The Environmental Center

350Deschutes Volunteer Party
2020-01-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Past, present and “thinkin about it” volunteers are welcome. We’ll have pizza and munchies, and beverages. (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options)
We’ll celebrate our success and talk about the future. We’ll honor our key volunteers and give you a preview of whats to come in 2020. You’ll discover how you can be a part of the action!
Come and meet other like minded folks, play party games and sing our victory songs.

Film Screening: Bag It
2020-02-04
Surfrider Foundation is partnering with OSU-Cascades to discuss climate change and next steps after banning plastic bags. What more can we do to reduce plastic and better our community? The evening includes beer and appetizers from 10 Barrel Brewing and a short presentation from Rethink Waste Program Manager, Ani Kasch.
The film, Bag It, is a hilarious tale of one man’s quest to use less plastic. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our lives, bodies, and waterways. All those who sign up or are Surfrider members will be entered into a raffle (membership is only $25).
Please register in advance. This event is free to Surfrider members.
Note: Location on campus is Tykeson Hall 111

Circumnavigating Crater Lake: a Winter Backcountry Ski Trip
2020-02-05
In this month’s installment of Oregon Wild’s “Wild Wednesday” series, join Oregon Wild Board Member, search & rescue volunteer, ski patroller, and all-around inspiration Clara Soh for a presentation on backcountry skiing (or in her case, splitboarding) around Crater Lake.
Circumnavigating Crater Lake in the winter is a fun and ambitious way to experience Oregon’s only National Park. Come hear about a recent trip on splitboard and skis, and make plans for your next adventure!

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-02-06, 2020-02-13, 2020-02-20, 2020-02-27, 2020-03-05
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.

Hearing for the Climate Bill
2020-02-08
Our Legislative leaders have an opportunity to take action NOW on our climate crisis in 2020!
Wealthy polluters and other special interests using their influence to prevent and water down bold climate action, and next Saturday we have a critical opportunity to weigh in and make our voices heard in Salem.
We need your help in Salem on Saturday, February 8th to make a clear stand for bold climate action.
Join us Saturday, February 8th at 10am at our State Capitol (900 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301) outside Hearing Room C. Volunteers will:
– Attend an important Legislative hearing
– Testify briefly in the Legislative hearing
Sign up for testimony begins at 9am.
Sign up to give others a ride or find a local carpooling: http://bit.ly/feb8thhearingcarpool

Oregon Climate Emergency Day of Action
2020-02-11
The biggest Salem Climate Action in 2020!
Show our strength by standing together. Send a message to state legislators and Governor Brown to stand up to the powerful oil industry and pass real climate action. Let’s rally for a better climate future!
RSVP here. Interested in carpooling? Riders and drivers sign up here

The Remarkable Clouds over Oregon’s High Desert
2020-02-11
Join author Maria Mudd Ruth as she takes you on a tour of clouds in Oregon’s high desert and the wide-open, wild landscapes that make for spectacular cloud viewing. Learn what makes the clouds so dynamic, so varied, and so universally appealing. How do clouds take shape? Is there an easy way to learn their confusing Latin names? How can you enjoy the clouds in a new light on your next high desert adventure? Jeremy Austin, ONDA’s Policy Manager, will illuminate why Oregon’s high desert provides unparalleled opportunities to view clouds, and how these clouds are part of a water system that supports life from the banks of desert rivers to the sagebrush steppe.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase via the Tower Theatre website. Click here to order yours today.
Photo credit: Jim Davis

Spiritual Activism & Social Justice
2020-02-12
Ericka Huggins will share her personal experiences of finding life-affirming balance as an activist, and as a mother while on trial for her life. It is this balance that has continued to sustain her every day since. This talk will focus on everyone’s capacity to return back to humanity and find inner stability in the face of continual daily challenges, so that we create healthy ways to sustain ourselves.
This program is co-organized by Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program and COCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Office with sponsorship support from The Oregon Community Foundation, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and the Associated Students of COCC.
About Ericka Huggins
Ericka Huggins is a human rights activist, poet, educator, former Black Panther leader and former political prisoner who has devoted her life to the equitable treatment of all human beings. She has lectured across the country and internationally on issues relating to the well-being of women, children & youth; restorative justice as the antidote to punitive justice; whole being education, and the role of spiritual practice in sustaining activism and promoting social change.

