The Environmental Center

Recycled Materials Bag Sewing Party
2024-04-08 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Calling all seamstresses! St. Charles Medical Center and Bend Anesthesiology Group are partnering with The Environmental Center to create reusable tote bags out of sterile blue wrap, used to sterilize surgical instruments. This repurposed material is water resistant, sturdy, functional and with your help, fashionable! If the material is not being reused, it is immediately tossed in the trash and sent to our landfill. This is one chance to help our community divert non-recyclables from the landfill! These bags will be reused in our “Sustainable Summer” fundraising event later this year (stay tuned!).
Bring your sewing machine, scissors, pins, ruler, chalk, and cutting mat and we will provide the fabric and patterns!
**All levels of experience are welcome!**

An Evening with Author TJ Klune
2024-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author TJ Klune will share his story of being queer and neurodiverse while coming of age in rural Oregon in the 90s as well as many other experiences that shaped
his life and his writings. Fantasy fiction author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more, Klune believes it’s important – now more than ever – to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
Tuesday, April 9, 6 p.m. COCC Bend Campus. Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center
Livestream is also available Registration is required for in-person and livestream. Register Here!

Tertulias . . . ¡de película¡: 100 Dias con la Tata
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Tertulias … ¡de película! Es un programa que busca proveer espacios seguros y de conexión para comunidades hispanohablantes. En Tertulias de película se habla abiertamente y sin prejuicios sobre nuestras ideas y sentires a partir de la interacción con el arte cinematográfico y documental. Un lugar en el que se le de rienda suelta al mundo de las ideas y de la mente. Un espacio de autoeducación popular, unidos por un lenguaje propio.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-04-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-05-07 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 2024, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4-6pm. 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.

Shaping the Future: Conservation, Restoration, and Flow Management in the Upper Deschutes River
2024-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic and Recreation Center, 57250 Overlook Road, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Learn about collaborative efforts implementing water conservation projects and how conservation savings are being used to meet needs for species in the Upper Deschutes River.
Speaker Bio:
Bridget Moran leads the development of the Deschutes River Basin’s Habitat Conservation Plan as Field Supervisor for the Bend Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, advising on habitat and species needs.
Moderator Bio:
Lisa Seales, PhD, manages the DRC’s On-Farm and Water Marketing programs and facilitates the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative.
REGISTER HERE

Induction Stove Power Hour with Johnson Brothers Appliances
2024-04-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Johnson Brothers Appliances, 571 NE Azure Dr, Bend, 97701, United States
Join us for this interactive event to learn about induction stoves–everything from what pans to use, myth-busting, and the incentives available to install one in your home!
We’ll do a live demonstration so you can see the magic of induction in action–yes, you’ll get to and brew up some local tea to see how fast we can boil the water–you won’t believe it until you see it!. If you are looking into options for your home, we’ll talk about the current incentives that are available and things to think about whether you are swapping out a gas or electric stove.
When we wrap up, you’ll be able to check out many different models in the Johnson Brothers Appliances showroom to see what the options are to meet your kitchen’s needs and ask any questions of their team.
Let us now you’re coming!

The Johnson Brothers Team has arranged exclusive deals for this event. To access these offers, you simply need to attend the event and grab a coupon or mention the TEC Induction Event Special when shopping in the store (some deals end as soon as June so get down there quickly!).
They will be offering eight different product deals, a few of which are mentioned below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save big!

30” induction cooktop, regularly $2049, offered for $849 through 6/4

30” induction range, regularly $1799, offered for $1049 through 6/4

36” induction cooktop, regularly $2549, offered for $1749 through 12/31

A Discussion on Environment and Well-Being with Minal Mistry
2024-04-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Mistry will employ a holistic approach, using systems thinking to unravel the environmental complexities shaping our lives in Oregon. Gain insights into the environmental burdens sustaining the unique Oregonian lifestyle and the nuanced interplay with our collective wellbeing.
This engaging talk will transcend local boundaries, shedding light on our global reliance and the far-reaching impact on communities worldwide. Explore themes of Migration and Transitions, and delve into emerging concerns such as novel pollutants affecting water, land, and food sources.
The evening promises ample time for discussion, offering you the chance to share your personal experiences and perspectives on these critical topics. As we unravel the interconnected web of environmental and human development concerns, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of our shared responsibilities.
About the Artist:
Minal Mistry (he/him) is a biologist/scientist working in the industrial sustainability arena with an emphasis on the impacts of material production and consumption upon the living Earth. His focus area is at the intersections of environmental, ecological and social justice. His art has evolved from those intersections, primarily as sculpture and writing.
Price: This event is free and open to the public. Spaces are limited so registration is required.
Register here

