Spring 2020 Fire Free Week
2020-05-17, 2020-05-18, 2020-05-19, 2020-05-20, 2020-05-21, 2020-05-22, 2020-05-23, 2020-05-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save the Dates: Spring 2020 FireFree Week!
May 9 – May 24, 7 am – 5 pm @ Knott Landfill
Gather all of your yard debris and bring it to Knott Landfill for a FREE yard debris drop off event! Cones and needles, branches and limbs! The material will get mulched and given a new life as compost or fill. Plus, you will be clearing out burnable material to reduce wildfire fuels near your home!
Also, you can help close the recycling loop by buying back some compost while you’re out there! Deschutes Recycling offers bulk or bagged compost in a variety of types.
Westside Collection Site – Discovery West/Brooks Resources
Weekends Only
May 9th-10th, 16th-17th and 23rd-24th
Crossing Drive at Skyliners Road – west of Miller
Elementary (Crosby Dr.), near the Tree Farm subdivision.

First Round Table Issue: Bend's Transportation System Plan
2020-05-18
What: Round Table with progressive Council candidates
Candidate Panelists: Anthony Broadman, Melanie Kebler, Kat Mastrangelo
Subject Matter Expert: Mike Riley
Hosted by: Indivisible Bend and The Vocal Seniority
Date: Monday, May 18
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Zoom. Simply click this link to join the session (the meeting ID and password are embedded in the link):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83207840178?pwd=[REDACTED]
The Issue:
The City of Bend is required by law (as are all cities) to periodically develop, adopt, and implement a 20-year Transportation System Plan (TSP) that will set the vision and direction for how people and goods will move around the city and that complies with federal and state regulations. For the last two years, a citizen committee, the Citywide Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), has been meeting regularly with City staff and transportation consults to develop that plan.
What’s At Stake:
Over the next two months, our City Council will be making the final decisions on what that plan will be. Once adopted, the TSP becomes a part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which is the guiding document for everything that the City undertakes.
Will they agree to the use of an equity lens in determining who benefits from and who pays for transportation projects and programs? Will there be an emphasis on completing connected bicycle and pedestrian networks or on more infrastructure for cars? Will there be an aggressive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions or just business as usual? Will there be sufficient investment in the use of technology to better adapt to newer and as yet unknown ways of moving people and goods in the City? The answers to these questions and more are all on the line.
The Panelists:
Our candidate panelists for this Round Table are (incumbent in parentheses):
Anthony Broadman, candidate for Bend City Council, Position 2 (Bill Moseley) and lawyer working for Tribal Governments, Indigenous Rights, and Bend Businesses.
Melanie Kebler, candidate for Bend City Council, Position 1 (Justin Livingston) and local crime victims’ rights attorney.
Kat Mastrangelo, candidate for Bend City Council, Position 4 (Bruce Abernethy) and Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine.
Our SME is Mike Riley, a co-chair of CTAC and Executive Director of The Environmental Center.
Agenda:
Welcome and a quick review of the protocols below
Mike Riley gives an overview of the issue and What’s At Stake
Introductions of panelists and their opening statements
Floor opened to Q&A

Virtual Presentation: How the Core Area Plan Advances the BCD Vision
2020-05-18
The City Council will vote on the Core Area Report at their meeting on 5/20/2020. Learn what’s in the report and how you can help. Moey Newbold, BCD Initiative Coordinator, will show attendees the different elements of the City of Bend’s Core Area Report and how it will advance the vision for a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive mixed-use neighborhood in the Bend Central District. Presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
Learn more about the BCD Initiative at www.BCDinitiative.org.

