The Environmental Center

Deadline: Oregon Wild Outdoor Photo Contest
2015-09-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
For over a decade, the Oregon Wild Outdoor Photo Contest has been a platform for stunning portraits of the state we call home. Amateur and professional photographers alike have submitted incredible images of mountainscapes, rivers, and elusive creatures that embody our ideal Oregon. In 2015, we’re expanding the contest aesthetic to include Oregon’s dark side – giving a face to the issues we must address to keep our state pristine and wild. Nature photographers are conservation photographers, so we’re calling on you and your superior eye to capture it all. Send us the scenic and the tragic; the light and the dark – the full Oregon spectrum.
Enter your photos in the 11th annual Outdoor Photo Contest’s four main categories:

Wildlands
Wildlife
Waters
Endangered Places (this year subtitled Oregon: high-contrast, featuring the state and private logging practices that currently harm and continue to threaten our landscape.)

An entry fee of just $5 enables you to submit up to five total photos to any of the four main categories, and enters you into the chance to win exciting prizes from our outstanding sponsors, including:

$250 gift certificate to Pro Photo Supply
More prizes to come…

For all submissions:
Before you send in your images, please review the contest Rules and Submission Guidelines for complete details, including an explanation of the categories. All submissions must be accompanied by a completed entry form.
Finalists are announced after an initial round of judging in September. Oregon Wild supporters will vote online for the grand prize winners in each category. We will announce the winners at our annual benefit, Call of the Wild, to be held in Portland on the night of October 16, 2015.
Please note: The Oregon Wild staff work tirelessly to protect the wildlands, wildlife, and waters that are the focus of this contest. We are unable to take phone calls regarding this contest and urge you to utilize the maps, detailed submission guidelines, and additional resources provided on our website to the best of your ability. Thank you for understanding, and best of luck!

Volcanoes and Hydrology, Water in Central Oregon
2015-09-16
VOLCANOES AND HYDROLOGY, WATER IN CENTRAL OREGON

Open to the Public
Contact: Gretchen Valido, 541-389-0785
What do volcanoes have to do with your water supply? The volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon have shaped the hydrology of this area in surprising ways, giving us one of the most unique groundwater systems in the western U.S. Spring-fed rivers and streams in Central Oregon are directly connected to groundwater systems, which provide steady flows and cool water temperatures year-round. How have volcanoes created this special connection between groundwater and surface water? And what does this connection tell us about water use in Central Oregon and the impacts of withdrawing groundwater for development? Presented by Daniele McKay, Ph.D., Vulcanologist and Adjunct Instructor at OSU Cascades.

Urban Growth Boundary Scenarios at Pints and Politics
2015-09-17
Special guests: Brian Rankin and Mike Riley present the proposed UGB boundary scenarios.
In late September and early October the City of Bend will launch a public survey and hold three public meetings related to the Urban Growth Boundary Remand. City of Bend Principal Planner Brian Rankin and Mike Riley from the UGB Boundary and Growth Scenarios Technical Advisory Committee will discuss the proposed locations for redevelopment as Bend grows. Join us to learn about the process, ask questions and find out how you can offer feedback on the proposed scenarios.
Join OLCV and fellow community members who care about protecting Oregon’s natural legacy for Pints and Politics on the third Thursday of the month.

Days of Caring
2015-09-18 - 2015-09-19
Volunteer Connect and United Way of Deschutes County are teaming up to organize and present the 2015 Days of Caring on Sept. 18 & 19, an event that brings together volunteers from local businesses to provide project-focused volunteer service to non-profit and public organizations.
Help nonprofits across Central Oregon this year by signing up your business team for one of nearly 30 volunteer projects. Whether you paint, plant, clean, or rake leaves, this is your chance to lend a hand, get connected, and Live United! Sign up online at volunteerconnectnow.org or call 541-385-8977.
Hosted by Volunteer Connect and United Way

2015 Free Appliance Recycling Event
2015-09-19
The annual appliance recycling event will be held Saturday, September 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Knott Landfill Recycling & Transfer Facility, 61050 SE 27th St. in Bend. Residents are encouraged to recycle their own used appliances and appliances that have been dumped on or around their property.
Only the items listed below will be accepted at the appliance event:

Stoves
Ovens
Washers
Air conditioners
Dishwashers
Dryers
Refrigerators*
Trash Compactors*
Freezers*
Water heaters
Furnaces
Heat Pumps

