The Environmental Center

How To Go Solar + Storage Webinar
2023-09-12 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Oregon
In this webinar, you’ll learn everything you need to know to feel confident adding solar or energy storage to your home or business.

Regenerative Food & Farming; Documentary and Discussion
2023-09-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Regenerative Food & Farming; Documentary and Discussion
Join us for an exciting evening of exploring the world of regenerative food and farming at Worthy Brewing Company in Bend, Oregon. Get ready to dive into a thought-provoking documentary, Kiss the Ground, that sheds light on the importance of regenerative practices in our food system. We will screen a 45 minute educational version of the film, followed by a lively discussion with a local panel:

Klaus Mager, Citizen Climate Lobby – Moderator
Cate Havstad-Casad of Casad Family Farm;
Ellen Hammond, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District;
Katrina Wiest from Bend La Pine Schools;
Katrina Van Dis, Ensoterra
Mike Bakouris, NeighborImpact

Come share your thoughts and ideas with like-minded individuals passionate about creating a better future for our planet.
Introduced and hosted by Bend Citizen Climate Lobby in partnership with Worthy Brewing. Tickets include one drink token. The event will have a limited food menu.
If you would like to attend but need assistance with the fee, please contact info@citizensclimatebend.org
Doors open at 6:30. Film starts at 7. Please arrive before the film to order food and drinks.
Get tickets here!

Welcoming Week-Multicultural Art Exhibition
2023-09-13 16:00 - 19:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us at The Environmental Center in downtown Bend for a Multicultural Art Exhibit. Experience live poetry, music, and creative arts by local BILAPOC, LGBTQ+ artists. Attendees can also tour The Environmental Center’s Learning & Demonstration Garden. You will also get the opportunity to practice your creative skills during our live art demonstration. We invite community members who practice any of the various creative arts to participate. ASL interpretation will be offered on-site.
September is also Latino Heritage Month! To honor, celebrate and recognize the contributions, achievements, and influences that the Latino/a/e/x community has had, and continues to have in our community, we’ve partnered with High Desert Museum. We will be giving away passes to HDM during our Art Walk event to highlight the Vistas del Cielo exhibit created by artist Justin Favela.
Acompáñenos en The Environmental Center en el centro de Bend para una exhibición de arte multicultural. Experimente en vivo poesía, música y artes creativas de nuestros artistas locales BILAPOC, LGBTQ+. Los asistentes también pueden hacer un recorrido por el Jardín de aprendizaje y demostración de The Environmental Center. También tendrá la oportunidad de practicar sus destrezas creativas durante nuestra demostración de arte en vivo. Invitamos a participar a los miembros de la comunidad que practiquen cualquiera de las diferentes artes creativas. Se ofrecerá interpretación de ASL.
¡Septiembre también es el Mes de la Herencia Latina! Para honrar, celebrar y reconocer las contribuciones, logros y influencias que la comunidad latina ha tenido y continúa teniendo en nuestra comunidad, nos hemos asociado con High Desert Museum. Regalaremos pases al museo durante nuestro evento para resaltar la exhibición Vistas del Cielo creada por el artista Justin Favela.

Fermentation Workshop With Worthy Environmental
2023-09-13 17:30 - 20:30, 2023-09-18 17:30 - 20:30 | Oregon
Fermenting is Fun and Easy
Learn fermentation to make delicious food cheaply and easily! Fermented food is full of beneficial live cultures. Take this workshop and you’ll be able to turn vegetables from the bottom of your fridge and garden into mustard, kimchi, sour pickles and more. Led by a Master Food Preserver, this workshop will stretch your budget but not your waistline! You’ll try fermented goodies at the workshop, go home with a batch of fermented cucumbers that you make, and with a special fermenting lid.
Cost: $40 per ticket
Sept. 13th in Redmond and Sept. 18th in Bend
Register Here!

The Green 2.0 Environmental Experts of Color Database Launch
2023-09-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Oregon
The Green 2.0 Environmental Experts of Color Database addresses a pressing issue—the lack of diversity in experts providing testimony in the policymaking process nationally and locally. The database provides policymakers, organizations, and individuals with an expansive set of environmental and environmental justice leaders, and offers a more representative perspective on these issues. Join the database launch on September 14, to hear from key experts and policymakers about how we may implement practices and policies that build a more inclusive set of experts in the environmental sector.

