The Environmental Center

Deschutes Canyon Area Meetings
2014-09-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Community Input Meetings
Hosted by FANs
September 25 or September 30
September 25, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in Sisters, at The Belfry, 302 E Main Avenue

September 30, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in Terrebonne, at the Terrebonne Depot, 400 NW Smith Rock Way
The Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) board of directors invites you to attend one of our Community Input Meetings and participate in small group discussions to share what you value about the Deschutes Canyon Area and your ideas related to the permanent protection of these public lands. Seating is limited; please join us and RSVP today at this website. Call 541-771-FANS (3267) for more information. (Thank you for registering to help us with a guest count for refreshments.)

Thomas Preserve Paddle
2014-09-26
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Ashley Lowrey for a guided paddle to the Thomas Preserve. We’ll float a section of the upper Deschutes to visit this unique island Preserve for a picnic lunch. You bring your boat and we’ll provide the shuttle. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required
– See more here

Blue Sky Renewable Energy Project Tour
2014-09-27
Join Us for Pacific Power’s 2014 Blue Sky
Renewable Energy Project Tour
We’d like to extend you a special invitation to join us on Saturday, September 27, 2014 in Hood River, Oregon when we tour Goodnoe Hills Wind Project, Pacific Power’s 94-MW wind farm outside of Goldendale Washington, along with Turtle Island Foods 102-kilowatt rooftop solar project, which was funded in part by Blue Sky customers.
Take this opportunity to learn more about wind and solar electricity generation, have your questions answered by experts and walk right up to a 263-foot utility scale wind turbine.
What:
Tour the Goodnoe Hills Wind Project and Turtle Island Foods’ rooftop solar project with industry experts on hand to answer your questions. For more information and to register, please visit this website.

When:
Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Price
Blue Sky customers receive a discount. The costs are as follows:

Blue Sky registration: $25 for adults – $20 for children under 12.
Regular registration: $30 for adults – $25 for children under 12.

Register Today!
The tour is open to Pacific Power customers and their guests. Space is limited, so sign up soon!
To register, visit the online registration portal at blueskytour2014.brownpapertickets.com or mail in your payment along with the registration form found in the attached packet.
Registration closes September 12, 2014.
If you have any questions, please email windtour@pacificpower.net or call 1-866-476-9378 ext. 23

History Walk, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
2014-09-27
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Leslie Olson for a history walk around Camp Polk Meadow Preserve near Sisters. Explore the scenic meadow and see what brought the early settlers to Oregon and Camp Polk. See the historic Hindman barn and discover where Sisters, Oregon got its start. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required
– See more here

National Public Lands Day: Pioneer Day
2014-09-27
Pioneer Day at Reynolds Pond near the Badlands Wilderness.
Join in this family-fun free event to celebrate the 50thAnniversary of the Wilderness Act, Public Lands Day and Get Outdoors Day. Primitive skills stations will offer activities such as leave no trace, tracking, Dutch oven cooking, doll-making, archery, cord-making, seed tape-making, and cross-cut sawing. Guides will take small groups on hikes in the Badlands Wilderness and speak on wilderness values and ethics. Reynolds Pond is located about 15 miles east of Bend near Alfalfa. Bring water and your lunch.
For more information about this event and for a link to directions, go here.

Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon
2014-09-27
DD Ranch Farm Festival
September 27,2013 at the DD Ranch in Terrebonne from 10:00 to 4:00. More information to come, check back soon. Check here

Mill Creek Wilderness Hike
2014-09-28
Join the Central Oregon LandWatch’s hike on Sunday, September 28th. Local wildlife and fishery experts Amy Stuart and Mike Gerdes will be our guides on this special hike in the Mill Creek Wilderness. We’ll check out fish and wildlife habitat, discuss the impacts of OHV use, livestock grazing, timber harvest, and wildfire, and learn about ecosystem recovery.
Meet at 8am to carpool from Bend.
*space is limited*
Co-hosted with the Great Old Broads for Wilderness Bitterbrush BroadBand
Click here for more information and to RSVP (required).

