The Environmental Center

KPOV Election Coverage
2014-10-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The League of Women Voters of Deschutes County continues their free public candidate forums on Wednesday, October 8th, at 5:15 p.m. as they host the candidates for Bend City Council Positions #5 and #7 at the County/State Building in Bend. KPOV will also be broadcasting this forum recorded on Thursday, October 9th at NOON.
For more information, go here.

NW Green Building Industry Summit
2014-10-10
The NW Green Building Industry Summit is an information packed convention with exhibits and presentations from experts in the industry. Thanks to OrePac Building Products, the keynote address as well as some courses will be delivered by mark LaLiberte, of Building Knowledge, Inc., a nationally renowned building scientist.
Contractors: Want to know about the latest in sustainable building and remodeling?
Homeowners: Need to know more about what to upgrade or put in your next home?
Designers & Architects: Looking to incorporate the next best thing sustainably?
Suppliers: Get your word out about what you bring to the world of green building.
Realtors and Contractors: Earn continuing education credits at this all day summit.
For more information visit this website.

Garden Bed Build Out
2014-10-10
Join us in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center to start work on the garden design and build out this fall (supported by donors’ generous support and the Jack Johnson Ohana Foundation).
We’re building 9 raised garden beds this fall, and we’d love your help! This is a great opportunity to get hands on and learn some tricks for making a sturdy raised bed. Join us on Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th from 9am-12pm. You can sign up for one or both days, or just for an hour or two! Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Sign up to help by emailing Denise.

Spring Creek Riparian Restoration
2014-10-10, 2014-10-11
Spring Creek Riparian Vegetation Restoration with Deschutes Land Trust
Date and Times: Oct. 10th and 11th, 9am to 3pm
The Deschutes Land Trust, along with project partners: Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Aequinox, have been working together on a restoration project on Spring Creek to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The restoration included placing 32 whole trees in stream to enhance fish habitat, which was implemented and completed in July. The next phase of the restoration project is to plant native riparian vegetation in order to improve habitat conditions along the banks of Spring Creek. We plan to plant 300 native trees and shrubs along Spring Creek to restore diverse riparian habitat. Please join us in October to help with the plantings!
Friday, October 10th: 9 – 3 or Saturday, October 11th: 9 – 3ish*. Since space is limited at the site, please park at Camp Sherman and walk up the road and cross the Spring Creek Bridge to meet everyone at planting areas. For more information on the site and day and to rsvp, contact the Land Trust and Ashley Lowry (ashley@deschuteslandtrust.org, 541-330-0017).

Fall Colors Hike, Whychus Canyon Preserve
2014-10-10
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jane Meissner on a fall hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. From vibrant aspen groves to golden native grasses, experience the colors of autumn. Walk through ancient juniper groves and old-growth ponderosa as you wind down into the canyon carved by Whychus Creek. Take in panoramic mountain views and watch for birds and wildlife as you explore this stunning rimrock canyon. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required
– See more here

Clear Lake Hike
2014-10-11
Clear Lake, Hwy 126 beyond Santiam Junction.
8-10, 5.5 miles, easy, 200 ft. elevation gain. If we are lucky we will see lots of fall color! Even if we miss the fall colors this is a beautiful lake, deep blue and clear, and the source of the McKenzie River. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, wear comfortable broken in boots, and clothing appropriate to the weather. Limit of 14, no dogs please. Contact Leader Alison at alihikes@bendbroadband.com.
For more information, please visit the Juniper Group of the Sierra Club’s website.

Vegan Fusion Cooking Workshop
2014-10-11
This 2 day workshop will be taught by Lisa Parker and will be held on Oct 11 and Oct 12, 2014.