Native Plant Harvest
2023-09-15 12:00 - 17:00 | Rooted at Simpson, 19755 Simpson Avenue, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
RootedHomes invites the community to participate in its Native Plant Harvest on September 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Hosted at 19755 Simpson Avenue, at the corner of Simpson Ave and SW 18th Ave, the RootedHomes event will harvest native plants and adolescent trees on the site of its future affordable housing development – Rooted at Simpson. Additional harvested plants and trees, including ponderosas, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, sulfur buckwheat, yarrow, and fescue will be available for volunteers to take home.
Volunteers should wear appropriate footwear and clothing for landscaping, with gloves recommended. While limited shovels, and wheelbarrows will be available, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own. If you are interested in bringing home plants please bring your own pots.
Interested volunteers can register below or contact Tess Freeman at tess@rootedhomes.org or 458-202-4598.

Global Climate Strike Bend
2023-09-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall St, Bend, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition and Fridays for Future Bend, along with other local partners, for the Global Climate Strike at Bend City Hall on September 15th, starting at 5pm.
“This is a family-friendly, peaceful strike put on by Fridays for Future Bend, Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition, and many other organizations. Anyone who loves the Earth and wants to fight for it is welcome!”

Putting Your Garden to Bed
2023-09-16 10:00 - 11:30 | OSU Extension Office, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
This class will cover how to harvest vegetables at the end of the season, including how to ripen tomatoes indoors; how to winterize your vegetable garden to save time next spring; how to divide and cut back perennials; and how to prepare your landscape for winter.
Register here!

Policy Matters: Solutions for a Plastic Pollution Free U.S.
2023-09-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Oregon
Plastic pollution is an urgent threat to the climate, human health, communities, the environment, and wildlife. With industries set to triple their plastic production by 2060, public support for policies to reduce plastic pollution is growing across the world. From implementing bag bans and fees on single-use plastics, to rules that strengthen regulations on industrial polluters, communities and policymakers are using many strategies to address the growing plastic pollution crisis.

Seed to Table Fall Farm Tours
2023-09-21 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-09-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-09-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-09-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2023-09-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Seed to Table, 998 E. Black Butte Avenue, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Seed to Table Farm invites our community onto the farm for a free fall tour. This once-a-year opportunity is a chance for you to explore tomatoes in the greenhouses, get a taste of what students experience on field trips, and ask questions to the farmers who steward the land to grow nearly 85,000 pounds of produce on just a few acres. Feel free to bring a friend! You must pre-register for tours.
Thursday 9/21 4pm-5pm
Saturday 9/23 10am-11am
Monday 9/25 4pm-5pm
Wednesday 9/27 11am-12pm
Friday 9/29 3pm-4pm
Saturday 9/30 10am -11am
REGISTER FOR FALL FARM TOURS!

Play Forever Mountain Clean Up
2023-09-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Mt. Bachelor, OR, United States
Grab your sturdy hiking shoes and head up to Mt. Bachelor September 23 for Mt. Bachelor’s annual Play Forever Mountain Clean-up! Registration is free, but required.
https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/events/view-all-events/play-forever-mountain-cleanup-2023

Discover Nature Festival
2023-09-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Alpenglow Community Park, 61049 SE 15th St OR 97702, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Discover Nature Festival is returning in 2023! Discover Nature Festival celebrates the diversity of ways that we all connect with nature. The event will provide something for everyone, including nature arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, music, food, and more. Bring your family out to try a new outdoor activity, connect with amazing community organizations, and learn how we can all help take care of our environment and community. The event is made possible by 20+ community partners, including Bend Park and Recreation District and Deschutes National Forest.
Saturday, September 23
11 am-3 pm
NEW LOCATION: Alpenglow Park, Bend
61049 SE 15th Street
2023 Partners and Activities

Climbing wall with Bend Park ad Recreation District
Fire Truck and Fire Fighter Challenge with Deschutes National Forest
Introduction to Mountain Biking with Cog Wild/Cascadia Junior Cycling
Natural Dyes with Wildheart Nature School
Deschutes County Public Health
Watershed Exploration with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Who Lives Here? with Discover Your Forest
10 Survival Essentials and Pine Cone Bird Feeders with Camp Fire Central Oregon
Monarch Butterfly Crafts and plants with Deschutes Land Trust
Fruit and Veggie Spin Wheel with OSU Extension
Art Activity with Juntos Aprendemos
Pop-up Poetry with Deschutes Public Library
Pedestrian Safety Activity with Commute Options
Wildflower Seed Bombs with Think Wild
Wander and Wonder in Nature with Oregon State Parks
Great Garbage Game with The Environmental Center
Night Sky Education with DarkSky Oregon
Games with Mosaic Medical
Nature Color Match with Family Resource Center
Craft and medication with Take Care with Autumn
Mud Kitchen and Nature Crafting with Bend Forest School
Bird of Prey and Nature Journaling with High Desert Museum
Leaf Rubbings and Magnet Fishing with the Oregon Department of Human Services
Wondery Art and Adventure School
Green Leadership Coalition
Vámonos Outside and Camp Chica
Treasure Hunt with Children’s Forest of Central Oregon
and more!