* These items will not be accepted if they contain food or food residue

KPOV's Fall DJ Class
2015-09-19
Are you interested in learning more about radio? Thinking about hosting a show on KPOV? Love music? Want to get involved in your community?
KPOV’s Fall DJ class, coming up on September 19, is your answer! You’ll learn non-profit radio dos and don’ts on the 19th at COCC, and then get hands-on studio sessions at KPOV.
Check out all the details about the adult and teen classes at kpov.org.
Click here to register online now. Or you may sign up by phone by calling COCC at 541-383-7270.
We offer this 3-session class twice a year through COCC community education. All students attend a common informational class Saturday, September 19 from 9am-12noon at COCC, followed by two hands-on studio sessions at KPOV.
The informational class will be Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am-12 noon at COCC Boyle Education Center, room 152.
The studio sessions, here at the KPOV station, are as follows:
Studio Session 1: Sat/Sun, September 19 & 20, 6-9pm
Studio Session 2: Mon/Tues, September 21 & 22, 6-9pm
Teen Session: As scheduled on an individual basis

Green Lakes Hike, Three Sisters Wilderness
2015-09-19
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Leader: Pam Hardy
Location: Three Sisters Wilderness (carpools depart from Bend)
A classic Central Cascades hike in the Three Sisters Wilderness, this trail passes waterfalls, wildflowers, and large old trees en route to a set of gorgeous alpine lakes. We’ll have lunch at the lakes, possibly take a swim if it’s warm, and head back down.
RSVP here!
**Due to the popularity of our hikes we urge you to only sign up if you are sure you will be attending. If you do not have access to e-mail please contact Pam Hardy with any questions: (541) 382-2616 or ph@oregonwild.org. If signing up more than one person, please use the guest feature on the next page. Minors must be accompanied by adults. Hike leaders will provide more details as the hike date approaches.
Help Oregon Wild continue to provide high-quality, guided hikes into Oregon’s spectacular wildlands by making a small donation with your hike sign-up. Your support helps offset the costs of our hikes program, and ensures we can all continue to explore and enjoy Oregon’s natural heritage. Suggested donation of $5 (Oregon Wild members) and $10 (non members). If you are unsure if your Oregon Wild membership is current, please call 503.283.6343 x 200. To join, please click here.

C.R.O.P. Farm Tours: Brasada Ranch
2015-09-19
The Crooked River Open Pastures (C.R.O.P) Events are ways for you and your family or friends to experience the farm and ranch life in Central Oregon. The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance along with a dedicated group of farmers and community members in Crook County are offering these FREE farm tours and rotating Farmer’s Market throughout the summer. Each farm host will have vendors from 10am-2pm on the listed dates and offering free tours and other family friendly activities.
Saturday’s 10am-2pm
Haven’t been to Brasada before? Now’s your chance to see this award winning resort.
Brasada Ranch – See Address

Class - End of the Season Gardening Issues
2015-09-19
Information from OSU Master Gardeners™ about composting, seed saving, dividing plants, mulching, pruning and care of bulbs.

Birders' Night
2015-09-19
Scheduled 9 times a year, 3rd Thursdays of month. Social gathering time is from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and usually last until 8:30 p.m.
March 19:
“Bird Friendly Native Landscaping.” Birders Karen Theodore and Rick Martinson of WinterCreek Restoration will share identify native plants, and share tips about landscaping, designed to transform any yard into a bird friendly sanctuary.
April 16:
“Birding Every Corner of Alaska” Crooked River Ranch locals John and Marilynne Keyser recount their Alaska birding trip with stories and photographs from St. Paul Island (a part of the Pribilofs,) Nome, Barrow, the Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Highlights of the trip were seeing thirteen alcid species and all four eiders. Close encounters with a northern hawk owl, a “flaming” ruff and a huge polar bear were magical moments!
May 21:
“Oregon 2020: A Benchmark Survey of Our Birds”
Douglas Robinson, Mace Professor of Watchable Wildlife at OSU and Director of the Oregon 2020 birds project, will discuss this collaboration of professionals and citizen scientists who are dedicated to compiling a high quality, state-wide measurement of the abundance and distribution of Oregon’s birds and their response to habitat change. Doug will talk about how local birders can be involved in this landmark study, which promises to leave a legacy for future generations. Website: http://oregon2020.com/
June 18:
“Where the Heck are the Falcons? Phylogenies and Changing Field Guides: An Evolutionary Tale.” COCC Biology Professor Jim Moodie will entertain us with some up to date science about bird phylogenies (read: relationship trees) and how they have changed (e.g. Falcons are now grouped with Parrots!) and why they have changed (e.g. DNA and genome comparisons.)
October 15
“Nerdfest III” A hands-on program for Birders’ Night participants to share and experience an array of the latest birding technology and media opportunities including websites, software and apps such as eBird, COBOL, I Bird Pro, and ABA. A sequel to Nerdfest I and Nerdfest II this interactive program will further explore how birders are using technology to enhance the enjoyment of birding.
November 19
“eBird” Tom Crabtree provides hands on instruction on how to use eBird, Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology’s online data base program which has revolutionized the way that birders maintain and access information about birds, track bird sightings and contribute to science and conservation. Tom will walk you through setting up an account, entering sightings and using the data in eBird to enhance your birding experiences.