In this hands-on style workshop, you will learn how to prepare vegan feasts that will wow even the most omnivorous of your friends and family
Our stellar gluten-free menu includes a selection of both cooked and raw food vegan cuisine
Day One
Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Creamy Broccoli Bisque
Raw Pesto Pasta Puttanesca
Coconut Curry Tempeh over Quinoa Pilaf
Raw Chocolate Mousse with Macadamia Cream
Day Two
Sun-Dried Tomato Flax Crackers with Cashew Cheese
Raw Carrot Ginger Soup
Coconut Spinach Rice
Walnut Crusted Tofu with Golden Gravy
Organic Mixed Greens with Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette Chocolate Dream Pie
COST: $275/person
includes recipe hand-outs and daily gourmet vegan feasts

The Event Formerly Known as Biketoberfest*
2014-10-11
Roll up your sleeves and help COTA maintain the amazing Central Oregon trails! You don’t want to miss the after work party with free food, and beer for all of those who volunteered!
Meeting place: to be announced

Light breakfast and coffee will be provided.
9:00 am: Registration and breakfast
9:30 – 1:30: Trail work
2:00 to 3:00 pm: lunch and beer. Location to be announced.
2:30: COTA Annual Awards
2:45: Raffle
Beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.
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.
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.
*Biketoberfest® is a registered U.S. trademark of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, all rights reserved. Read the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s letter demanding that COTA discontinue using “Biketoberfest” .
For registration and further information on this event, visit the Central Oregon Trail Alliance’s website.

2014 High Desert Green and Solar Tour
2014-10-11
The High Desert Collaborative of the Cascadia Green Building Council is proud to present Central Oregon’s 14th annual Green and Solar Tour. This year we are excited to highlight both commercial and residential projects that exemplify sustainable choices both for new construction and remodels.
More than 500 people visit the tour each year in order to visit and learn about some truly sustainable building projects in and around Bend. This tour is free to the public through the generous support of our sponsors and countless efforts of our amazing local volunteers. And this year we preparing for more as we continue to expand our program to include the presentation of sustainable living practices and community events.
About Cascadia Green Building Council: Cascadia is a chapter of the US Green Building Council and the Canada Green Building Council, with offices in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. Cascadia’s mission is to lead a transformation toward a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. Cascadia pursues its mission through a comprehensive program of education, outreach, advocacy and innovation.
For more information about this event, visit the Cascadia Green Building Council’s website.

Hawk Watch!
2014-10-11, 2014-10-16
Join the East Cascades Audubon Society for their annual Hawk Migration event at Green Ridge, outside of Sisters. Please RSVP for carpooling! Other dates for upcoming Hawk Watch events:
October 2nd, 4th-5th
October 9th, 11th-12th
October 17th, 18th-19th
For more information about this event, visit the East Cascades Audubon Society’s webpage.

Fall Colors Walk, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2014-10-11
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop on a fall hike at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Explore this historic meadow while taking in the beautiful fall colors of aspen and cottonwood. Learn about the ecology of the meadow and how the Land Trust has worked to restore it for fish and wildlife.
Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~2 mile hike. Portions will be on a gravel trail and through a grassy meadow.
Free. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes

Tips for Growing Bulbs in Central Oregon
2014-10-11
Want to learn some hot tips for growing bulbs in Central Oregon? Join the OSU Master Gardeners and OSU Staff and this final seasonal gardening offering.

Discover Nature Day: Fall Festival!
2014-10-12
Join the partners of Deschutes Childen’s Forest for a fun fall event at Hollinshead Park in Bend! Enjoy fun outdoor games, meet birds of prey in person, learn about local plants and wildlife, get creative with nature art, and more! Ages 5-10 with a parent or guardian. Free!
The Environmental Center’s Kirin Styker will be leading the “Decomposition Rocks” workshop during the Festival, so be sure to say hi!
For more information, please visit the Deschutes Children’s Forest website.

Autumn Harvest Celebration
2014-10-12

KPOV Election Coverage
2014-10-13
Another of the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County’s Free Public Candidate Forums will take place on Monday, October 13th, at 5:15 p.m. in the County/State Building in Bend as they host Republican Knute Buehler and Democrat Craig Wilhelm, candidates for the District 54 State Representative position. KPOV will be covering the debate live at 88.9FM.