VIRTUAL Power Hour: Can I Afford an Electric Car?
2020-05-19
Join The Environmental Center’s very own electric vehicle expert Neil Baunsgard for a live virtual presentation busting the myths of electric vehicle affordability. We will go into all of the details of the Oregon EV rebate program, federal tax credits, as well as discounts and used EV options to show how your next car could be electric!
We will be live streaming this presentation with the opportunity to ask questions and engage during the event so tune in and ask away!
We will be live streaming this presentation with the opportunity to ask questions and engage during the event! We will email out the link in the days leading up to the event. All of our live videos are available at facebook.com/TheEnvironmentalCenter/live_videos/
Schedule:
11:00 AM: Virtual Power Hour begins with presenting sponsor Energy Trust of Oregon “Powering an EV with Efficiency”
11:05-11:25 AM: Neil Baunsgard will present on EV affordability and incentives
11:25 -11:45 AM Q&A with Neil
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Energy Trust of Oregon.

How to Use Your Voice For Public Lands
2020-05-20
This is part of ONDA’s High Desert Academy digital event series.
Whenever major changes to how our public lands are managed are in the works, you – the public! – get a chance to comment on those proposals. Learn how to use your voice to speak up for conservation in the desert, just in time for an important comment period opening this summer. Join ONDA’s Policy Manager Jeremy Austin for this live-streaming event from the comfort of your own home.

A Wild Ride with Explorer George Kourounis
2020-05-20
Hold on tight as explorer George Kourounis shares his 20+ years of tracking down and documenting the most fearsome natural forces on planet Earth.
Chasing tornadoes in Oklahoma, hunkering down in the eyes of hurricanes like Katrina & Sandy, descending deep into menacingly active volcanoes…George is the guy who runs into places that most sane people run away from, all to showcase the beauty and power of Mother Nature. George will be sharing stories, images, and videos from his most extreme expeditions in more than 75 countries spanning all seven continents.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 – 6:30 pm (includes time for Q and A)
Where: Zoom, of course. Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81619591840?pwd=[REDACTED]
Curious about George Kourounis
George Kourounis is Explorer In Residence for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and has hosted 50 episodes of the globally-broadcast TV series “Angry Planet.” As a storm chaser & explorer, his adventures have been seen on Discovery Channel, The Weather Network, CNN, BBC, Science Channel, History Channel, and more. He led a National Geographic expedition to fiery Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, the “Doorway To Hell” that has been burning nonstop since the early 1970s. The science mission to look for extreme bacteria led him to become the first and only person to have ever set foot at the bottom of the flaming pit.

George has given 4 TEDx talks worldwide, received several medals for his explorations, addressed the United Nations Environmental Emergencies Forum, and regularly appears in various science and adventure TV shows.

Circular Economy Cities PNW Virtual Workshop
2020-05-21
Learn about circularity. Join people in Circular Economy Clubs from all around the Pacific Northwest for a groundbreaking virtual event. Act to advance circularity in your community.

Webcast: Northwest Forests & Carbon: Science and Solutions
2020-05-21
Although new studies reveal a previously unexpected, tremendous capacity of west coast forests to absorb CO2, this new scientific understanding has not yet been transformed into public policy. Panelists will present a synopsis of this research and analyses and discuss proposed policy changes that would elevate carbon-oriented forest management as a climate solution.
Originally scheduled as a panel at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in early March (canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), this webinar features Dominick DellaSalla, Chief Scientist with Geos Institute; Ernie Niemi with Natural Resource Economics; and Chandra LeGue of Oregon Wild. Moderated by Fergus McLean, Conservation Chair of the Many Rivers Group Sierra Club.
Brought to you by Oregon Wild, Many Rivers Group Sierra Club, Geos Institute, and Natural Resource Economics.
Register here: https://oregonwild.org/events/webcast-northwest-forests-carbon-science-and-solutions

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-05-21, 2020-05-28, 2020-06-04
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.