Food Vendors

Central Oregon Pupuseria
Acme Hot Dog Co.
The Sweet Retreat

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in our Kansas Avenue Learning Garden for our ongoing volunteer work party series. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 200 hours to help keep our learning garden maintained over the growing season. We couldn’t do it without you!
This event is open to all ages and gardening abilities! No experience or tools required. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for all who volunteer. Each event includes seasonal ongoing tasks as well as special projects as needed throughout the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to pop in for an hour or stay the whole time. No need to RSVP or commit ahead of time. (Pro tip – put the following dates in your phone calendar now – then when it pops up you can decide if it works out for you or not!)
In 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. This schedule throughout the extent of the growing season offers meaningful volunteer experiences for all who come, and deeper care for the garden when it needs it.
For Summer & Fall 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 2nd & 4th 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

July & August Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

July 11 & 25
August 8 & 22

September & October Happy Hours sponsored by Boneyard Beer

September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24

Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

BEYOND THE BEYOND: PREPARING BEND FOR A WILD FUTURE
2023-09-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How will our city and our lives be changed by population growth, a warming world, hotter summers and less water, new technologies and other emerging trends? And how can we plan to maintain our region’s beauty and quality of life?
Being resilient and seeking out opportunities to innovate is what moved Oregon into the forefront of planning 50 years ago and it’s what we strive to be far into the future. Come learn how planning will need to change in future decades with case studies on transforming traditional suburbs, developing new models for infrastructure planning, and building resiliency in an era of climate-driven events — and what we can do to retain the best of Bend as it moves into a wild future.
Admission is FREE but due to space constraints, pre-registration is required. Doors will open at 6:30pm and the program starts at 7pm. A no-host bar will be available.

REGISTER FOR FREE

THIS IS PART 3 OF A THREE-PART SERIES CELEBRATING OREGON’S LAND USE LAWS. YOU CAN VIEW PART 1 AND PART 2 HERE.

Ethnobotany of the Klamath Basin
2023-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Native cultures have called the Klamath Basin home for millennium and have developed a long and intimate relationship with the native plants of the Basin for food, medicine, tools, and clothing. In this talk, Erin Rentz, Botanist with Six Rivers National Forest, will discuss a selection of culturally significant plants and the importance of management of these resources. Erin studied Botany and Ecology at San Francisco State University and has worked as a botanist for the Forest Service for the past 15 years in southern Oregon and northern California.
September 27, 2023
6:30 pm
Worthy Brewing
495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend OR 97701
Register HERE

A Sense of Place Webinar Series: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky, featuring Elizabeth Azzuz
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Elizabeth Azzuz, Secretary of Cultural Fire Management Council, will discuss her work using Traditional Native Karuk methods of prescribed burning to protect forests, heal degraded ecosystems, and reestablish forest-grown food, medicine, and products.
Register here!

Science Pub: Fungi in the Forest
2023-09-28 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Explore the variety of fungi in Central Oregon and the surprisingly important role they play in forest health. You’ll discover the vast fungal communication networks in forests at boot-level and beneath, how fungi are adapted to our fire-dependent environment, and how they can help forests recover from fire.
You’ll also learn about the largest fungus in the world, located nearby in the Malheur National Forest.
About the Presenter
Ariel Cowan is an assistant professor of practice and regional fire specialist with the OSU Extension Service in Deschutes County. Cowan’s experience in mycology began at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science & Forestry. Since then, as a biologist, researcher, stewardship forester and wildland firefighter her work has focused on fungal ecology and forest health. She is a member of the Central Oregon Mushroom Club.
Register here!

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2023-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival! Join ONDA for an evening of short films showcasing the earth’s natural wonders and the amazing stories of activists working to conserve the environment.
There will be an in-person show at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon as well as a virtual version streamed online. See their lineup of the year’s best conservation films.
For the Tower Theatre show, doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm. Join ONDA before the show to chat with staff, learn about current advocacy and volunteer opportunities, buy raffle tickets, and catch up with fellow ONDA community members!
Click here to purchase tickets!

