The Environmental Center

Cómo Escuchar Música de Forma Activa
2024-10-19 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Goza la música a través de una comprensión más profunda.

En este taller, Armando Alcalde va a tocar la guitarra y explicar los detalles de lo que sucede en música. Vamos a usar jazz, bossa nova, y blues para mostrar los conceptos musicales, aunque las ideas aplican a todos losgéneros musicales. Los participantes aprenderán a entender la estructura de canciones, las funciones de instrumentos diferentes, cómo escuchar a los solos y mucho más. ¡Profundicen el goce de la música a través de una comprensión más profunda! Ojalá que puedan unirse a nosotros.

AdvenTours: Tumalo Creek Scenic Hike
2024-10-20 08:30 - 12:30 | Shevlin Park, 18920 Shevlin Park Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that initially may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, we will experience a magnificent ecosystem filled with burgeoning flora and fauna, spring migratory birds, and more that find refuge and resources in Tumalo Creek.
Naturalist Guided Experience: We will begin our adventure along the crystal clear waters of Tumalo Creek. Our route will take us through a section of Tumalo canyon where we will immerse ourselves in some of Central Oregon’s finest geologic features. This scenic area just outside Bend’s front door known as Shevlin Park was founded as a beacon of conservation. Early 1900’s Bend was almost exclusively a logging community and as many areas became heavily logged, demand grew for a nearby area to be protected for recreation. In 1920, Shevlin-Hixon Lumber Company, under the guidance of Thomas W. Shevlin and Hugh O’Kane, donated the land to the city of Bend with the stipulation that it be used for park purposes. This initial donation helped establish the park, and it has been expanded over the years through additional land acquisitions.
Learn more and register here!

Farm-to-Table Dinner at Terra Kitchen
2024-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Oregon
October 23, 2024 5:30 pm

Join us for an unforgettable Farm-to-Table Dinner on Wednesday, October 23 at Terra Kitchen! Enjoy a seasonal menu crafted from fresh, local ingredients, with the option to enhance your experience with a wine pairing. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from local farmers, winemakers, and chefs, who will share their stories throughout the evening.

Livable Future Forum
2024-10-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How do we meet our community’s needs without compromising the environment and all that makes Central Oregon so incredible?
Through our Livable Future Forum, we’ll explore that question and more as LandWatch program directors chat with knowledgeable local leaders about land use and livability topics. From the fascinating life and times of mule deer to the reality of farming in the high desert to the creative work of developing Complete Communities, you’ll gain new insight into the many ways land use decision making is foundational to life in our region — and learn how you can participate in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for Central Oregon.
Events will be on Oct. 3, Oct 23, and Nov. 13. All events will start at 7 pm and take place at Open Space Event Studios in the Bend Central District.
Each event in this three-part series will feature a LandWatch program director in conversation with fellow local experts covering a range of topics on land use and regional livability.
REGISTER FOR ALL THREE EVENTS
On October 3, we’ll start out by looking closely at the lives of mule deer, with the High Desert Museum’s Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. You see deer often, but how much do you know about this shy, fascinating species? Find out.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 3 ONLY
On October 23, we’ll talk about farming in the high desert with local farmers and ambitious entrepreneurs Megan Kellner-Rode and Cate Havstad.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 23 ONLY
And, on November 13, following hot on the heels of the national election, we will host a lively session all about how we can act locally to create Complete Communities to ensure a more equitable, climate-resilient future.
GET TICKETS FOR NOV 13 ONLY

6th Annual Fall Harvest Feast
2024-10-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Hanai Center, Eagle Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at Central Oregon Locavore’s Fall Harvest Feast on October 25th at Hanai Community Center! Feast on a mouthwatering farm-to-table dinner, made with the freshest local meats and produce from Well Rooted Farm and Well Rooted Produce Patch, while enjoying the night’s lively lineup. Bid on unique local goods in our live and silent auctions, sip mystical herbal teas from the Green Witch, get your fortune read, find the hidden speak easy and dash for dessert in our sweet contest. Don’t forget to wear your best costume—prizes are brewing!
This isn’t just a party—it’s a harvest celebration and fundraiser, supporting Locavore’s mission to boost local food security and sustainable farming. Let’s come together for a hauntingly good time, all for a great cause! Every dollar raised goes back into our community, ensuring fresh, healthy food is accessible for all.
GET TICKETS

Sunsetting Solarize: Your Last Chance to Go Solar with Solarize Deschutes
2024-10-28 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to explore solar energy for your home through the Solarize Deschutes campaign before it ends on October 31st! Whether you’re just starting your solar journey or have already received a quote, this event is your chance to get expert advice, learn about current tax credits and incentives, and connect with other homeowners making the switch.
What to Expect:

Expert Guidance: Have your solar questions answered by professionals and get tailored advice based on your needs.
Bring Your Proposal: If you’ve already received a quote, bring it along for additional insights and guidance.
Learn About Solar: If you’re new to the process, we’ll walk you through how solar works, the benefits, and how you can join the campaign before the deadline.
Exclusive Discounts: Sign up for a no-obligation solar assessment by October 31st to lock in discounted pricing and see if your home qualifies.
Fun for All: Kids’ activities, light snacks, and beverages provided, making it easy to drop in anytime from 4:00–6:00 PM.
Bonus Resources: If solar isn’t the right fit for your home, learn about additional energy-saving options

About Solarize Deschutes: Solarize Deschutes is a community-powered initiative aimed at making solar energy more accessible and affordable in Deschutes County. Led by The Environmental Center, Energize Bend, and community members, this campaign has helped local residents discover their solar potential through discounted rates and community support.
If you need to request custom analysis of your home and a bid, make sure to do so before October 31st. If you have any questions, please connect with us at solarize@envirocenter.org.
This is your final chance to get involved before the sun sets on this campaign, so don’t wait—join us and see how easy it can be to go solar!
REGISTER HERE

Climate Resilience in Housing Panel
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
RSVP HERE!

How to Make Decisions About Energy Investments for Affordable Housing
2024-10-29 16:00 - 17:30 | Azimuth 315, Northwest Labiche Lane 2155, Bend, Oregon, 97701, United States
Guidance on How to Make Decisions About Energy Investments for Affordable Housing
Join us on October 29 at the Azimuth 315 Apartments in Bend for a thoughtful discussion with local leader and Energy Trust Net Zero Fellow Rob Roy, who will share replicable strategies for analyzing and making decisions about energy investments in commercial construction. Research is based on comparisons of modeled and operating performance of three Pacific Crest Affordable Housing projects in Bend. The event space, Azimuth 315, is one of the case studies featured in his research.
Through his research, Rob evaluated the efficacy and replicability of Pacific Crest’s financial model, which considers the long-term monetary impact of implementing various energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems. Rob also developed a tool that other affordable housing developers and design teams can use to evaluate the impacts of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems over the lifespan of their projects.
Rob Roy has established himself as an industry leader by building some of the most energy-efficient affordable multifamily buildings in the nation. Rob led the research with funding from Energy Trust of Oregon’s Net Zero Fellowship. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Rob about the research and its applicability to your own work.
About Net Zero Fellow Rob Roy
Rob Roy is a founding partner and co-manager of Pacific Crest Affordable Housing and has extensive experience with all facets of building and development, from financing and construction to planning and land use. His 32 years of experience navigating complex public-private partnerships, alongside his work as a three-time Olympic snowboarding coach, have refined his collaboration, negotiation and business skills.

"Why we need Indigenous Ingenuity - Indigenuity - now" with Dr. Daniel Wildcat
2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Madras Performing Arts Center, Madras, OR, 97741, United States
This presentation will challenge the misconception that Indigenous knowledge is solely about the past. Dr. Wildcat will highlight how American Indian Nations are dynamic, evolving communities with living cultures, traditions, and knowledge. He will explore the concept of Indigenuity (Indigenous ingenuity)—how ancient wisdom informs modern problem-solving—and argue for the critical need for this unique knowledge in today’s world.
Dr. Wildcat is a Professor at Haskell Indian Nations University and author of “Red Alert” and “On Indigenuity.”

Indigenous Speakers Series – Tribal Sovereignty & Water Rights: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Ongoing Relationship
2024-11-06 18:30 - 19:30 | High Desert Museum, 59800 Hwy 97, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Bobby Brunoe, CEO and Secretary/Treasurer for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Josh Newton, Partner at BBK Law, will explore tribal sovereignty and treaty rights as they relate to water in the region. This talk will highlight the importance of water to tribes and the ways that tribes continue to enact their rights today.
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Doors open at 6:00 pm
$5, Members receive 20% discount, Free for tribal members
RSVP HERE

Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry
2024-11-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
The 9th Annual Central Oregon ​​​Fill Your Pantry is a community bulk buying farmers market created so YOU can fill up your pantry, freezer, and root cellar full of great local products for the winter. Say bye-bye to busy holiday lines and produce that has traveled farther than you during holiday vacations, and say hello to a cupboard full of local meat, grains, vegetables, ferments, and more.
The Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry will allow you to stock up on items like potatoes, onions, leeks, beets, winter squash, garlic, honey, flours, apples, pears, dried beans, krauts, baked goods, and more.
This is a bulk focused farmers market, so bring your muscles! Farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and producers will be selling large quantities of items. For example, 20lb bags of onions, 50lb bags of potatoes, 25lb ground beef boxes, etc. This is a great opportunity for vendors to move product before the harsh Central Oregon winter and a great opportunity for YOU to save money and eat well all winter long.

