The Environmental Center

Sandhill Cranes of the Pacific Flyway with Gary Ivey
2017-05-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about the origins and travels of three Pacific Flyway sandhill crane subspecies that breed and migrate through Oregon with Gary Ivey, President of the Trumpeter Swan Society. Gary will discuss their life history, ecology and their migration routes, wintering and breeding areas.

A Vision for the Future: Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy
2017-05-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Changes are coming…
Aging water infrastructure, a warming climate, and more people moving to Oregon from warmer, drier regions are already happening, and more is in our future.
Families, farmers, and fish will all be affected.
In 2012, Oregon adopted its first innovative Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Last year, Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) sought recommendations from citizens for updates to the IWRS, including hosting an open house in Bend. The draft revised IWRS is now complete, and OWRD is back in Bend inviting your feedback on the report.
If IWRS sounds wonky…
then think of it terms of dealing with climate change and drought, ensuring that we have healthy ecosystems, making sure we have adequate water for cities and agriculture, and more.
As stakeholders in the future…
with a vested interest in how rivers and groundwater are managed, this is our opportunity to have a say about how the state navigates water management in the Deschutes Basin and throughout Oregon.
Please join us to hear from OWRD staff about the draft revised Strategy and to give your feedback. Comments on the draft will be accepted through Monday, June 19, and later this year, the state will adopt its next Integrated Water Resources Strategy.
This program is brought to you by Coalition for the Deschutes, Trout Unlimited, the Deschutes River Conservancy and the Deschutes Basin Board of Control.
Please register here.

Bend COTA Work Events
2017-06-01, 2017-06-08, 2017-06-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

CARGo w/ Bend Disaster Relief Trials
2017-06-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
It’s two events in one!
First, CARGo BIKE RODEO
– Learn about cargo bikes or show off your own
– Participate in creative competitions & obstacle courses
– Demo cargo bikes and electic bikes
– Live Music
– Participate in pedaling for the music via a pedal powered stage
– Eat great food and enjoy beverages
– Win raffle tickets for fun prizes by arriving by bike, wearing a costume, participation.
Second, BEND DISASTER RELIEF TRIALS
Recognize cargo bikes’ relevance in disaster relief using fun, flair and grit and encourages cargo bike-based disaster response
– Tour one of Bend Fire Dept’s emergency vehicles and get information from our community emergency responder to learn how to be better prepared for a disaster in Central Oregon
– Cheer on participants as they return to the “hub” for check-ins.
-Participate in a spirited disaster-related scavenger hunt using your cargo bike – Rider Registration is Free and Required! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bend-disaster-relief-trials-2017-at-cargo-bike-rodeo-tickets-33796652698
WHO: The event is for avid cyclists, cargo-bike adventurers, or anyone who is cycle-curious. It doesn’t matter whether attendees have a cargo bike of their own, just a unicycle and a backpack, or are simply curious about leaving the car behind more often.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2017-06-06, 2017-06-13, 2017-06-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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 Spring 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 1st & 3rd 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

Stay tuned for confirmation of dates for July through October, as these might switch to the 2nd & 4th…)
Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

Roy Zimmerman Brings "ReZist"
2017-06-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
KPOV and Bethlyn’s Global Fusion Present Hilarious Songwriter and Satirist Roy Zimmerman

Join KPOV for one of the funniest evenings this year in Central Oregon.
KPOV and Bethlyn’s Global Fusion are bringing truly hilarious singer-songwriter and political satirist Roy Zimmerman to the Volcanic Theater Pub in Bend on June 7, 2017 for a benefit concert for KPOV.
Tickets now on Sale at bendticket.com and at KPOV. In advance: $15 for KPOV members (call office for code); $17 for non-KPOV members. At the door: all tickets $20.
Read on for more about Zimmerman and why you can’t miss this show and to see our wonderful sponsors! Make sure to say “thank you” when you visit them! Go to royzimmerman.com to see some of Roy’s videos.
The world is full of funny songs, but Zimmerman’s hilarious, rhyme-intensive originals are also incisive calls to action, smart, savvy and undeniable.