Tracing Geological History Through Rocks and Minerals in Oregon's Desert
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Immerse yourself in the world of Oregon’s desert rocks and minerals as Alison Jean Cole explores the region’s geological history through rock collecting in balance with conservation. Buy tickets in Bend.
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We are pleased to announce Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2024 High Desert Speaker Series! The Speaker Series fosters a deeper understanding of ecology, encourages well-informed exploration of the high desert and promotes collaborative cross-cultural practices that conserve southeastern Oregon. These events will take you into the world of high desert bees, on a journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands, deeper into ecocultural indigenous restoration efforts and toward discovering the geologic treasures of Oregon’s desert.

Join us at these engaging events online, in Bend and in Portland and dive into the wonders of the high desert. Registration is open for all events, so mark your calendar, tell a friend and view the full lineup.

Kids' Business Spring Market
2024-04-19 14:30 - 17:30 | Brooks Room, Deschutes Public Library, 507 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703, United States

8th Annual Locavore Gala & Fundraiser
2024-04-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Tetherow, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Central Oregon Locavore Hosts 8th Annual Gala and Fundraiser at Tetherow Resort on April 19th
Central Oregon Locavore, a non-profit organization committed to supporting local food and farmers, is thrilled to announce its 8th Annual Gala and Fundraiser, taking place at the prestigious Tetherow Resort on April 19th.
This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with a gourmet multi-course farm-to-table meal, engaging activities, and a celebration of CO-llaboration and CO-operativism in the agricultural community. The theme emphasizes the importance of farmers working together, sharing resources, and supporting one another in an era where competition often overshadows collaboration.
The event will feature a variety of attractions, including a silent auction, live auction, golden ticket raffle, photographic narrative showcasing the hardworking farmers and ranchers of the region, and the infamous dessert dash – an exciting race to claim delectable desserts.

2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade
2024-04-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Save the Date! The 2024 Earth Day Fair and Parade will take place on Saturday, April 20th. An Annual Celebration of Earth And Community.
This family-friendly event typically features a lively and inclusive parade through downtown Bend where folks are encouraged to wear costumes to showcase their favorite thing about planet earth. During the fair, food vendors, booths, and performers offer something for everyone.
Stay tuned for updates on performances that will take place on Troy Field!

2024 SELCO POLE PEDAL PADDLE
2024-04-24 09:00 - 18:00 | OR
When you participate in the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, you support the work and mission of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MSBEF). Register here
In order to make Pole Pedal Paddle a reality, MBSEF leans on hundreds of volunteers to help organize, manage, and carrying out every detail before and on race day. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new friends and play an important role in one of our community’s most beloved events. Sign up to volunteer here!