Creating a Toolkit for Resiliency
2020-02-13
Join us for a session with Ericka Huggins to reflect and discuss the race. gender and identity challenges in school and work environments, and focus on healthy responses to these challenges through relaxing our minds and acknowledging our emotions. This session will be of direct benefit to students, educators, employers and employees as well as any other community members.
This program is co-organized by Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program and COCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Office with sponsorship support from The Oregon Community Foundation, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and the Associated Students of COCC.
About Ericka Huggins
Ericka Huggins is a human rights activist, poet, educator, former Black Panther leader and former political prisoner who has devoted her life to the equitable treatment of all human beings. She has lectured across the country and internationally on issues relating to the well-being of women, children & youth; restorative justice as the antidote to punitive justice; whole being education, and the role of spiritual practice in sustaining activism and promoting social change.

Power Hour: Is solar on the horizon for you in 2020?
2020-02-18
Power Hours are networking events with a panel of experts to ignite new conversations around energy efficiency.
Please RSVP in advance.
The solar market is a dynamic force in 2020 with lots of new opportunities for more of our community to reap the benefits of solar power. While the long-standing federal tax credit has decreased slightly, opportunities in Oregon, including increased income-qualified incentives, will make solar more accessible for more families. Other programs including community solar and community investment coop models will shake up our opportunities even more. Come see what’s on the horizon for 2020 and make sure you aren’t missing out on the chance to make the switch to clean energy this year!
Schedule:
5:00 – 5:30pm: Networking
5:30 – 6:30pm: Panel Discussion, Q&A
6:30 – 7:00pm: Networking
Speakers:

Dan Orzech is the General Manager of the Oregon Clean Power Coop, the only state-wide renewable energy co-op in the U.S. A native Oregonian, and graduate of Reed College, he has worked in the solar industry for the last decade, developing or consulting on a total of more than 25 megawatts of solar projects across the U.S.
Joe Mazzarella works with Sunlight Solar Energy as part of their System Design and Project Development teams. After graduating from Washington State University and taking a brief seven-year Rocky Mountain ski hiatus, Joe moved to Bend in 2000. Joe ran his own house painting company from 2001-2011 before switching gears to the solar field full time. Since then, Joe has helped hundreds of homes, businesses, schools and municipalities go solar throughout the state. He has been trained and certified by NABCEP in Technical Sales, and enjoys sharing his knowledge of solar and passion for the environment with solar workshops for kids and adults alike. When not out promoting the power of the sun (or enjoying it while skiing and fishing), Joe can usually be found at home doing dishes.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

The Plight of the Sage-Grouse
2020-02-19
Biology meets Botany in Oregon’s High Desert
Stu Garrett will share his fascination with the iconic Sage-Grouse, known for the male’s strut, puffy chest and spiky tail feathers to attract females during breeding season. Learn about historical events leading to the condition of the ecosystems we see on the High Desert today, and we will consider some of the changes that might help the Sage-Grouse survive. Free and open to the public.

Sentenced for a Season, Punished for Life
2020-02-20
Many of us have grown up being told—and believing—that after a person serves their sentence for a crime, the slate is wiped clean. Every possibility exists for them to find a decent job, a decent apartment, a decent car. From there, they can go on to build a decent life. But the truth does not often bear out this scenario. A felony conviction can restrict travel options, licensing options for employment, housing, and financial aid, just to name a few. What does it mean to our society that 8 percent of our overall US population—and 33 percent of African American men—who have felony convictions run into these barriers after they serve time in prison? Join facilitator Pamela Slaughter in a conversation about how this reality affects our communities and what alternatives might look like.
About Pamela Slaughter: Pamela Slaughter is a native Oregonian with varied interests. She works as an adult protective service investigator for Multnomah County and is a licensed real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty Portland Central, working as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Pamela also serves as BellaOnline magazine’s Senior Issues editor and hosts a weekly writing group—Shut Up & Write! Pamela loves showing off the beauty of Oregon and gets to do so regularly as a coleader for People of Color Hike! In her spare time, Pamela spends time with family and friends, and bakes delicious cakes.
This program is made possible with support from Oregon Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Oregon Cultural Trust.Co-organized by Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program, COCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Office and COCC Madras Campus.
With support from: Oregon Community Foundation, St. Charles Health System, Cascades Academy, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and Associated Students of COCC.