Electric Vehicle Workshop
2017-06-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How far can you really go? Are they even fast? Can I fit my whole family in the car? These are all questions we can answer – and more! Plus, you can check out a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle first-hand and take it for a spin.
Come get all your EV questions answered and learn about Central Oregon’s new Electric Vehicle Group Buy Program. The Environmental Center is partnering with Smolich Nissan to offer deep discounts on a Nissan Leaf to Central Oregonians. Right now until June 30, you can get up to $17,500 off the retail cost of a Leaf: $10,000 in manufacturer and local dealer discounts plus a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
*There will be a second EV workshop event on June 13th at The Environmental Center. More info here.

Volunteer on Jefferson Lake Trail
2017-06-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join local trail steward Holly Scott to help clear invasive cheat grass from Jefferson Lake Trail.
Jefferson Lake Trail starts near the lower bridge of the Metolius and goes up into the Jefferson wilderness. Last year, 33 volunteers worked for 1,100 hours to reopen this trail. However, there is there is a section of cheat grass that now has the opportunity to travel up the trail and into the wilderness. Spend a day helping Holly to remove remove cheat grass so that our wilderness remains pristine!
To wear/bring: Long sleeves, long pants, gloves, sun hat, and at least 2 Liters of water. (FYI: There are ticks in the area, so please dress accordingly.)
Meet in the Cascade Village Shopping Center, in the parking lot between JCPenney’s and PetSmart, for carpooling.
Please RSVP in advance so that Holly can plan ahead. Phone number: 541-389-8494.

Discover Nature Day: Fur & Feathers
2017-06-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Presented by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon and its partners, Discover Nature Days are free family events throughout Central Oregon that connect children and families to the wonder of nature. Join us for 2 hours of art, science, and play while learning about the natural world and exploring local parks.
May 13, 10 am-12 noon
The Invisible Tracker at Shevlin Park with Wildheart NatureSchool. Learn how to walk like an invisible fox, the science of bird language, and the art of being undetected while tracking in nature!
June 10, 10 am-12 noon
Fur and Feathers at Cline Falls State Park with High Desert Museum and The Environmental Center. Learn about adaptations of local birds and wildlife, try out birding and wildlife tracking, and play fun games.
Register here or call 541-383-5592.

Mountain Bike Ride, Metolius Preserve
2017-06-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Gary “Gus” Gustafson for a 6-8 mile intermediate* mountain bike ride at the Metolius Preserve. Visit all three sections of the forested 1,240-acre Metolius Preserve following singletrack trails and dirt roads. Along the way we’ll stop in various locations and talk about the many hidden qualities of the Preserve, including habitat types, animal and bird species present, fish passage, vegetation, and other interesting tidbits. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.
*Intermediate-level riders are riders in good physical condition and comfortable riding in areas of loose dirt and sandy soil. Riders should be able to ride over obstacles in the trail such as rocks and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. It is a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents.
Rating: This is an intermediate, 6-8 mile mountain bike ride.
What to bring: Your bike, helmet, a bike repair kit and plenty of water and snacks/lunch. Dress for the weather.

Finding Fontinalis
2017-06-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An old gaucho’s tale inspired the search for a new world- record brook trout; but the water, landscape and the culture surrounding it became the impetus to conserve and protect it all.

Tickets available now!
We’re thrilled to bring Finding Fontinalis, a story about fish, culture, and conservation, to Bend. The film’s Executive Producer (also Patagonia’s Global Director of Fishing), Bart Bonime, who grew up fishing on the banks of the Deschutes River, will be joining us for the event. Watch a short trailer here. Please share this with your friends.

Electric Vehicle Workshop
2017-06-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How far can you really go? Are they even fast? Can I fit my whole family in the car? These are all questions we can answer – and more! Plus, you can check out a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle first-hand and take it for a spin.
Come get all your EV questions answered and learn about Central Oregon’s new Electric Vehicle Group Buy Program. The Environmental Center is partnering with Smolich Nissan to offer deep discounts on a Nissan Leaf to Central Oregonians. Right now until June 30, you can get up to $17,500 off the retail cost of a Leaf: $10,000 in manufacturer and local dealer discounts plus a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.

Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock documentary
2017-06-13 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
350 Deschutes will be hosting a movie night at Trinity Episcopal Church where will be showing Awake, A Dream From Standing Rock film by Oscar Nominees Josh Fox and James Spione and Native filmmaker Myron Dewey.
The film tells the story of the #NODAPL Native-led resistance against the construction of the $3.7 billion Dakota Access Pipeline under the Missouri River at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.
Students FREE with a valid ID.
Popcorn, snacks and beverages available.
Tickets: Free; Donation accepted at the door.

4 Peaks Music Festival
2017-06-15 - 2017-06-18 | Stevenson Ranch, 21085 Knott Road, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
4 Peaks Music Festival is a family-friendly four day music and camping festival, on June 15-18. 4 Peaks brings you the best in bluegrass, jam bands and funk. More information and the line-up of outstanding national and regional bands here.
KPOV will be there broadcasting live from the Main Stage on Saturday, June 17. You don’t want to miss this great event live, but if you just can’t get there, listen at 88.9 FM or kpov.org.

Intro to Raw Food
2017-06-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Locavore Food School is a monthly, on the third Thursday of each month, offering of nutrition and cooking classes taught by volunteers and community members including farmers, local food producers, nutritionists, chefs and alternative health care practitioners.
The Class:
An introduction to raw foods; you’ll learn the why and the how of eating raw foods. You’ll receive simple recipes, resources, and food samples prepared in front of you. A simple meal including a fabulous guilt-free dessert made with fresh local ingredients. Meal will be determined based on produce availability.
The Instructor:
Angelena Bosco is a certified raw food chef and author. She has been teaching raw food preparation, as well as vegetarian cooking classes since 2005, and believes that food should taste amazing and be simple to prepare. You can learn more and download your copy of Eat Fresh and Feel Good Beginners Guide by going to her website at www.simpleNfresh.com

Frogs and Flows, Canals and Conservation
2017-06-15 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Special guests Bridget Moran with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Gail Snyder with Coalition for the Deschutes will offer an update on what’s happening on the Deschutes River. From the Oregon spotted frog to irrigation modernization and conservation efforts, join us for an update on the restoration of the Deschutes River and some of the latest developments in Central Oregon waterworld.

COTA Movie Night
2017-06-15 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | McMenamin’s, 700 NW Bond St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This June, COTA Movie Night is taking us all along on a wild, West Coast road trip!
Fox Racing & Sunnyside Sports is bringing us a Bend screening of Ride Your F#%king Bike!
Fox Racing just released its first new full length MTB movie in over a decade: “Ride Your F#%king Bike – The Movie. Powered by Chainsaw.” Featuring Fox athletes Josh Bryceland, Josh Lewis, (Bend Local Legend) Kirt Voreis, (Bend Recent Local Legend) Cam McCaul and a cast of other Fox teammates, the movie documents three wild weeks in a van – on the road. With bikes! Ride Your F#%king Bike was filmed at riding spots everywhere between Fox Headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and the trails of Vancouver Island, BC – with a rowdy bunch of riding here in Bend, Oregon.
The movie is dedicated to Stevie Smith, A.K.A. Chainsaw, a World Cup champion gravity athlete who unexpectedly passed away in May 2016.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/vRD4umGLZt0
$5 per person, cash only, please. Minors accompanied by parent or guardian.
Our friends at Sunnyside Sports and Fox Racing will be bringing some incentives for you to join COTA, as well as some awesome door prizes for the evening!
Movie Night at McMenamins raises funds and awareness for Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
Run time: 43 minutes