Eco Challenge!
2014-10-15 - 2014-10-29
For two weeks, October 15-29th, we challenge you to change one habit that benefits both you and the planet. It’s a win-win that’s designed to inspire a lifetime of positive change.
For years our participants have told great stories and developed lasting habits that echo beyond their individual communities

If you’re not sure where to start, here are 10 stories to inspire you.
Participating is simple:
You choose your challenge, we connect you with other EcoChallengers, and collectively we prove that small actions create real change. Are you up for the Challenge? It’s easy as organic pie:
1. Choose your EcoChallenge action. Here are some ideas to help you get started. Got it?
2. Register for the EcoChallenge.
3. Decide whether you’re going to take on the Challenge individually or as part of a team.
Individuals:
To participate individually and raise pledges to support NWEI’s sustainability education programs, select “participate as an EcoChallenge Fundraiser,” and set your fundraising goal. Remember: everyone who raises as least $50 is entered into the EcoChallenge raffle!
To participate individually without raising pledges, select “join a team” and join the “NWEI Community Team.”
Teammates:
To start your own team, select “start a team,” and we’ll help you invite friends and coworkers to join.
To join an existing team, select “join a team.”
4. Create your EcoChallenge profile page. You can start your page during the registration process and Log In at any time to add or edit.
5. Share your challenge with friends and family—and while you’re at it, invite them to take the EcoChallenge, too!
6. On October 15th, start working toward your challenge goals and Check In on the website daily to log your progress. Connect with other EcoChallengers online and share your progress on your personal EcoChallenge blog.
Check out this website for more information about the Eco Challenge.

Wednesday Birders at High Lakes
2014-10-15
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.

Upcycled Art Show and Fundraiser
2014-10-15
Doors to the Future
Habitat is all about providing new beginnings. Whether it is to the numerous families we serve each year, or the thousands of tons of home goods we keep from the landfills with ReStore, we are making our community a happier place by finding value in each other, and in the ordinary stuff around us.
It is almost time to open the doors to the new ReStore! This gives you a chance to get your creativity flowing and your hands dirty for a chance to be featured in the “Doors to the Future” Art Show and Fundraiser. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
Re-purpose a salvaged door (a variety of free options at ReStore, first come first serve) into a work of art, an alternative functional piece, or to be used as a door once again!
Twenty works, five in the Teen category and fifteen in the Adult category, will be showcased during the ReStore Grand Re-Opening for a month long silent auction.
Prizes for artists with top bids:
#1 Teen will receive $100 ReStore Gift Card
#1 Adult will receive $100 ReStore Gift Card
#2 Adult will receive $50 ReStore Gift Card
#3 Adult will receive $25 ReStore Gift Card
When one door closes, another opens, and as also true with ReStore, when one door is reclaimed, the possibilities are endless.
Submission forms accepted through October 15th
Works Due November 1st
For more information contact: Paige Shull – 541-312-6709 – pshull@bendhabitat.org
Timeline Summary:
Submission forms accepted through Oct. 15th
Artists work due Nov.1st (to new ReStore *Ray Building)
Silent Auction during Grand Opening (TBD)
Winners and Top Bidders announced after one month. For more information and for artist submission form, go here.

41st Annual Natural Areas Conference
2014-10-15 - 2014-10-17
About the Conference: Presented by the Natural Areas Association, with co-host Five Rivers MetroParks
The Natural Areas Conference will take on a slightly condensed format this year. Our conference will kick off on Wednesday morning with its plenary session, leading into an afternoon of concurrent sessions and an evening poster session. The following day will include a full day of concurrent sessions, our NAA membership meeting & lunch and our annual awards dinner.
Can’t attend the conference in person?
View the live webcast of the Natural Areas Conference Plenary & panel discussion:
Wednesday, October 15 9:00 a.m. (Eastern).
Registration is not required; simply click on this link to start watching the Plenary.
Exploring the Nature of Global Change and Its Effects on Natural Areas in North America.
Natural areas in North America face major challenges: expanding human populations and economies, changes in climate and precipitation patterns, air and water pollution, fires, floods, invasive species, and more. This year’s plenary session challenges us to consider whether current approaches to natural areas management can keep pace with the changes wrought by these environmental trends, or if something different is in order.
More>>
Plenary Session Schedule:
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Moderator: Ryan McEwan
9:00 am
Welcome by Lisa Smith, Executive Director
Natural Areas Association
9:15 am
Opening Talk
Reading the Ohio Landscape by Guy Denny
9:45 am
Keynote Address
Diversity, Wildness, Inspiration: The Value of Smaller, Fragmented Natural Areas by Emma Marris
10:30 am
Plenary Address
Deeply Rooted in Reality: Bringing Federal Lands Conservation and Restoration into the 21st Century by Hugh Safford
11:15 am
Panel Discussion with Emma Marris, Hugh Safford, Reed Noss and Keith Bowers
Keith Bowers, president and founder of Biohabitats and Ecological Restoration and Management, and Reed F. Noss, Provost’s Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Central Florida, join our speakers for a panel discussion that promises to engage the audience in a lively exchange of ideas about future directions for natural areas management.
Join the Live Plenary>>
(This link will be live when the Plenary begins on Oct. 15th)

