Forged in Fire: The Volcanic Activity that Shaped Oregon’s High Desert
2026-02-11 07:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR
Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series continues as we uncover the dynamic geologic forces that created eastern Oregon’s stunning landscapes. Dr. Ellen Bishop, author, photographer and geologist, will discuss a recent geological discovery linking the formation of Oregon’s high desert rock formations with the Yellowstone hotspot. Come learn more about how iconic high desert sites came to be, including Steens Mountain, the Owyhee Canyonlands and many others, in this photography-rich and visually engaging presentation.

Nature Nights: Caring for Our Rivers and Streams
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 | OR
Streams and their surrounding lands are critical to Central Oregon’s plants and animals, from trees and flowers to elk and the tiniest bugs. This is just one reason the Deschutes Land Trust has a deep focus on caring for and restoring the streams and meadows on lands that we’ve protected. Join our own Restoration Specialist, Jason Grant, as he discusses the importance of streams and floodplains, the efforts the Land Trust and our partners are undertaking to promote long-term strength of those habitats through restoration, what results we’ve seen so far, and how these results inform future projects. Jason will share how our collective work can ensure these essential habitats are thriving long into the future. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

VIRTUAL

Everyday Revolution: Building a World of Respect, Ijeoma headshotDignity and Liberation
2026-02-24 18:30 - 21:00 | OR
Join acclaimed author and speaker Ijeoma Oluo for a powerful keynote conversation on transforming the world through everyday action. Drawing from her latest book, Be a Revolution, Oluo will challenge us to reimagine activism—not as a distant ideal, but as a daily commitment to respect, dignity and liberation. This event will celebrate the transformative power of everyday people working toward justice—and invites us all to take part in creating lasting, nonviolent change.

How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets
2026-02-25 18:00 | OR
This Raise the Deschutes seminar explores the basics of how water flows through Central Oregon, from precipitation and winter snowpack to rivers, groundwater, farms, and municipal systems. We’ll break down the differences between surface water and groundwater, why timing matters as much as volume, and how seasonal conditions shape water availability across the basin. Designed as an accessible, big-picture overview, this conversation provides shared context for understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon—now and into the future.

BLACK HISTORY DINNER CELEBRATION
2026-02-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
An inspiring dinner event honoring the strength, brilliance and legacy of Black women whose resilience continues to move communities forward. Curated and emceed by COCC Afrocentric students.

Stand up for Energy Affordability
2026-03-03 17:00 - 19:00 | The Breakroom, 1055 "B Northwest, Bend, Oregon, 97703, United States
We’re holding a public hearing to tell the Oregon Public Utility Commission to protect families from a big gas rate hike proposed by Cascade Natural Gas. Cascade wants to raise home gas bills by 17.4%, which could push the average winter bill up to $135, right when people need heat the most. At a time when many Oregon families are already struggling to pay their energy bills, this increase would make things even harder. Cascade is also spending money to grow the gas system and invest in costly renewable natural gas projects that may not help everyday households. We believe families should not have to pay more for risky investments and shareholder profits that clearly don’t benefit our community.

A Tribal Family History of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes
2026-03-11 07:00 - 20:00 | OR
The final event of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series features Dr. Diane Teeman, an archaeologist, scholar and tribal elder of the of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes. Dr. Teeman will share the history and culture of her family and discuss her work as an anthropologist. She will also highlight the deep connection between cultural traditions and environmental conservation within the Tribe. Ryan Houston, ONDA’s executive director, will briefly highlight the current steps ONDA is taking to conserve Oregon’s high desert in partnership with local Tribes.

Nature Nights: The Water Remembers
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Amy Bowers Cordalis (Yurok)—attorney, author of The Water Remembers, and Executive Director/Co-Founder of Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group—for a talk on the largest dam removal and river restoration project in world history. Amy will share the story of the Klamath River, from its creation teachings and Indigenous stewardship to the devastation caused by colonization, hydropower dams, and the 2002 fish kill. She’ll reveal how generations of Klamath Basin Indigenous Peoples combined ceremony, legal advocacy, grassroots action, and strategic partnerships to win a historic $515 million settlement, leading to the removal of four dams and the return of more than 400 miles of salmon habitat. Amy will explore how Indigenous rights, cultural values, and ecosystem restoration can reshape policy, strengthen democracy, and deliver real climate solutions. Her message is one of resilience and hope: the water remembers, the fish remember, and together, we can renew the world. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

2026 Oscar Nominee "The Voice of Hind Rajab"
2026-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join this incredibly rare LIVE Q&A with Omar Alqam, the Palestinian paramedic who is depicted in the film, joining us directly from Ramallah for his first US appearance.