Last Happy Hour in the Garden!
2024-11-12 15:00 - 17:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Last Happy Hour in the Garden
Tuesday 11/12
3-5pm (because the sunsets at 4:42!)

Main tasks include:

Spreading woodchips
Cutting back (some) dead plants
Raking leaves to mulch garden beds and planting areas.

We have a few rakes and pruners, but a few more would be helpful, so bring these if you have them. Gloves and beverages provided.

To What Remains - Filmscreening and Discussion
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Film screening and Discussion on To What Remains.
About the film: To What Remains is the story of Project Recover, a team of scientists, oceanographers, archaeologists, historians, researchers, and military veterans, who have dedicated their lives to scouring the depths of the ocean and the farthest corners of the earth, to search for, recover, and repatriate the remains of the more than 80,000 Americans missing in action since WWII.
In breathtaking imagery and intimate interviews with Project Recover team members and MIA families, To What Remains takes viewers inside this journey to honor our fallen servicemen, from the discovery of wreckage on the seafloor in the South Pacific to the living room of a stunned family in middle America, to a well-deserved final resting place at home.

Learn About Ridwell Bend!
2024-11-13 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-11-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The founders of Ridwell, a grassroots organization dedicated to keeping hard-to-recycle and reusable materials from landfills, will be hosting a free event in Bend on November 13th at 9 AM , 11 AM & 1:30 PM at Open Space Event Studios. You’re invited to come see how you can soon recycle different types of thin plastics, including snack wrappers, coffee bags, and frozen food bags, all without leaving home.
More info and RSVP at get.ridwell.com/rsvp-bend.

Happy Hour & Instream Collective Launch Party
2024-11-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Confluence Fly Shop, 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come to enjoy a beverage and talk fishing, rivers, and conservation with the DRC crew and supporters. Join fellow river enthusiasts in learning about our work and how YOU can help us Raise the Deschutes.
Become a supporting member and help steward this precious resource that makes Central Oregon such a special place to call home. The Instream Collective – where your investment becomes our future flows.
*This is a free event and you do not need to be a member to attend.

Sorting Truth from Trash: A November Green Drinks on America Recycles Day.
2024-11-15 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
In light of recent coverage of some of the deceptive practices behind “advanced plastics recycling” and plastics recycling in general, join the Rethink Waste Project and local expert panelists for Sorting Truth from Trash: The Realities of Recycling on America Recycles Day.
We’ll show a short film and presentation, then take a deep dive into your questions about recycling, while covering why it’s important we move the conversation from recycling towards reduce and reuse wherever possible. Come grab a drink, a bite, and meet others at this informative happy hour.
This free event is now sold out, but you can still sign up for the waiting list!

OSU-Cascades Science Pub: Mapping War Zones via Satellite
2024-11-19 17:30 - 19:00 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join Jamon Lee Van Den Hoek, Associate Professor in OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, for a guest lecture on mapping conflict zones with satellite at the November Science Pub.
In war torn areas, physical damage can be immense and reporting of it inconsistent or worse, unreliable. Learn how Jamon Van Den Hoek and his team in the Conflict Ecology Lab use open satellite data to monitor damage caused by armed conflict and to develop new approaches to map refugee movements and assess environmental and climatic change in politically fragile contexts around the globe. The lab’s maps and data covering the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have been published in the New York Times, BBC, Al Jazeera and other major global news outlets.

Food Provided (Heavy hors d’oeuvers prepared by OSU-Cascades EDGE Catering No-host bar with beer, cider, wine and non-alcoholic beverages)
REGISTER HERE

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Information Session
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Oregon
Are you an employer interested in bringing workplace charging to your organization?
Join the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Information Session to learn more about Forth’s workplace charging certification program. The program provides recognition and technical assistance to organizations supporting the adoption of clean transportation. Forth will provide an overview of the EVAL Certification Program, share resources and allocate time for a Q&A session.