Cyclist & Pedestrian Safety Improvement Meetings
2014-10-15, 2014-10-16
Cyclist and pedestrian safety improvement meetings
The public is invited to upcoming open house gatherings to learn about road safety issues in Bend and explore options to improve safety for people walking and biking across busy, multi-lane roadways.
Data has shown patterns of crashes on certain multilane roads, especially Third Street, Greenwood Avenue and Colorado Avenue. To learn more about the conditions, challenges and opportunities on these corridors and to discover how to participate in the City of Bend’s safety improvement project, come to one of these open houses:

Colorado and Arizona Avenue crossings (Bond Street to Parkway ramps), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Commute Options, 50 SW Bond Street, Suite 4
Third Street crossings (Greenwood Avenue to Murphy Road) and Greenwood Avenue Crossings (NW Awbrey Road to NE 12th Street); 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Transit Center, 334 NE Hawthorne Avenue.

For more information contact Robin Lewis, 541-330-4025, rlewis@bendoregon.gov, or visit www.bendoregon.gov/bikewalk.

Beers Made By Walking
2014-10-15
Beers Made By Walking invites brewers to go on nature hikes and make new beer inspired by plants that are identified on the trail. Each hike is unique and each beer that is produced is a drinkable landscape portrait of the trail we hiked. On October 15th, from 6-9pm at Broken Top Bottle Shop, beer lovers will have the opportunity to try new beers inspired by hikes around the Bend Region.
These hike-inspired beers were produced through a collaboration between BMBW and the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) through a series of public hikes with brewers throughout the summer. Participating local brewers that joined in on the hikes include Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and Worthy Brewing. Check out a recap of those hikes here.

Each brewer will serve their new beer on October 15th. Additionally, Laurelwood Brewing (Portland), and Seven Brides Brewing (Silverton) will also tap special beers based off hikes in their region.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the brewers, learn about the various hikes that inspired the beers, and learn about some of ONDA and BMBW’s recent work. Beers will be sold by the pint and in sample sizes until they run out. 100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Oregon Natural Desert Association.
Beer List:
Crux Fermentation Project
River Trail Sour – A blend of our Saison and a barrel aged golden sour. Inspired by plants we saw on a hike at Alder Spring, we added chokecherry and mint and fermentes with a culture from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project in Colorado. 9% ABV, 15 IBU
Worthy Brewing
Walk on the Wild Side (Badlands Indigenous Ale) – Beer brewed with Juniper tips, juniper berries, Indian Rice grass, Desert Sage, wheatgrass, and fescue. The beer is inspired by a hike in the Oregon Badlads. 6.5%, 14 IBU
Deschutes Brewery
Botanic Ale – A light and crisp beer with rye, wild sage, and meadowsweet, rose and Stella hops, inspired by a hike in May, at the height of wildflower season, along the Middle Deschutes River where it connects with Whychus Creek.
Laurelwood Pub and Brewery
Saison de Walkie – A slightly tart Saison with rose hips and elderberries, inspired by a late-summer hike on the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, Portland, OR. 5.5% ABV, 12 IBU
Seven Brides Brewing
Pseudo Tsuga IPA – Light bodied IPA with a piney aroma and resiny flavor from the addition of Douglas Fir needle tea. The beer is inspired by the giants of the Silver Falls Canyon, where Douglas Fir forests veil pristine waterfalls, adding depth to the majesty of an area the brewery is glad to call home. 5.4%, 60 IBU