Willow Springs Preserve Tour
2017-06-16 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall to explore the Land Trust’s newest Preserve, Willow Springs! Saunter through the grassy meadow to the banks of Whychus Creek while exploring the history of the property and how the Land Trust created the Preserve. Learn more about the Land Trust’s vision for the Preserve including how we will work to improve habitat for fish and wildife. Look for spring wildflowers and bright green aspen and cottonwood while you take in the beauty of this newest addition to the Land Trust’s family of Community Preserves. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at
www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.
Rating: This is a moderate, 2-mile hike.
What to bring: Snacks, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Kids' Butterfly Walk, Metolius Preserve
2017-06-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Explore the delicate and beautiful world of butterflies with the Deschutes Land Trust and Amanda Egertson. This family-friendly walk around the Metolius Preserve will captivate your young ones as they roam the forest searching for butterflies. Delight in up-close encounters with these fluttery creatures as you learn about their identification and ecology. Perfect for kids ages 6-11 with a
grown-up in tow. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.
Rating: This is an easy, ~1-2 mile hike.
What to bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

VegNet Summer Speaker Potluck
2017-06-17 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us at VegNet’s monthly potluck! Eat, socialize, and listen to our first summer speaker, TBA.
Please bring a vegan dish (no animal products, including honey) to serve 6-8 people, a card listing ingredients, and your own cup, plate, and utensils.
This is a family-friendly event. Suggested donation $2-5 to help cover room rental. See you soon!

Bike Share Station
2017-06-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
G5 sponsored bike share station – starting June 19th!
Sharing is caring and the Zagster bike share is expanding. Come celebrate with Commute Options and G5 as we cut the ribbon, so to speak, for the newest bike share station in downtown Bend. Starting June 19th, all four Zagster bike share stations are open to anyone who sets up an account. We hope to see you there!
Where: Corner of Franklin and Bond Streets (at the Bank of the Cascades building)
Why: Come learn about bike shares and how you can start using the ones in Bend.

How to Fix a Broken River
2017-06-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Deschutes River flows right through the heart of Central Oregon and is probably one of your favorite places. Unfortunately, at various times throughout the year, sections of the river suffer from low streamflow resulting in poor water quality, degraded habitat for fish and wildlife, and streambank erosion.
Come find out how working with the irrigation community and other basin stakeholders is the key to fixing this problem. There’s a lot work to be done and we need you to be a part of the solution!
Please join Deschutes River Conservancy Program Director Kate Fitzpatrick on Monday, June 19th for a community conversation about the current state of the Upper Deschutes River and how you can support long-term restoration.

Restorative Walk Series: Metolius River
2017-06-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Spend the day reconnecting with nature on a beautiful hike along the Metolius River led by Ecopsychologist Anne Gordon, M.A. Restorative hiking is an opportunity to quiet the busy mind, awaken the senses and listen to the natural world through silent walking, close observation, journaling and sharing experiences together as a group. You will also learn about LandWatch’s success in protecting this pristine area from logging and development.
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Moderate difficulty (uneven terrain, climb over fallen tree trunks, 2 miles uphill)
Space is limited to 9 participants so register early!

Campaign for Whychus Creek Celebration
2017-06-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come help Deschutes Land Trust celebrate their successes as they wind down this phase of the Campaign for Whychus Creek: Tuesday, June 20th from 5:30-7:30pm at Deschutes Brewery’s Bend Pub!
They want to thank you, their loyal supporters, for all that you’ve done to make the Campaign a success! Come toast the acres of habitat, miles of stream, and hundreds of hands that have been a part of the Campaign for Whychus Creek!
Enjoy light appetizers and drinks with remarks to begin at 6:00pm. Please RSVP.

Bull Springs History Hike
2017-06-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Skyline Forest, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kelly Madden for a morning at Bull Springs in Skyline Forest between Sisters and Bend. Learn about the early logging history of Central Oregon, including a visit to the Pine Tree Mill. Enjoy the native flowers and plants that are coming back to life after the Two Bulls Fire of 2014. Finally, learn about how the Land Trust is working to preserve the future of Skyline Forest. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Please register online at www.deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.
Rating: This is an easy, ~2 mile hike.
What to bring: Snacks, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

Sixth Mass Extinction and The Rusty Patched Bumblebee
2017-06-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
NGeo’s Joel Sartore talks about his Photo Ark Project to capture images of imperiled species before they go extinct in The Sixth Mass Extinction. Then in Searching for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee follow the journey of intrepid Clay Bolt in his labor of love to find this elusive little pollinator.