Dangerous Oil Trains Increasing in Central Oregon
2020-02-20
Dangerous fire and explosions. There’s already been two incidents in Oregon. Two lucky breaks, in Mosier and Madras. But these trains run right through downtown Bend. And if you live within a mile of the railroad tracks, you are at serious risk. The entire downtown area could be obliterated. Much like Lac Megantic, in Canada, where an explosion killed 47 people and racked up 2 billion in damages. Now, the formerly picturesque town lies in gravel rubble, without sufficient funds to rebuild. With little recourse, these damages fall on taxpayers.
The industry says their trains are safer and the risks minimal. But are they? And why are we at such serious risk in Central Oregon? What can we do about it?
Learn the answers to these questions and more. Attend the FREE presentation.

What Would You Do Without Winter: Snow Activism Tour
2020-02-21
Lauren MacCallum from Scotland and Josh Jespersen from Colorado are fighting the climate crisis in their own backyards, and we’re screening two films to share their stories with you, in the hope you’ll be inspired to take action too. After the film screenings, Patagonia ambassador Josh Dirksen and nonprofits Deschutes Land Trust and Protect Our Winters will facilitate an interactive discussion on how to connect with local climate groups.
Everyone has something to contribute—let us help maximize your climate fight and match your skills with the organizations that need them the most. It’s your winter, and your choice. Will you take action to protect it?

Second Annual Wild Rivers Night
2020-02-22
Come celebrate wild rivers! A variety of paddlers will share their adventures in rafts, kayaks, SUPs, and even biking. Rivers in CO, OR, and even as far away as the Karnali River in Nepal. This event was so popular last year that we decided to make it an annual event. Come one, come all! Your donation of $10 (or more!) at the door will help fund river restoration projects. We expect this popular event to sell out so get your tickets soon.
Free beer from Deschutes Brewery and kombucha from Caboost.

Womxn in Conservation: February Prineville Gathering
2020-02-25
Join Womxn in Conservation for a Prineville Happy Hour on Tuesday, February 25, 2020! Head on over to Crooked River Brewing to meet and chat with other womxn working in conservation from 5:30-7pm. Members will have an opportunity to meet each other and discuss how Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation can best serve folks in Prineville, the Ochocos, and elsewhere in Crook County!
This will be a great opportunity to meet new folks and find ways to collaborate with other womxn across the region! Carpooling is available, sign up here. RSVPs are appreciated, which you can do here.

The Role of Innovation and Technology in an Increasingly Carbon-Constrained World
2020-02-25
Join local Bend speakers for a conversation about creating economic opportunity in the era of climate change.
As an emerging hub for innovation, Central Oregon is ripe for creating technology solutions in response to the risks being caused by climate change that also help grow our economy. Join Bend-area speakers Rita Hansen of On-Board Dynamics, Tucker Ruberti of Enel X, and Adam Krynicki, Executive Director, Innovation Co-Lab OSU Cascades for a conversation about creating economic opportunities in the era of climate change.
Register here.

Restoring the Dignity of Rivers
2020-02-26
Every river, stream, and creek is unique and cannot be replaced by anything else. While rivers are a natural resource that provides a wide range of benefits, they are worth more to society than just their economic value. Join Deschutes Land Trust and river scientist Dr. Colin Thorne as we explore the dignity of rivers, or the innate right rivers have to be valued, respected, and to receive ethical treatment. Recently, rivers in India, New Zealand, Colombia, and Bangladesh have been granted the same legal rights as people. In a US context, this is a somewhat radical concept of the river, but a critical one. Colin proposes that the sustainability of our rivers will only be assured when the communities that surround and benefit from them choose to not only restore the functionality of their rivers, but also to respect the dignity of their rivers. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.
Nature Nights are free, but a ticket is required. Please register online: deschuteslandtrust.org

Mountainfilm on Tour-Bend
2020-02-28, 2020-02-29
Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world.