Stars Over Newberry
2015-09-19
On Friday, August 11th, 2017, Discover Your Forest will play host to hundreds of guests at our 3rd Annual Stars Over Newberry fundraiser. The event will take place atop Lava Butte in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and will feature stargazing, live music, a silent auction, fabulous local beer, wine and cuisine. This year, festivities will span from 7:30 – 11:00 PM, giving visitors an unparalleled vista of the night sky and a chance to glimpse the early hours of the Perseid Meteor Shower.
Stars Over Newberry is the largest annual fundraising event for Discover Your Forest which supports stewardship, conservation education and volunteer programs in Central Oregon’s National Forests.

Pledge to Lighten Up - New LED Deal! (while supplies last)
2015-09-21 - 2015-10-31
Pledge to lighten up by swapping your light bulbs for super efficient LED bulbs. During Bend Energy Challenge Week, you can buy one LED bulb, and get one free at the Bend Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Buy a 4-pack of bulbs for $12.99 and get 4 more bulbs free!
This promotion will run until October 31st or while supplies last – don’t miss this great deal!

Dramatic Savings are Around the Corner
2015-09-21
Save dramatically on your home’s energy consumption while increasing the comfort, safety, durability and value of your most important investment, your home. You will be invited to shadow the crew as they move through your home performing a series of inspections and tests.
Guest Presenter:
Neil Kelley Home Performance Professionals

Camp Fire Open House
2015-09-22
Drop in anytime on Thursday, September 29th between 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at The Environmental Center in downtown Bend for Camp Fire’s Fall Open House! We’ll be playing simple games, eating yummy snacks, and discussing the many opportunities your kids will have to explore service learning projects, learn new things, meet new friends, set goals, and have a ton of fun this school year.
Some of the topics we will cover include:

After School Clubs

What are they?
How much do they cost? Is financial aid available?
How to become a Leader / what being a leader looks like for your schedule

No-School Day Camps

Learn about the fun themes this year
Learn about teen Leadership opportunities at No-School Day Camps

Teens In Action

What is it?
How can you get involved
What exactly is service-learning and how does it apply to my life?

Teen Leadership Opportunities

How do these look on a resume or college application?

Growth Mindset & Camp Fire Culture

What does Camp Fire stand for?
How does Camp Fire help young people to thrive?

Volunteer Information

How much of a time commitment is it to volunteer?
What do volunteer tasks look like?
How old do you have to be to volunteer?

And More!

So come on down and talk with us, or just come say “hi” if you’re already a seasoned Camp Fire family! We would love to see you all there!

Bend Energy Challenge Week Kick-Off
2015-09-22
In this exciting event, you will learn what the Bend Energy Challenge is and why it’s important for our community.
Guest Presenters:

Eric Corey Freed, VP Global Communications, The International Living Future Institute
Local Youth

Bend Energy Challenge Week
2015-09-22
This year the Green Tour will be organized by The Environmental Center as part The Bend Energy Challenge Week—a week of energy education and inspiration for the whole family and building community. The Green Tour is a natural fit to inform and educate Central Oregon homeowners on ways that they can use less energy and expose the building and real estate industry to the latest trends in green building.
As always, the tour is a free, public event. This year we are adding education for homeowners and professionals alike leading up to the Tour.
Tuesday, September 22nd

Kick off event!
@ the Bend Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore
6:00 – 8:00pm
Beer, food carts, booths full of energy gurus to help you start saving energy
Keynote featuring Eric Corey Freed, VP of Global Communications @ the International Living Futures Institute.