The History and Science of Glacier Change in Western US and a Peek into their Future
2020-05-26
The Pacific Northwest is home to the most glaciers anywhere in the continental US. When did glacier observations start and who started it? When did science discover glaciers here in the West? The history is surprising and the glaciers in Oregon played a major role. The cast of characters includes the famous and not so famous, and controversy brewed for more than a decade. Part of the controversy included the question, ‘What is a glacier?’ Since their ‘discovery’ glaciers have been observed off and on since the start of the new century in 1900, mostly by amateur hiking clubs. These early observations have provided key data in understanding about how the glaciers have changed over time. While they are all retreating generally, there is one major exception, a new glacier, less than 50 years old.
Dr. Andrew G. Fountain is a professor of Geology and Geography at Portland State University where he has conducted glacier research for the past 25 years. Prior to that he was a glaciologist with the US Geological Survey.
Brought to you by COGS (Central Oregon Geoscience Society)

2020 Virtual Celebration of Native American Culture
2020-05-28
Native American Music Award Winner, James Edmond Greeley, of Hopi, Warm Springs, Wasco, and Nez Perce descent, will be presenting an outdoor, Native American flute concert from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. You may view this hour long concert on COCC’s web page at any time on Thursday, May 28.

InFARMation: Future of Food – Local Perspective on Building Food Security
2020-05-28
According to the Oregon Food Bank, in 2019 one in eight Oregonians was food insecure. This means that one in eight of our friends, neighbors, fellow citizens has been unsure of where their next meal is coming from or has had to forgo buying food in order to pay for other necessities like housing or utilities. COVID-19 has exacerbated some of these problems and deepened the need for already vulnerable populations like young children, LGBTQ, Black and Latinx individuals who are twice as likely to face food insecurity.
Luckily, we live in one of the most agriculturally productive states in the nation! Oregon’s producers and food security institutions are working together to find creative solutions. Between farmers selling to food banks during the crisis, regional food banks growing food on their own, and food justice concerns permeating the work of food system advocates, there are some inventive ways that producers are helping to get food into the hands of people who need it.
Join Friends of Family Farmers to learn more about the role of small farms and supporters in creating a robust and resilient food system in which everyone has access to good food.
Panelists for the evening will be:
Katy Giombolini, Statewide Network Developer for Oregon Food Bank:
Katy comes to her role at Oregon Food Bank with experience in farmer training and producer development. She works to build connections to funnel food to OFB all over the state and was recently at the forefront of a statewide campaign to help local farmers sell food directly to food banks. She will share information about the current state of food security in Oregon and efforts to combat the problem.
Ted Purdy, Youth Farm Coordinator at FOOD for Lane County:
Ted is the coordinator for the innovative Youth Farm program at regional food bank FOOD for Lane County. This 5 acre educational farm is both a training ground for young people to learn the joys of direct market farming and a resource for the food bank itself. They produce over 100,000 pounds of food annually for the Youth Farm CSA and farmstands, as well as to help feed local families in need.
Katrina Van Dis, Executive Director at High Desert Food and Farm Coalition (HDFFA):
Katrina grew up on a farm in Eastern Oregon and has devoted her professional and personal life to strengthening Central Oregon communities through food access and local-food support. She was a founding member of the Central Oregon Food Policy Council (now HDFFA) in 2012 and the non-profit has expanded to run numerous programs supporting local producers while also providing education and food access through programs like Veggie Rx, Cooking Classes, Fresh Harvest Kits and more.
Join Friends of Family Farmers for an evening of community and uplifting support of local agriculture. This is a virtual meeting, so you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home with your choice of dinner, snacks and/or beverage. Tell your friends and enjoy a night “out” together, while getting all the info you need to keep your food system strong. This InFARMation is statewide and all Oregonians are welcome.