Know Gardens: Garden Fair at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall
2024-04-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Sisters Firehouse Community Hall, 301 S Elm St, Sisters, 97759, United States
Description
Learn about composting, pollinator habitat, growing vegetables, seed bombs and more.
Learn from local experts how to help pollinators, compost, roll up seed bombs, grow vegetables in our climate, create paints from your garden, and more! Join Deschutes Public Library and the following community organizations for this free, fun event:
– Artist Lee Kellogg
Outdoors is where Lee Kellogg would rather be just about any day and anytime. Sketchbook in hand, she records the world around her. A bird watcher from a young age, Lee has long been interested in the natural world around us. From working summer camp as a teen to the Adult Education Coordinator at the Audubon Society of Portland to owning a retail business focused on art and craft, Lee has had much experience that all focuses on her love of the outdoors and art. Inspiring others to be creative and become aware of the world around them is part of her mission when she teaches. https://www.leekellogg.com/
– DPL Community Librarian
– Deschutes Land Trust
The Deschutes Land Trust’s mission is to conserve and care for the lands and water that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
– OSU-Master Gardeners
“The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. OSU Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators, neighbors, and on-the-ground researchers who serve their community with solid training in science-based, sustainable gardening and a love of lifelong learning.” https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg
– Pollinator Pathway Bend
Pollinator Pathway Bend is a community-wide effort to create and connect pesticide-free habitat for imperiled native pollinators in the city of Bend and beyond. https://pollinatorpathwaybend.org/
– Seed to Table
“Seed to Table envisions a vibrant and resilient community where all people, regardless of race, gender, geography, ability or socioeconomic status, have access to fresh produce that is nourishing, locally grown, and in keeping with their preferences. From our 4-acre farm plot, we strive to model a food system that restores ecosystems while providing equitable access to fresh foods and opportunities for community members to engage positively with farm-fresh foods.” https://www.seedtotableoregon.org/
– Sisters Garden Club
“The Sisters Garden Club, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1988 by 13 original members who wanted to spread the joy of gardening to this wonderful community they called home. The goals of our club are to stimulate increased knowledge of our unique local environment and how it affects our gardens; aid in the protection of native plants and wildlife including our essential beneficial insects; and encourage the sharing of this information with others in the community to make it even better.” https://www.sistersgardenclub.com/
– The Environmental Center
In 1989, The Environmental center was born to inspire locals to live lighter on the planet. “Our mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. To us, that means driving local change that makes a world of difference.” https://envirocenter.org/

Go Electric! - The Benefits of Home Electrification (Webinar)
2024-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Adopting modern high-efficiency electric appliances in our homes improves indoor air quality, lowers utility bills, provides greater safety and comfort, and more climate resilience. You can greatly lower your home’s carbon emissions by installing efficient electric systems like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. And thanks to improved technologies and new state and federal incentives, making your home efficient and all-electric is more affordable than ever! In this first episode of Electrify Now’s “Go-Electric!” webinar series, you’ll learn about the many advantages of electrifying your home—all in 30 minutes. We’ll share insights and practical tips, including: Why all-electric homes are much healthier, with better indoor air quality and lower risk of asthma, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. How to upgrade your home’s heating, cooling and appliances, get year-round comfort and save on your energy bills. How electrification increases the value of your home. Why all-electric homes reduce air pollution in the communities where we live How electric transportation saves money, reduces emissions and is a ton of fun. How each of us has the power to phase out fossil fuels and lower our carbon emissions towards zero by powering our homes with renewable energy.
Hosts: Brian Stewart and Joe Wachunas

REGISTER HERE

Art, Social Justice and the Radical Imaginary with Favianna Rodriguez
2024-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join Favianna Rodriguez as she shares her artistic practice and discusses how art can inspire, educate, and help spur the imagination beyond the realms of what politics can do. Rodriguez believes culture change precedes political change, and therefore, we must build vibrant cultural movements that catalyze social justice, inspire new ways of thinking and foster cultural equity. She will show artistic examples that address migrant rights, gender equity and climate justice.

Plastics and Your Health (Webinar)
2024-05-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
A troubling study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March found that the presence of microplastics particles in heart tissue caused a measurable increase in people’s risk of heart attack, stroke and premature death. With each new study published, plastics’ negative impacts on human health are becoming clearer and more widespread.
What does this mean for you and your loved ones? Please join us and Dr. Phil Landrigan via Zoom this Thursday, May 2 from 7-8PM ET to discuss plastics’ impacts on our health and how we can decrease our exposure. Register now. >>
Plastics take a heavy toll on both human and environmental health. We know that there are micro-and nanoplastics in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain.
We also know that these tiny bits of plastic are present inside all of us. Researchers have found micro- and nano-plastics in the human intestine, placenta, liver, spleen, lungs, and lymph node tissues, as well as in blood and breast milk.
Many of the toxic chemicals added to plastics including PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols are also present in the bodies of nearly all Americans.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician, and epidemiologist back to the Beyond Plastics virtual stage for this free educational webinar on May 2. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure.
Please click here to register now and plan to join us at 7 PM ET this Thursday, May 2 to explore these critical and emergent questions.