Monday – Saturday, September 21st – 26th

Workshops for multiple tracks: residential and professional development presented by various speakers and organizations

Saturday, September 26th, 2015

15th Annual Green Tour
10:00am-5:00pm
Energy passport—participants will be entered to win prizes for visiting sites
Hands-on energy activities for kids
Get a full listing of the sites, features, and addresses on the Green Tour page

September Green Drinks
2015-09-22
**PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS ON TUESDAY FROM 6-8PM, NOT THE USUAL THURSDAY EVENING!**
This month, we’re combining Green Drinks with the kickoff of Bend Energy Challenge Week! Come check out the BEC Week Kickoff event at the new Habitat ReStore, featuring beer from Deschutes Brewery and food from Dump City Dumplings & Bend Soup Company. Come peruse information at various sponsor booths and check out all ReStore has to offer. Enjoy a humorous keynote address by Eric Corey Freed, the acclaimed speaker, architect and author of “Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies,” and hear what an illustrious group of local students are doing to ensure the future livability of Bend.
Aimed at both homeowners and professionals, in Eric’s talk: “The Seven Secrets of How Nature Designs: How to Apply the Lessons of Biomimicry to Your Business,” you’ll discover how the threat of climate change is already affecting your day to day life. You’ll uncover how to become a leader by leveraging the challenges of environmental responsibility. Instead of being a depressing talk on the environment, this hilarious talk will inspire you and transform how you look at the community around you.
Local high school students Kyra Kadhim, Skylar Grayson and Ivy Taylor, from the growing chapter of Youth Climate Action Now (YouCAN) in Bend, are intent on changing minds, hearts and city policies focused on two things: One, increasing City, community and student awareness about the seriousness of global climate change. Two, engaging both community members and local government in the development of lasting legal protection for the environment and quality of life in Central Oregon in the form of science-based carbon emission reduction targets and climate recovery planning. Listen to our kids and walk away inspired!

Green Drinks is an international concept and is an enjoyable way to network, learn about local businesses and their sustainability efforts, and have an eco-conscious drink or two! Bring your own cup and consider carpooling, walking, biking or transit to get to the event!

Durable Buildings: Building for Today, Adapting for Tomorrow
2015-09-23
For today’s buildings to play a role in tomorrow’s communities, they need to be built to last and adaptable, rather than simply demolished. In 2004, the Canada Green Building Council added the Durable Building credit to the LEED program in recognition of problems associated with building performance, sustainability and durability. The objective of this presentation is to explain the credit and demonstrate how to achieve it as an Innovation in Design credit on buildings in the U.S. The presentation will outline, via examples, a sample Durability Plan and tables, the logical steps to develop and confidently achieve this credit as well as focus on both expediting construction and minimizing risk of increasingly complex envelope systems.
Guest Presenters:
Steve Vinci, Principal, Senior Sustainability and Building Science Specialist, Morison Hershfield

Marketing Efficiency (Lunch included. RSVP required, see below*)
2015-09-23
Home buyers are increasingly interested in green features. Certified green homes sell faster at higher prices. This one-hour seminar will help you communicate with clients about the value and benefits energy efficient and green certified homes. Learn about green home features and how to sell them.
Guest Presenters:
Bruce Sullivan, BASE Zero
To RSVP, please view the following address in your browser:
http://bit.ly/1O1JzO7

Solar Works! What Local Governments and Utilities Need to Know
2015-09-23
Learn how you can use solar energy to recharge the local economy, with presentations from solar installers, local governments, the State building codes division, and utilities. A Q&A Session will follow, with plenty of time to get your questions answered.
Guest Presenters:
The Oregon Department of Energy The Energy Trust of Oregon Sunlight Solar

Solar Speed Dating - Getting to Know the Basics of Solar
2015-09-23
Pick and choose which solar stations to stop by. Learn how solar works, what incentives are available, investigate if your home is a good fit for solar, and check out the latest solar panels. The kids will have their own stations to eat cookies baked by the sun and race solar cars!
This event will last for two hours, but you are welcome to come and go as you please.
Guest Presenters:

The Bend Energy Challenge
Energy Trust of Oregon Oregon
Department of Energy
E2 Solar
Neil Kelly Solar
Sunlight Solar

Getting to Know Your Home's EPS
2015-09-23
This one hour presentation provides a basic understanding of what energy efficiency and high performance means in today’s building industry by examining the leading energy label, EPS (Energy Performance Score), and other Energy Trust of Oregon resources that are available to builders, brokers, and consumers in the region.

