planned trails/ trail systems in the region that could meet the criteria of Signature Trails

Surface local priorities for investment

Contact Steph at steph.noll@oregontrailscoalition.org with questions or to request accommodations.

In Search of the Belted Kingfisher
2022-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join for an evening of storytelling about the belted kingfisher, the patroller of our rivers and shorelines with Oregon author Marina Richie.

10th Annual Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival
2022-06-02 - 2022-06-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid 19, registration opens April 9 for the 10th annual Dean Hale Woodpecker Festivaltaking place in Sisters, Oregon, June 2-5, 2022. Festival participants have a choice of 14 guided tours in search of 11 different species of woodpeckers and 200 other birds that make the forests, burn areas and diverse habitat of Sisters and Central Oregon a birding hot spot.

Writing West: A Conversation with Two Award-Winning Authors
2022-06-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Beth Piatote and Raquel Gutiérrez as they read from their recent books and discuss the opportunities and challenges for writers of color whose storytelling is shaped by America’s Western landscapes. Co-hosted by Oregon State University-Cascades Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2022-06-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Springs to Sprouts
2022-06-11 09:00 - 16:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spring to Sprouts is Coalition for the Deschutes’ annual field trip, farm tours, and complimentary BBQ lunch in Jefferson County. Meet farmers as they take you on a tour of their farms along with a tour of Central Oregon Seed in Madras.
Space is limited. Email Brooke for questions or more information. brooke@coalitionforthedeschutes.org

Rogue Farm Corps Weekend Intensive for Farmers: Farm Tours & Talks in Central Oregon
2022-06-11, 2022-06-12 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Rogue Farm Corps presents:
A Weekend Intensive for Farmers: Farm Tours & Talks in Central Oregon
Theme: Equipment & Irrigation
Days/Times: Saturday June 11th 12:30pm-5:30pm, Sunday June 12th, 10am-2pm
This weekend intensive for farmers (presented by Rogue Farm Corps) consists of 3 tours of Central Oregon area farms vegetable focused farms of varying scales – Mahonia Gardens in Sisters, Sungrounded Farm in Terrebonne, and Boundless Farmstead in Alfalfa. The farm tours will focus on understanding the farm’s essential tools, equipment, and irrigation systems. We’ll hear from the owners of these three sustainable farm businesses about their operations in general and tips that make it possible for them to do what they do. We will be mostly outside and will follow our COVID-19 protocol for in-person events.
*This intensive is open to anyone with the desire to learn about farm systems. It is designed for people with at least 6 months of field experience on a working farm/ranch who wants to continue in the field of agriculture. It is geared toward people who aspire to manage or run a farm operation someday, and applicable to people who are in owner/manager positions of a farming business.
This intensive is part of Rogue Farm Corps’ advanced Apprenticeship Farmer Training Program Event Series which focuses on farm management topics for the aspiring farm manager. We are opening it up to the general farming community as well. Participants will be provided handouts as well as electronic resources related to the topics. Rogue Farm Corps seeks to provide an inclusive and welcoming learning space for aspiring / beginning farmers of all backgrounds. If you have accessibility needs please let us know!
AGENDA (subject to change):
Saturday June 11:
12:00-12:30pm Arrive / Check-in / Eat Lunch, etc @ Mahonia Gardens in Sisters
12:30-2:30pm Mahonia Gardens Farm Tour (Sisters)
2:30-3:00pm Drive to Sungrounded Farm (Terrebonne)
3:00-5:00pm Sungrounded Farm Tour
5:00-5:30pm Q&A / Networking time
Sunday June 12:
10-11am Boundless Farmstead Tour (Alfalfa)
11am-12pm Equipment talk @ Boundless Farmstead focusing on Tractors & Tractor equipment
12-1:15pm Irrigation Management talk @ Boundless Farmstead
1:15-2:00pm Lunch, Reflections, Networking, Evaluations
Cost: $80 is the standard registration fee for this weekend. You may choose to pay on a sliding scale between $50 and $90 via the various ticket options on Eventbrite. If you are a US military veteran you may use code “AGVETS22” at checkout for a full scholarship. If you identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or low-income, you may use code “SCHOLARSHIP22” at checkout for full and partial scholarship tickets. Questions? Please email matt@roguefarmcorps.org.
Please sign up in advance. Space is limited!
Rogue Farm Corps is an Oregon non-profit dedicated to training and equipping the next generation of farmers and preserving farmland. More info: https://roguefarmcorps.org
Please follow this link for more info and registration

EnVisioning Bend’s Future
2022-06-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Are you worried about the future of Bend—how growth and change may affect our community? Are you excited and committed to help the greater Bend area become the best it can be—both now and for coming generations? If so, please join the next City Club forum: EnVisioning Bend’s Future, Tuesday, June 14

Sagebrush Sipper: Bend
2022-06-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association staff and supporters for a casual happy hour in their office this summer. Mix and mingle, learn about new aspects of Oregon’s high desert, and find opportunities to dig deeper into conservation work.

Your Home & The Electrical Grid
2022-06-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Electricity impacts our lives, works, education, entertainment, health, and safety. Learn about the electrical grid and climate resiliency.

2022 Bend Young Professionals Summit
2022-06-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
5th Annual YP Summit
Meet and reconnect with engaged and diverse young professionals on Central Oregon Community College’s beautiful campus for our annual all-day professional development-enhancing event. The YP Summit features a keynote speaker, great breakout sessions for deeper dives into specific learning topics, networking and social opportunities, and an afterparty to cap off the day. Build your day’s schedule by selecting a morning and afternoon session and join us for an all conference networking session. Coffee, lunch, swag bags, and afterparty are all included in the price of your ticket.

Juneteenth 2022
2022-06-18 - 2022-06-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Celebrates Freedom Day! Join us on June 18th and 19th for fun, food, education and entertainment for the entire family! ALL are welcome to celebrate and learn at Juneteenth 2022, located at Drake Park!

Solar Energy Showcase: Bethlehem Inn
2022-06-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Solar and efficiency have allowed Bethlehem Inn to better serve its vulnerable residents. Learn their story in this free educational webinar.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2022-06-21 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
This year, Happy Hour in the Garden will run from March through October. Instead of weekly, this volunteer event will be on the *1st & 3rd Tuesdays*, kicking off Tuesday, March 1st. Stop by anytime between 4-6 on the following dates to help out in the garden and enjoy a bubbly beverage. Family friendly, no experience or tools necessary.
Contact Denise Rowcroft, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

March 1 & 15 (March & April beer sponsored by Worthy Garden Club)
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17 (May & June beer sponsored by Boneyard Beer)
June 7 & 21

Due to summer trips, please note that summer dates (July & August) are the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month!

*July 12 & 26* (July & August beer sponsored by Deschutes Brewery)
*August 9 & 23* (Note, this is the 2nd & 4th Tuesday, rescheduled due to planned time off)
September 6 & 20 (Sept & Oct beer sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing Co)
October 4 & 18

Stories We Didn't Learn in School: Understanding Diverse Rural Experiences (Rural Development Initiatives)
2022-06-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
With the resurgence of social justice movements around the country, people in rural places are becoming more aware of the history of marginalized neighbors in their communities. Join to hear these important stories, and learn more about ways we can broaden our understanding of the variety of life experiences in the rural Pacific Northwest.

Portable Heat Pumps - Low Cost Supplemental Heating and Cooling
2022-06-22 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Portable heat pumps are a way to lower utility bills by efficiently warming or cooling a single room – a great solution for renters.