The Beaver Believers-A film about the bucktooth engineers that sculpted North America
2020-05-28
The Beaver Believers is an award-winning documentary that tells the urgent yet whimsical story of an unlikely cadre of activists – a biologist, a hydrologist, a botanist, an ecologist, a psychologist, and a hairdresser – who share a common vision. They’re all working to restore the North American Beaver, that most industrious, ingenious, bucktoothed little engineer, to the watersheds of the American West. The film is set in arid, high desert environments much like what we experience here in Central Oregon, so it has a regional feel to it.
Watch a trailer at: www.thebeaverbelievers.com

2020 Virtual Celebration of Native American Culture
2020-05-29
Brenda Brainard, of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, will be leading a live, virtual, cedar strip weaving project at 1 p.m. via Zoom. There is still space available. Please contact Michelle Cary at mcary@cocc.edu to sign up and receive your weaving kit and Zoom invitation. Registration and participation are free.

2020 VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
2020-05-30
Jefferson Greene is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Jefferson, among many other callings, is an Ichishkín Language and Cultural Liaison. He is an accomplished Story-Teller as well and will be sharing some Native American stories. His 30-40 minute story session will be available for viewing on the COCC Native American Program web page all day on May 30.

Nature Journaling Workshop Series
2020-06-02
Nature Journaling Workshop Series: This series starts on June 2nd and continues on Tuesdays in June.
Nature journaling is the practice of drawing and writing in response to observations of nature. Enjoy a “conversation with nature” by slowing down to notice and record what you see in our natural surroundings. Due to the nature of this virtual class, the instructor will bring various items from the natural world to a virtual classroom for viewing. With prompts and guidance from the instructor, students will be able to draw what they see and write “field notes” about their accompanying thoughts and observations. This series is offered by OSU Extension in Washington County and taught by artist Elizabeth Higgins. Register today. Space is limited.
Contact for questions and requests for accessibility-related accomodations: Alice Phillips alice.phillips@oregonstate.edu

Webcast: The Lost Sea Otters of Oregon
2020-06-03
What’s cute, fuzzy, an expert ‘rafter’ and that Oregon Wild is working hard to bring back to the state?
Sea otters! Featuring special guest Bob Bailey of The Elakha Alliance, this webcast will explore the history of this iconic species, efforts in Oregon to restore sea otters to their native coastal waters, and what you can do to help advocate for their return. You won’t want to miss this event, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

Justice for George Floyd Peaceful Gathering
2020-06-06
Join a peaceful gathering on behalf of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement protesting the social injustices that have plagued our country, and to raise awareness for the countless lives that have been lost due to the negligence and blatant discrimination by Police of Black Americans. This will be a PEACEFUL GATHERING, rioters and anybody who decides to cause problems otherwise are very unwelcome.
Public speaking by Riccardo Waites, founder of Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly.
Meet at Centennial Park and move protest to Downtown Redmond around the corners of SW 6th St and SW Evergreen Ave.
Again, this is a PEACEFUL gathering to raise awareness of the blatant injustices that have plagued our country.

Bend Walk For Justice
2020-06-06
Show up for peaceful demonstration against the violence, death, racial discrimination and social injustice of black men, women and children.
Walk the whole route or meet at one of the waypoints below.
2:00pm – Meet at Farewell Bend Park near Bill Healy Bridge
2:30pm – Start walk
2:45pm-3:00pm – Pass by REI/Old Mill
2:55pm-3:10pm – Walk through the Box Factory (down Arizona to Bond)
3:10pm-3:25pm – Pass by McMennamins
3:20pm-3:35pm – Arrive at Courthouse
3:40pm – Speakers
5:00pm – Vigil at Troy Field

Madras Vigil for George Floyd
2020-06-06
Peaceful gathering in Madras, Oregon to honor George Floyd and stand for justice for #BLM.
Where: 222 NW 4th St

Black Lives Matter Community Vigil
2020-06-06
Please join us to remember and honor every person of color who has lost their lives at the hands of brutality. This will be an evening of community and coming together in peace for all of Central Oregon.
Social distancing guidelines and masks are recommended throughout the event.
Please bring any candles, signs and pictures. That you would like for the evening.
Keep in mind that this is a peaceful event. Do not incite violence or harm! Let’s set an example as a community.