ZUMBA FIESTA-FREE event
2024-05-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
On May 3rd, from 6-9 pm, a special ZUMBA FIESTA-FREE event. We will have a significant presentation by Oscar Gonzalez from the Latino Community Association, to honor Cinco de Mayo, for the Battle of Puebla. Children from 8 years old can come on this day. (Further details on the flyer)
El 3 de mayo, de 6-9 pm, un evento especial de ZUMBA FIESTA-GRATIS. Tendremos a una presentación significativa a cargo de Oscar Gonzalez de la Asociación de la Comunidad Latina, en honor a las celebración del Cinco de Mayo, por la Batalla de Puebla. Niños a partir de los 8 años pueden venir este día. (Mayores detalles en el volante)

Spring into Nature Festival
2024-05-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Sahalee Park, 1 SE 7th Street, Madras, OR, 97744, United States
Visit the Deschutes Land Trust at the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon’s Spring Into Nature Festival! The Spring Into Nature Festival celebrates the many ways that we all connect with nature. Stop by our table to plant native milkweed seeds to add to your garden or yard and create a monarch butterfly craft. Learn more about the Land Trust’s work while also providing habitat for Western monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Deschutes RiverFeast
2024-05-04 17:00 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Join us for a night dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the majestic Deschutes River. The Deschutes River Conservancy’s annual River Feast Dinner and Auction on May 4th will showcase an evening of gourmet dining, engaging conversation, and exciting silent and live auctions; all in support of the Deschutes River. Secure your ticket today for a memorable night that contributes to a thriving river ecosystem for future generations.
Interested in buying a full table? Simply add 8 seats and we will set aside a table just for you and your friends! Contact rebekah@deschutesriver.org with questions.
Get tickets here!

2024 Oregon Legislative Session Debrief
2024-05-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Please join Oregon Environmental Council on Monday, May 6th from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, for a virtual webinar taking a closer look at this year’s state legislative session.
Our guest speaker is state Senator Janeen Sollman, Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. She played a pivotal role as an environmental champion this session, including passing Oregon’s landmark Right to Repair legislation.
The conversation will be hosted by OEC’s Executive Director, Jana Gastellum and alumni Legislative Director, Thomas Baker. Together, they’ll give an insider’s perspective on how last session’s key environmental wins set the stage for future progress, as well as how the losses will impact Oregonians.
We hope you can join us on Monday, May 6 for this informative discussion on OEC’s work and legislative achievements in the 2024 session.

Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land Film Screening Followed by a Panel Discussion
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In partnership, Central Oregon Community College, The Environmental Center, Central Oregon BIPOC, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance are proudly presenting a screening of the documentary Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land followed by a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6 pm in Central Oregon Community College’s Hitchcock Auditorium.
This exclusive screening will mark the Central Oregon debut of Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land from Executive Producer Al Roker. Gaining Ground explores why Black ownership of farmland has dwindled to alarmingly low numbers and examines the causes, effects, and solutions to the issues affecting Black land loss.
After the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a discussion moderated by Marcus LeGrand, COCC’s Afrocentric Program Coordinator that will include. Dr. Dalton Miller-Jones, retired Professor and member Restorative Justice and Equity Group.
Free admission and reservations are not required.

Family Zumba classes
2024-05-07 18:45 - 19:45, 2024-05-09 18:45 - 19:45 | Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Starting in May, BPRD will begin with Family Zumba classes at Larkspur. The first two classes on May 7th and 9th will be FREE, so you can meet instructor Perla Ruiz and explore to see if this class is suitable for you and your family. BPRD is promoting this class first within the Spanish-speaking community. BRPD aims to provide a suitable space for families who can come with their children from the age of 5. Parents or adult caregivers must supervise them at all times. This is the first time we will offer this class in this way, so please bear with them. Any questions you may have please call at 541-706-1212.
A partir de mayo empezaremos con clases de Zumba en Familia en Larkspur. Las dos primeras clases del 7 y 9 de mayo serán GRATIS, así podrá conocer a nuestra instructora Perla Ruiz y explorar y ver si esta clase es conveniente para usted y su familia. Estamos promocionando esta clase primero con la comunidad hispanohablante, deseamos proporcionar un espacio adecuado para las familias que puedan venir con sus hijos a partir de los 5 añitos. Los papás o personas adultas deben supervisarlos todo el tiempo. Es la primera vez que ofreceremos esta clase así que ténganos paciencia. Cualquier pregunta que tengan los padres pueden llamarme al 541-706-1212.