No-School Day Camps
2014-10-16
On Thursday, October 16th, and Friday, October 17th, Camp Fire will be hosting their first No-School Day Camps of the year for kids in elementary and middle schools in Bend. These camps will be held at Westside Magnet School (1101 NW 12th Street) and will run from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, providing parents a fun, engaging, and cost effective program for their kids to enjoy while school is not in session.
While Camp Fire members will receive discounts for each day their child attends a No-School Day Camp, non-members may also send their children to these programs as well. Camp Fire Membership is currently available at a 30% discount for all local families, making it easier to save on camps, clubs, programs, and special events all year long—membership is cycled on a 12 month basis, so families who join now can look forward to sending their children to summer camps at reduced rates.
Registration for No-School Day Camps is currently open through December 31st, but the 30% discount on membership will only be available until November 1st. Please see below for membership pricing options, as well as dates for each No-School Day Camp that will be held at Westside.

Membership Option
Normally Priced
Discounted Price

Individual MembershipFamily Membership
$50
$35

$120
$84

For other upcoming No-School Camp Days;

No-School Day Camp Dates

No-School Day Camp Dates

October 16th & 17th
February 16th

November 11th
March 23rd – 27th

November 24th – 26th
April 9th & 10th

December 22nd – 24th

December 29th -31st

January 19th

January 30th

About Camp Fire:
Camp Fire Central Oregon is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth find their spark and discover who they are.
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, enjoy nature, and thrive, so we offer a variety of programs, camps, events, and service learning projects meant to engage youth and inspire them to be themselves. Young people want to shape the world. Through Camp Fire, they can see immediate action and discover that they have what it takes to make a difference now. For more information, visit our website at campfireco.org.

Buggin' Out: Science & Art by the Stream
2014-10-16
Join Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to Learn about the bugs in our stream as we collect them, study them, and use them to inspire a “buggy” art project.
For more information, please visit the Deschutes Children’s Forest website.

Rattlesnake Springs Backcountry Restoration
2014-10-16 - 2014-10-19
Rattlesnake Springs Backcountry Restoration

When
Oct 16, 2014 11:00 AM to
Oct 19, 2014 02:00 PM

Contact Name
Jefferson Jacobs

Contact Phone
(541) 330-2638

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BACKGROUND:
Pine Creek Conservation Area (PCCA) encompasses 35,000 acres of land near Clarno, on the John Day River. Open to the public, the land is managed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as mitigation for the Bonneville Power Administration John Day Dam on the Columbia River. As such, it is managed in perpetuity for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The area is open to hiking and hunting, but closed to motorized vehicles. A contiguous neighbor to Spring Basin Wilderness (PCCA borders the Wilderness on three sides), the Conservation Area is a great demonstration of the success of linking together the patchwork of public and private lands protected in the John Day Basin, ultimately providing large contiguous landscapes conserved for the enjoyment of the public, and the enhancement of native fish, wildlife and habitat. ONDA has been a long-time partner with PCCA, planting tens of thousands of trees in critical riparian habitat and mapping and removing dozens of miles of obsolete fence.
Upland springs are an extremely valuable resource to wildlife in the high desert. Springs get denuded of native plants through overgrazing and dewatered by the expansion of native junipers. This trip will focus on addressing both these issues. Last year, several miles of fence were removed around the immediate spring area and further afield in the valley in preparation for vegetation restoration this year.
TRIP TIMELINE:

Thursday, October 16th (11 AM): We will meet/park at the Robinson Creek Campsite, and re-load our gear for the 4WD shuttle out to the base-camp campsite.
Friday, October 17th: Our first of two big days of planting trees and moving around juniper slash.
Saturday, October 18th: The second day of restoration work
Sunday, October 19th: After breakfast, we will all pack up and get shuttled back out to our vehicles and then head home. You will have the option to hike back to the cars down Robinson Canyon (I would still haul your gear for you) or I can shuttle folks all the way back to their cars in the ONDA vehicle.