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-3pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community.
More information to come!

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-2pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
February’s guest speaker is Laurie Danzuka, enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Laurie will share aspects of Warm Springs culture and history, including traditional foods and stories about her role as a designated food gatherer for her family.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community. We’ll have some kids activities plus snowshoes to borrow. Everyone is invited to stop in or come and stay awhile.
Come visit this special place in our community.

Repair Cafe with School of Ranch & Open Space
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Film Screening: The Antidote
2026-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Latino Community Association, 2445 NE Division Street, Suite 200, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Restorative Justice & Equity invites you to a community film screening of The Antidote, followed by guided reflection and discussion. This gathering is designed to be a comfortable, welcoming, and collaborative space where community members can connect, reflect, and engage with one another. All are welcome ages 15+.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Presentation
2026-04-04 16:30 - 19:30 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Dr. Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund’s Executive Founder and Director, and a Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet” headlines this special educational and fundraiser event. Learn about Cheetah conservation, shop for Namibian crafts, join our silent auction, enjoy refreshments. April 4, 4:30-7:30pm, Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Bend. RSVP: wildid@gmail.com. Free.

Public Lands, Public Voices | Reclaiming Roadless Forests
2026-04-06 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Learn about the national threat to nearly 60 million acres of our wild, roadless public lands—and take action to defend them.

Public Lands, Public Voices
25 years ago, the US Forest Service held more than 600 public meetings during the process to create the Roadless Rule, one of the most important conservation measures in history—and it could soon be repealed.
The Forest Service’s current process to repeal may not include a single public meeting—so our community is hosting our own. Join us to speak up for your national forests.

Embodying Resistance: Somatics Workshop
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
In a rapidly changing world, building capacity within your body is a tool we can all use in our resistance fight. Join us for a fundraiser in partnership with LCA about how we turn our values and ideals into physical action in the world and our community.

Fifth Annual Earth Day Fashion Show
2026-04-17 16:30 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Students and staff will take to the fashion runway in honor of Earth Day during Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) annual Clothing Connection Fashion Show on Friday, April 17. The event is a benefit for a free service that provides school and work clothing to students of COCC and Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades).

Practical Migra Watch
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
This training is for those who have previously taken the MW training and would like to practice what they learned through different scenarios.

Sisters Community Cleanup Day
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | fir street park, 130 N Fir St, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Join C4C, the City of Sisters, SOLVE, and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) for a community-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 18. With signature support from Hayden Homes – and just in time for Earth Day – this is a chance to flaunt your civic muscles, rally your friends for a morning of public service, and help spruce up the town.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Elks Lodge, Three Sisters Room, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, bend, Oregon
Join us for our annual Kid’s Entrepreneur Market where kiddos from all over Central Oregon set up their own tables and booths to sell the creations they have made! Bring cash and get ready to find the perfect gift.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market on April 18th
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Elks Lodge, Three Sisters Room, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, bend, Oregon
Join Bend’s favorite market supporting the kiddos! Browse a variety of crafts, projects, and incredible work for sale from young entrepreneurs.

Accompaniment Training
2026-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
If you have completed the MW training and would like to help by driving people to their ICE check-ins or court hearings, this training is for you.

Who Uses the Water in Central Oregon? Cities, Farms, Rivers, and How It’s Distributed
2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
As canals turn on and river levels shift, many people ask: who uses the water in Central Oregon and how is it distributed? This Raise the Deschutes seminar investigates where the water goes, who holds the rights to it, and how it is managed across an overallocated basin. We will explore municipal systems, irrigation, and instream flows, and what this water year looks like. This seminar coincides with the City of Bend’s 100th anniversary and the Deschutes River Conservancy’s 30th year.