Repair Café with Deschutes Public Library in Redmond
2024-11-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Redmond Proficiency Academy, 657 SW Glacier Ave #2710, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States

Groundwater Grief, River Relief: The Status and Future of Central Oregon’s Water Supplies
2024-11-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Central Oregon faces unique and evolving challenges in water use, driven by new state-imposed groundwater rules layered on top of complex and often arcane water rights allocations. Join moderator Emily Cureton Cook of OPB and a panel of water experts as they unpack the complexities of managing this precious resource in a region dealing with prolonged drought, population growth, and competing needs from agriculture, tribes, and urban areas.
Confirmed Panelists:

Bobby Brunoe, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Ed Fitch, City of Redmond

Winter Bird Walk with Think Wild
2024-12-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Hatfield Ponds, McGrath Road 22395, Bend, Oregon, 97701, United States
Interested in learning more about bird migration and our feathered friends who overwinter here in Central Oregon?
Join us for a morning winter bird walk led by our passionate youth volunteer and bird expert, Mason! We will learn to identify different Central Oregon bird species and discuss some of their winter adaptations and habits.
Meet at Hatfield Ponds on Sunday, December 1st at 9 am. Binoculars and field guides will be provided.
Event contact: becca@thinkwildco.org

The Future of Mt. Bachelor
2024-12-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
There’s snow in the mountains, so let’s talk about Mt. Bachelor
With Mt. Bachelor now officially up for sale, the future of our local resort is at a crossroads and you might be wondering how the sale could impact our beloved ski resort, our local economy, and the ski community. Join local and national experts for an insightful analysis of regional and national trends and challenges, such as consolidation of major ski areas, workforce retention, liability waiver standards, and climate change.
Speakers:

Kate Porsche, Director, OSU Center for Outdoor Recreation Economy (Moderator)
Stuart Winchester, Editor & Host: The Storm Skiing Journal & Podcast
Jordan Elliott, President, Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association
Mt. Bachelor Community, Inc.

Whether you’re an avid skier or invested in the future of Central Oregon’s outdoor economy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
If the financial cost of attending is a barrier, use Promo Code CivicCO for a complimentary forum registration.

Electric fireplaces—cozy and clean
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Oregon
Electric fireplaces offer realistic flames and smart technology for a cozy vibe free of smoke and fossil-fuels.

A Sense of Place Webinar Series: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky - Featuring David G. Lewis, PhD
2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Oregon
A Sense of Place Webinar Series: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky – Featuring David G. Lewis, PhD. – Assistant Professor, Anthropology & Indigenous Studies, Oregon State University.

PPC Webinar | Policy Matters: Tracking Plastic Laws After Global Treaty Negotiations
2024-12-12 14:00 - 15:15 | Oregon
After two years of intense negotiations, the 5th and final planned session to agree on a UN Global Plastic Treaty is scheduled to conclude on December 1, 2024. The Treaty, once agreed, will have widespread implications for plastic law around the world, as well as the businesses, activists, journalists, lawyers, and many others working on plastic issues.
Join Plastic Pollution Coalition on December 12, 2024, for a discussion with legislative, advocacy, and media experts about the UN Plastic Treaty, and the importance of continuing to advance and track plastic policy at all levels. One critical tool to monitor progress and implementation is the Global Plastic Laws database and resource center, which we will also present.
Joining the discussion will be Dr. Jamala Djinn, Science/Policy Advisor, Break Free From Plastic; Jennifer Gleason, Law Program Director, Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide; Shane Trimmer, District Director at the U.S. House of Representatives – Office of Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02); and Joseph Winters, Staff Writer, Grist. The webinar will be moderated by Madison Dennis, Project Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition.
SIGN UP
Date: Thurs., December 12
Time: 2-3:15 pm PT | 5-6:15 pm ET
Click here to convert to your timezone.

Kids' Entrepreneur Holiday Market
2024-12-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Elks Lodge, Three Sisters Room, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, bend, Oregon
A holiday market run entirely by kids ages 5-17. This is a real-world experience that allows children to be creative, build confidence, learn skills beyond the classroom – and above all, fun! You will find gifts, artisan crafts, graphic arts, services, games, food, drinks, jewelry, and more. Come support young entrepreneurs in our community!
Date: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Elks Lodge – 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Cost: Free to attend. To participate: $10-$20.
Register to participate: www.KidsEntrepreneurMarket.com

Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon
2024-12-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Understanding the largest change in Oregon’s water policy in decades. What changed? Why did it change? And what does it mean for the future of water in Central Oregon? Register here!

Year-End Review and Outlook for Transportation Electrification
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Oregon
This webinar will provide a recap of the key achievements, challenges and milestones from 2024. Highlights will include the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, policy and program development successes and valuable lessons learned. In the second half of the webinar, Forth will reflect on the impact of the 2024 election and look ahead to the upcoming year. Forth will share key insights into the emerging trends and developments in our industry.