Learning Objectives:

Introduction to Energy Trust of Oregon
Explanation of EPS label and how it provides savings, comfort, health and durability benefits for consumers
Understand how you can use EPS to help drive sales for both new and existing homes
Learn how to leverage Energy Trust marketing resources for you and your customers
Benefits and requirements of becoming a Trade Ally with Energy Trust

Guest Presenter:
Matt Douglas, Earth Advantage

Building Techniques for Zero-Energy Homes (Lunch invluded. RSVP required, see below*)
2015-09-24
How can you build a home that uses no energy for heating, cooling, lights or appliances? Today it’s possible to build a zero-energy home using readily available products and proven techniques. Zero-energy homes are going up across America, with many good examples right here in Central Oregon. In this one-hour seminar, learn what takes to take your next project all the way to zero.
Guest Presenters:
Bruce Sullivan, BASE Zero
To RSVP, please view the following address in your browser:
http://bit.ly/1JW0KwC

Deschutes Children’s Foundation Anniversary Open House
2015-09-24
The organization will commemorate their Silver Anniversary with an open house at the Rosie Bareis Community Campus on Thursday, September 24th, 2015 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The event is open to the public and will feature music, wine, beer, and light hors d’oeuvres. All are invited to learn more about the organization’s unique mission to promote a community of services for children and families.
DCF thanks the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community members who have made this milestone possible.

Fall Color Tour
2015-09-25 - 2015-09-28
Fall Color Tour, sponsored by Sierra Club’s High Desert Committee.
The high desert areas around Steens Mountain are spectacular to explore as the aspen turn to brilliant shades of yellows and golds. Join us as we meander through the area and enjoy the last warmth of the season and the color displays. The exact location of the hikes has not been determined yet, but we will head to the general area around Steens Mountain and Hart Mountain.
To register, contact:
Borden Beck 503-706-3634 or bborden@teleport.com

Upper Deschutes River Cleanup
2015-09-26
Join SOLVE for the annual river clean up in our own backyard – the Upper Deschutes River in Sunriver. Families are welcome for this volunteer event and all supplies will be provided.

Discover Nature Festival
2015-09-26
Discover Nature Festival is a fun and action-packed event that engages families in outdoor recreation and learning. The 4th Annual Discover Nature Festival is a free community event to be held on Sunday, September 9th, 2018 at Riverbend Park in Bend, Oregon. The event will feature:

Over 35 hands-on outdoor activities presented by more than 20 organizations
Recreation activities including climbing wall, archery, fly casting practice, Leave No Trace activities, survival skills, and a bike rodeo
Nature education activities including birding, wildlife tracking, live birds, and volcano demonstrations
Health and wellness activities highlighting the benefits of staying active, getting outdoors, and healthy eating

Discover Nature Festival provides kids and families a fun day to try new outdoor activities, learn about the natural world, challenge themselves, and spend time together!

2015 Green Tour
2015-09-26
Go ahead and pledge to get into your comfort zone.
There is sure to be something for everyone to take home.
Saturday, September 22nd
10:00 – 5:00
The 15th Annual Green Tour is organized by The Bend Energy Challenge with support from the Energy Trust of Oregon. This year’s Tour will feature 7 homes packed with energy saving features. They vary from brand new zero energy homes to a 1971 energy retrofit. Check out the Kid’s Corners at some of the sites for activities to keep the kids busy while you get to snoop and be a smarty pants.
FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

Latino Community Association Festival of Cultures
2015-09-26
A celebration of our Central Oregon Cultures featuring food, music, vendors, non-profits and great people!

A Day in the Life of a Whychus Fir
2015-09-30
30th Anniversary Event: A Day in the Life of a Whychus Fir
Thirty years ago, when Executive Director Paul Dewey found out about a proposal to pipe Whychus Creek and clear-cut its banks, he made a promise to an old-growth Douglas Fir that he would save its life. And with that, the seed that became Central Oregon LandWatch was planted. Join us as we hike to LandWatch’s origin tree, located in gorgeous canyon country along Whychus Creek. Afterwards, we will BBQ with views of North Sister.
Hike begins at 3pm, with a BBQ afterwards!
$10 suggested donation
Space for this event is limited so please reserve your spot today. More details will be provided.