Let's Talk Housing Solutions
2026-04-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Hosted by Central Oregon YIMBY, 1000 Friends of Oregon and Central Oregon LandWatch
What can YOU do about the housing crisis? Come find out!
Join us for an interactive workshop, learn about upcoming policy changes in Bend, explore strategies for lowering rents and affordable housing. Plus, free pizza!
Hosted by Central Oregon YIMBY, 1000 Friends of Oregon and Central Oregon LandWatch

Kiss the Ground at Caldera High School
2026-04-24 17:30 - 20:00 | caldera high school, 60925 SE 15th St,, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join students from Caldera High School for a community movie night showing Kiss the Ground, a film about regenerative agriculture and the impacts humans have on the planet both good and bad. This event will feature a raffle at intermission with items from local Bend companies, including Sunnyside Sports, El Sancho, and Roundabout Books. All proceeds will be donated to local environmental organizations, including a suggested donation at the front doors of $5.

COMMUNITY LITHIUM-ION BATTERY RECYCLING EVENT
2026-04-25 09:00 - 15:00 | OR
Mt. Bachelor Rotary, Bend Rotary, and Greater Bend Rotary are teaming up to host
a community lithium-ion battery recycling event on Saturday, April 25. This free
event gives Central Oregonians an easy, responsible way to recycle old lithium-ion
batteries and rechargeable devices that often sit forgotten in junk drawers.
Community members are invited to bring items such as smartphones, tablets, laptops,
electric toothbrushes, power-tool batteries, rechargeable vacuums, wireless
headphones, and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
Drive-through locations in Bend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (61980 NW Skyline Ranch Rd.)
 Nativity Lutheran Church (60850 Brosterhous Rd.)
 Deschutes Children’s Foundation East Campus (2125 NE Daggett Ln.)
In addition, a drop-off booth will be part of the Environmental Center’s Earth Day
Celebration on April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alpenglow Park (61049 SE 15th St.)
As our world increasingly electrifies, from vehicles to home energy systems, lithium-ion
batteries are at the center of powering a cleaner future. These batteries contain
valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. When recycled, more
than 95% of these metals can be recovered and reused to create new batteries and
sustainable energy products right here in the United States.

Earth Day Fair and Celebration
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Alpenglow Community Park, 61049 SE 15th St OR 97702, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
An Annual Celebration of Earth And Community.
This family-friendly event will feature a lively and inclusive celebration where people of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes that showcase their favorite thing about planet Earth. The fair will feature food vendors, booths, performers and artists.

Rooted at 19th Community Learning Garden Work Party
2026-04-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Rooted Homes Redmond Community, 345 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR, 97756
We’re excited to continue building the garden at the 19th Street Community Learning Garden! Please join us for our upcoming work parties to build 7 more garden beds. All dates scheduled from 5 PM to 7 PM at Rooted at 19th.
We welcome all ages and experience levels—whether you can stay for a short visit or the whole time, your presence and participation make a difference!
Please bring water, gloves if you have them, and dress for the weather.

Pedal for the Planet
2026-05-02 08:00 - 12:30 | OR
Get ready to roll for a greener future! 350 Deschutes is excited to introduce Pedal for the Planet, our brand-new community bike ride and fundraiser happening Saturday, May 2, 2026. Join us in Bend as we hit the trails of beautiful Central Oregon to celebrate the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and support local climate action.
This fun community bike ride features a paved 12-mile loop starting and ending at Farewell Bend Park, traveling along the scenic Haul Road Trail and Rim Rock Trail to the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station and back. For families with little ones, the shorter Logger Loop (1.33 miles) offers a relaxed, family-friendly option—perfect for walking or riding together. Registration is open for both individuals and families, and bike rentals will be available, so everyone can join in!
This ride is more than just a day of cycling—it’s a movement for change. Every mile you pedal helps fund 350 Deschutes’ ongoing climate work, from advocating for clean energy to building a more sustainable Central Oregon. So grab your bike, bring your friends, and be part of the very first Pedal for the Planet. Let’s make this a tradition that keeps our community active, inspired, and committed to protecting the spaces we love.