Bend Gear Meet with Outdoorist Oath
2024-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | The Gear Fix, 550 Industrial Way, Suite 183, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
The Outdoorist Oath and Pattie Gonia alongside trusted allies Outside’s Gear Up Give Back program and local collaborator The Gear Fix invite the Bend, OR community to an evening of gear swaps, gear repairs, gear giveaways, and celebrating our love for the outdoors!
Here are all the juicy deets for the event!

This is a FREE event! Though we encourage folks to RSVP and donate.
Swap used gear w/ community members. Everyone can participate, regardless of whether or not you bring items to swap!
The GearFix will be hosting DIY patch and zipper repair workshops
Come connect with local non-profits to learn how you can take action for planet, inclusion, and adventure in your community!
Win prizes from outdoor & local brands
This event will be hosted by Pattie Gonia with support from The Outdoorist Oath, GearFix, and Outside
All unswapped items at the end of the night will be donated to Outside’s Gear Up Give Back program which helps support The Oath’s free educational resources and events!

RSVP HERE!

AAPI Celebration
2024-05-09 12:00 - 19:00 | OSU Cascades, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Crook County On The Move’s Community Garden Party
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Prineville Presbytarian Church, 1771 NW Madras Hwy, Prineville, OR, United States
Free Family Fun! Bring the whole family to meet red wigglers, plant a garden salad bowl, get free seeds, experience the pollinator station, visit with Master Gardeners, talk with Search & Rescue to learn about Hug A Tree, get free plant starts, composting tips, play games and win prizes!
Lots of information is shared to help you grow your own fresh produce. Don’t have space for your own garden? Come by and learn how to utiltize our local community gardens!

Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show
2024-05-11 17:30 - 22:00 | The Pavillion, 1001 SW Bradbury Dr., Bend, OR, 97702, United States
AGENDA
5:00pm – Doors Open (VIP Ticket Holders)
5:30pm – Doors Open (General Admission)
6:30pm – Runway show STARTS
7:30 – INTERMISSION
8:00pm – Second 1/2 of the show
Rooted in a love of fashion, an appreciation of art and a passion for the planet, the Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show fuses environmental responsibility, funky fashion and community. Started in 2010 as a fundraiser by a couple of teachers, it has turned into a Bend staple, a fashion-forward, sustainably run event that everyone in the community can enjoy.
With an electrifying trash fashion runway, a live auction of select runway garments, our business challenge where 10 businesses compete for the Coveted Trash Trophy, a pop-up Eco-marketplace featuring creative products from sustainably–minded, community artists, and local beverages and food carts, what’s not to love! Join other socially conscious individuals for an evening of sustainable fashion, showcasing styles that the future demands, while supporting a fundraiser for Realms Schools.
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK :: Three food trucks (The Bob, El Sancho, and Big Foot BBQ) will be present serving food all night as well as Slow Ride Mobile Bar serving beverages throughout the event.
GET TICKETS

Bend Bike Night
2024-05-13 16:30 - 18:30 | OR
Gear up for an evening of wheelin’ fun for the whole family at Bend Bike Night.
Don’t miss out on raffles, giveaways, and activities, including a bike safety cone course for kids and an interactive safe riding in roundabouts demonstration every 30 minutes.
Join Mayor Melanie Kebler, Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins, Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, and community partners focused on bike and pedestrian safety initiatives #inBend.
Where:
The Grove
921 NW Mt. Washington Drive

Bridging the Gap: Rural EV Charging Programs
2024-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | OR
In this webinar, our speakers will highlight strategies and programs aiming to address rural EV charging challenges.