Meet Your Farmer at Worthy Brewing Company featuring Beef Barn
2023-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Locavore presents:
A unique dining experience crafted to connect you with the hard working men and women of Central Oregon who grow the food that nourishes and sustains us. Featured Rancher: Stephanie and Jack Samples of Beef Barn, Bend + Organically grown produce by Worthy Garden Club
495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR 97701
*All proceeds benefit Central Oregon Locavore Non 501(c)3 Profit, a portion of your ticket price is deductible to the extent of tax law

Meet Your Farmer at Worthy Brewing Company featuring Beef Barn
Saturday, September 30, 2023 6pm

Menu
Shepherd’s Pie – Beef Barn ground, peas, carrots parsnip mash
Panzanella Salad – Sparrow bakery baguette, Worthy Garden tomatoes, Field Farm greens, basil, Classic vinaigrette
Salisbury Steak – Roasted purple potato, Worthy Garden beets and carrots, mushroom demi-glaze
Peach Bourbon B.B.Q. Brisket – Green beans and truffled mac and cheese
Dessert Surprise

Stories in the Garden at The Environmental Center w/ Deschutes Public Library
2023-10-02 10:30 - 11:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
This is an in-person program. Registration is required. This event is suggested for children ages Kindergarten and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Children and families are invited to explore the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center. The event will begin with a nature-based story time, provided by Deschutes Public Library, followed by a chance for caregivers and little ones to get their hands dirty with Denise Rowcroft. Denise joined The Environmental Center in 2006 and is responsible for the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden and the Garden for Every School program.
Part of this event will occur outdoors — please bring appropriate layers, water, and sun protection.
Register here!

All About ADUs
2023-10-02 12:30 - 16:30 | Oregon
This half-day course is intended to help real estate and building professionals understand the basic planning and building regulations for ADU development in the City of Bend. Participants will gain critical information to help them to respond to increasing client demand for properties with ADU potential, as well as the opportunity to earn the ‘ADU Specialist’ professional accreditation.
When & Where

Monday, October 2nd, 2023
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Bend, OR (In-person classroom, no webinar option available)
Central Oregon Association of REALTORS®
2112 NE 4th St, Bend, OR 97701 (map)

COZEE Happy Hour with Roost Development
2023-10-03 16:30 - 18:00 | 201 NW Harriman Ave, Bend, 201 NW Hariman Ave, Bend, OR, 97703
October COZEE Happy Hour with Roost Development
Perry Brooks and Peter Grube from Roost Develpment will give us the low-down on how the first net-zero duplex in the historic district of Bend came to be including some crucial code changes to help make this project happen.
Quick stats:

The shell is a combo of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) with a hand-framed roof.
It will be Earth Advantage certified as net zero.

Register here!

Central Oregon Zero Energy Enthusiasts brings together individuals who share a passion for or want to learn more about high performance and zero energy buildings in Central Oregon.

2023 Go Clean Energy Conference
2023-10-04 08:30 - 16:30 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Go Clean Energy Conference: Get a Jackpot of incentives for Your Electrification Projects
Whether you rent, own a home, or commercial building, cash and tax credits are coming your way from government incentives that will help you electrify. Learn from 25+ experts how to put your project together. Don’t be left out of the funding stream to electrify for cost savings and health. Solar, efficiency, Electric vehicle Charging, home heating and/or cooling are among your many options. Oct 4, 8:30-4:30 at Bend Central Oregon Community College.
Register at GoCleanEnergy.org.

The West is Burning Film Screening - La Pine
2023-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine, OR, United States
Discover Your Forest, in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest and the Upper Deschutes River Communities, is hosting a public screening of The West is Burning followed by a panel discussion with specialists in land management, forest/fire ecology, fire management, and adaptive communities.
The free community event will be held at the La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine on Thursday, October 5th. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and childcare beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The West is Burning examines the history of forest management and social conflict that has contributed to current forest conditions, causing longer fire seasons and unprecedented impacts. The film emphasizes the need to act now to generate positive change in our forests, watersheds, and communities. Six real-life perspectives drive the film’s narrative to help raise awareness about the conditions of forests in the western U.S. Their stories demonstrate the need to embrace a new era of forest stewardship, and the unique partnerships that are being built across community-based organizations, government entities, and private and non-governmental organizations. These thought leaders highlight the need for a unified response to climate change, land use, and forest restoration, and emphasize the importance of community-based solutions to these challenges.
Representatives from local forestry and fire organizations will host tables and share information on wildfire preparedness before and after the event.
This is a free event with dinner and childcare provided. For more information contact Discover Your Forest’s Wildland Fire Education Coordinator, Emily Curtis, at emily.curtis@discovernw.org.

Any donations received through this form will go towards Discover Your Forest’s wildland fire and forest restoration public outreach and education programs.
Get tickets here!