THE WORK:
There is a lot of work to do around the Rattlesnake Springs area. On a previous trip we removed the obsolete barbed wire that was a hazard to wildlife in the area. On this trip we will focus on reclaiming some of the open water at the springs to make it better available for wildlife, rebuilding a small dyke to hold water, planting native woody browse on the banks of the spring and stream, and moving around juniper slash to open up the habitat and reduce fire danger. The work is within a few minutes walk of camp, and allows for individual pacing, however all of the work will be relatively physical in nature requiring one or more of the following: walking up and down hills, digging holes and hauling awkward loads. We will typically head to the work site at 8AM and stop work by 4PM in order to leave time in the afternoon to clean-up, relax, and cook a well-deserved dinner. This will be a great chance to get to work on a project that will, over the course of the next few years, dramatically change a small corner of the high desert for the better.
CAMP:
We will be operating out of the same camp for the length of the trip. Since we will be shuttling everyone’s gear into camp, it is a good idea to pack compactly. Potable water will be trucked in with us, but the setting will be wild: not a developed campsite.

Relaxing around the fire after a hard day’s work in Rattlesnake Canyon

DIFFICULTY RATING:
3 out of 5. . Click HERE for a description of the trip difficulty rating system.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:Participants are responsible for their own food, camping gear as well as transportation to and from the trip. Sturdy off-trail ankle-high boots are required for this trip. Having our gear trucked into the campsite will allow some small luxuries that you wouldn’t otherwise have on a backpacking trip (maybe a small cooler, or a compact folding chair), however all our gear will have to fit into a finite space, so there will be some restraint required. Participants should be prepared to be away from camp all day each of the work days.
PROVIDED BY ONDA:
ONDA will provide tools for the work, gear transportation to the base camp, expert leadership and we can teach you all you need to know about fence pulling!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This trip will be led by ONDA’s Wilderness Stewardship Coordinator Jefferson Jacobs
Group size is limited to 15 participants
This trip is offered to members free of charge.
REGISTRATION:
An ONDA registration application and medical form is required for this trip. Click HERE for the form. You only need to fill this form out once per year: You can join additional trips by e-mailing the trip leader directly.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 10 working days of submitting the form. The confirmation e-mail will provide information regarding which trips you are on the “participant list” for, and which trips are full and so your name has been placed on the “wait list”. Five weeks before the trip starts the trip leader will send out an RSVP e-mail to make sure everyone is still available to participate. Three weeks before the trip begins, the trip leader will send out an e-mail with additional information, maps, driving instructions, car-pooling options etc. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader at the e-mail address above.

Malheur National Refuge Fence Repair
2014-10-16 - 2014-10-19
Malheur National Refuge Fence Repair

When
Oct 16, 2014 04:00 PM to
Oct 19, 2014 12:00 PM

Where
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Contact Name
Michael O’Casey

Contact Phone
(541) 330-2638

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BACKGROUND:
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a truly amazing place of incredible value to wildlife, and it needs our help. Located about 30 miles south of Burns, with wetlands fed by the Steens’ Donner und Blitzen River the area is a critical wildlife oasis for waterfowl. During seasonal migrations the Refuge plays host to 20% of the world’s population of white-faced ibis, as well as significant populations of pelicans and sandhill cranes. The area is truly a birder’s paradise and a bird’s paradise. With 187,000 acres of wetlands, riparian areas, meadows and uplands there is plenty of room and habitat diversity to attract hundreds of thousands of birds every year. But this habitat needs care-taking, and significant restoration. Fences which keep neighboring cows out of breeding grounds need regular and significant repair. And the aquatic vegetation has been completely decimated by invasive carp (stay tuned for ways to help with this in future years!). After nearly two decades ONDA volunteers are returning to work in the Refuge and help address some of these major issues for the second year in a row. Look for annual trips and an expanding role for ONDA volunteers at the Refuge in the years to come. These trips are sure to become a new volunteer favorite as we re-establish our partnership with the refuge.
HERE is a Google Map showing the Refuge’s general location.