Latino Outdoors Shevlin Park Outing
2020-02-29
Para la salida de este mes, iremos a Shevlin Park. Estaremos haciendo una introducción a caminando en la nieve sobre raquetas. Caminaremos una vuelta de 2.2 millas alrededor del parque. ¡Lluvia, nieve, o sol, ahí estaremos!Estaremos rifando artículos de Cairn y zapatos de Keen! También habrá bebidas calientes y tamales. Por favor de dejarnos saber si planean en asistir. (Tenemos que saber cuántas personas van a asistir para ordenar suficiente comida)
For this month’s outing we will be going to Shevlin Park. We will be doing an introduction to Snowshoeing and walking the 2.2 mile loop around the park! Rain, snow or shine we will be there! We will be doing a raffle for some items from Cairn and some Keen shoes! We will also be providing food and warm drinks (aka: Tamales!!!). Please be sure to let us know if you plan on attending so that we know how much food to bring.

Basics of Solar Workshop - Bend
2020-03-02
Come learn about solar!
At the Basics of Solar Workshop, Solar Oregon will answer your questions and help you take the first step to adding solar to your home. Solar Oregon will answer your questions about how solar works and share information about incentives available.

The event is free and open to everyone.
This workshop is made possible with support from Energy Trust of Oregon

Looking Beyond Our Differences: Seeing the Humanity in Each of Us
2020-03-03, 2020-03-04
A talk by Oregon’s first African American Supreme Court Justice

Justice Adrienne Nelson will talk about how her life experiences — from being the first person of color at her Arkansas high school to be named valedictorian to serving as the first African American on the Oregon Supreme Court — have informed her focus on leadership, diversity, inclusion, mentoring, community service and the legal profession. She works daily to “make this world a little bit better.” Justice Nelson will also give us global perspectives and believes if we each connect to our humanity, it opens us up to many more possibilities.
Tuesday, March 3
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus, 6 p.m.
RSVP here
Wednesday, March 4
Room 209, COCC Redmond Campus, 9 a.m.
RSVP here
Co-organized by The Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program and COCC’s Diversity & Inclusion Office with sponsorship support from The Oregon Community Foundation, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and Associated Students of COCC.
About Justice Nelson: Justice Adrienne Nelson was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court January 2018, making her the first African American to sit on the state’s highest court. She is a frequent speaker on topics including diversity, inclusion, equity, leadership and professional development. She sits on the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Public Education, is the Oregon delegate to the ABA House of Delegates, chairs the Lewis and Clark Law School Judge Roosevelt Robinson Scholarship Committee and is vice-president of the Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court.

Net-Zero Schools from Process to Impacts: Uncovering Barriers and Benefits
2020-03-05
Register here
Energy Trust 2018 Net Zero Fellowship research presentation
With Dr. Ihab Elzeyadi

Presentation: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided and CEUs available for self-reporting.

Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community
2020-03-09
In 1992, in the midst of riots sparked by the acquittal of police officers who brutally beat him, Rodney King asked, “Can we get along?” This iconic American question still resonates today. What is it that drives this question, and why can it be so difficult to answer? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to—and have the potential to break down—these barriers? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine our individual and collective questions on race, perspectives, and cultural values around what brings us together and what separates us. This conversation may include some hands-on activities.
Monday, March 9
COCC Redmond Campus, 6 p.m.
RSVP here
Tuesday, March 10
COCC Prineville Campus, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP here
About Chisao Hata
Chisao Hata is an artist educator, dance director, arts integration specialist, community activist, and performing artist. For over two decades through her work in education, she has been a protector of imagination and personal discovery, and a champion for individual expression. Creating engaged learning for our youth, our citizen artists, is her life’s work. She has had the honor of serving hundreds of Portland’s children, youth, and adults across many communities. Chisao believes that we are all inextricably linked and the arts are our conduit to build bridges between our communities.