A Pelican lifts off from the refuge in 1908 before the carp ate all the vegetation
(Painted slide courtesy of USFWS)

TRIP TIMELINE:

October 16th, Thursday. Folks can arrive in the evening with enough time to set up camp. Might be good to get dinner at the Narrows Restaurant (make sure to tell them you are here to help out the wildlife at the refuge!)
October 17th, Friday. First of two days of building and repairing fence. Exact location will depend on accessibility related to lake water levels.
October 18th, Saturday. Second of two days of building and repairing fence. Exact location will depend on accessibility related to lake water levels.
October 19th, Sunday. We will have a chance to see some “behind the scenes” territory on the refuge thanks to refuge staff and “Friends of the Refuge”. After lunch we can all head home.

THE WORK:
No experience is necessary, just a desire to work all day and learn some new skills. We will provide tools, materials and leadership. Work will involve the opportunity to master many different tasks with varying degrees of physical demands throughout the day as part of a team. Many tasks will involve hauling materials (posts, wire, rocks, bags of small metal pieces), pounding in fence posts, twisting wires in place, holding fence while tensioning, and dismantling the old damaged fence. In general, work in eastern Oregon is hot and sunny during the day, and participants should expect to get a bit scratched up and maybe a tear here and there in their clothes. We will be away from camp all day, but everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace and take breaks as needed, as well as to relax and explore in the afternoons after work.

Last year’s fence repair volunteers making an H-brace

CAMP:
Our exact camping location will be determined by the lake’s water level this fall. Since the area is a wetland, water levels will determine which fence-lines we will work on (some may be under water) and therefore which locations will be the most practical for access and camping. We will be car-camping, so you will be able to have all the amenities you can fit in your car. Details describing the exact campsite will be provided to participants in the information e-mail three weeks before the trip.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 out of 5:
The terrain while uneven, will be flat, we will not be at high altitude, and we will be car-camping. There will be plenty of opportunities for pacing oneself during the day, however, there are also are some tasks that will require some participants to do heavy lifting as well.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participants are responsible for their own food and food preparation, backpacking/camping gear as well as transportation to and from the trip. Sturdy off-trail ankle-high boots are recommended for this trip.

PROVIDED BY ONDA:
ONDA will provide tools for the work, leadership and a number of group camp items to make things more comfortable such as a few chairs, a cook table, and a sun/rain tarp.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This trip is led by ONDA’s Wilderness Stewardship Assistant, Michael O’Casey, Michael@onda.org
Group Size is limited to 15
This trip is offered free of charge to members

REGISTRATION:
A registration application and medical form is required for this trip. Click HERE for the online form. This form only needs to be filled out only once per year: you can join additional trips in the future by contacting trip leaders directly. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 10 working days of submitting the form. The confirmation e-mail will provide information regarding which trips you are on the “participant list” for, and which trips are full and so your name has been placed on the “wait list”. Five weeks before the trip starts the trip leader will send out an RSVP e-mail to make sure everyone is still available to participate. Three weeks before the trip begins, the trip leader will send out an e-mail with additional information, maps, driving instructions, car-pooling options etc. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader.

COTA Movie Night: "Mallethead"
2014-10-16
MALLETHEAD: An Evening of Bike Polo
This month, COTA Movie Night @ McMenamins is treating you to an entire evening of live bicycle polo followed by a double feature of short bike polo films. Join us for any or all of these activities:

5P Free bike polo lessons for all ages by Chad Cheeney and Pendbolo (Troy Field, corner of Bond and Louisiana)
6P Play in and/or watch beginner-friendly bike polo matches (Troy Field, corner of Bond and Louisiana)
7:15P Free clinic on making your own bike polo mallet (at the fire pit outside the McMenamins theater)
8:30P Theater doors open
9P Double feature begins with Bicycle Indian, followed by Mallethead – A Bicycle Polo Documentary.
Movie Night at McMenamins raises funds and awareness for Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
NEWSFLASH! All ages are now permitted (with an adult aged 21+) at our monthly COTA Movie Night @ McMenamins cycling films!
–
Henry Abel
Pine Mountain Sports – Bend, OR
541-385-8080 shop
541-525-1997 cel
Central Oregon Ambassadors of Mountain & Trail

KPOV Election Coverage
2014-10-16
Listen in live on Thursday, October 16th at 5:15pm to the 2014 Election Debates for Bend City Council Position #6 at KPOV 88.9FM.