World Series Poker Tournament for Habitat
2014-09-29
On Monday, September 29, Jake’s Diner will hold the World Series Poker Tournament of Hold Em’ for Habitat, benefitting Bend Area Habitat for Humanity. This event is the culmination of weekly poker games organized by Jake’s Diner to help support Bend Area Habitat’s affordable home construction and home repair programs for low income families and individuals in Bend and Crook County.
Jake’s Diner owner, Lyle Hicks, says, “When my daughter Carrie was accepted into Habitat’s Homeownership Program in 2006, I wanted to start a fundraising effort that the regular Joe could be a part of. Frank Patka, the late Richard Smith and I developed “Hold Em’ for Habitat”, weekly poker games to raise money for Bend Area Habitat. For several years, Jake’s Diner has consistently had 2-3 tables playing every Monday night. The annual World Series of Hold Em’ for Habitat, coming up on September 29th, will raise the stakes and even more funds for Bend Area Habitat! Donations from this year’s tournament will go toward the “Big Richard Build”, in honor of the late Richard Smith. This Habitat home will be purchased by the Lead Cook at Jake’s Diner, Crystal Wargo, and her three children this fall.”
To date, more than $40,000 has been raised during these weekly poker games for Bend Area Habitat for Humanity!
Time: Signups begin at 5 p.m. and play begins at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 for qualified players. $50 for all others. All proceeds benefit Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
Location: Jake’s Diner, 2210 NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: Lyle Hicks, 541.419.6021
The winner of the tournament will win an Oregon Coast experience, including two nights on the Oregon coast right on the beach compliments of Shilo Inns , a two hour sea life cruise donated by Marine Discovery Tours of Newport, and a meal for two at Mo’s Seafood Restaurant.
Other businesses who have donated prizes for the Hold Em’ for Habitat event include Jake’s Diner, Napa Auto Parts, Printer Resources, Kings Razor, Lava Lanes, Shell Stop and Go, Earl Clausen’s Cuts and Styles, Bend Area Habitat and the Hwy 20 Chevron.

Sandhill Cranes of the Pacific Flyway
2014-09-29
Learn about the origins and travels of three Pacific Flyway sandhill crane subspecies that breed and migrate through Oregon. Gary will discuss their life history, ecology and their migration routes, wintering and breeding areas during this FREE presentation.
Call the Sunriver Nature Center at 541.593.4394 for reservations and more information.

Plant Clinic Solutions on KPOV 88.9FM
2014-09-30
Listen in to KPOV 88.9FM for the Plant Clinic Solutions series in our Gardening: Get Good At It series.
For more information visit the Central Oregon Master Gardeners Association’s website.

Deschutes Canyon Area Meetings
2014-09-30
Community Input Meetings
Hosted by FANs
September 25 or September 30
September 25, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in Sisters, at The Belfry, 302 E Main Avenue
September 30, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in Terrebonne, at the Terrebonne Depot, 400 NW Smith Rock WayThe Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) board of directors invites you to attend one of our Community Input Meetings and participate in small group discussions to share what you value about the Deschutes Canyon Area and your ideas related to the permanent protection of these public lands. Seating is limited; please join us and RSVP today at this website. Call 541-771-FANS (3267) for more information. (Thank you for registering to help us with a guest count for refreshments.)

Wednesday Birders at Bend River Trails and Parks
2014-10-01
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 7:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving.
Plans may vary due to weather or rare birds spotted prior to the meeting. To keep up to date on the latest bird sightings and birding opportunities including Wednesday Birders join Central Oregon Birders Online (COBOL). It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders.
For more information about this and other upcoming events of the East Cascades Audubon Society, visit their website.

Sustainability Awards Applications Due
2014-10-01
The Environmental Center is accepting applications for the 2014 Sustainability Awards, now through October 1. Awards will be given to a citizen, small business, large business, and organization (agency or nonprofit) that are leading the way to a sustainable future in Central Oregon.
For application materials and more information, go here.

Hawk Watch!
2014-10-02, 2014-10-04, 2014-10-09
Join the East Cascades Audubon Society for their annual Hawk Migration event at Green Ridge, outside of Sisters. Please RSVP for carpooling! Other dates for upcoming Hawk Watch events:
October 2nd, 4th-5th
October 9th, 11th-12th
October 17th, 18th-19th
For more information about this event, visit the East Cascades Audubon Society’s webpage.

Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness Monitoring
2014-10-02 - 2014-10-05
Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness Monitoring

When
Oct 02, 2014 03:00 PM to
Oct 05, 2014 12:00 PM

Where
Owyhee

Contact Name
Michael O’Casey

Contact Phone
(541) 330-2638

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BACKGROUND:
Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) inspire us. They remain some of the last great open places and rugged canyons in the West, where animals have the freedom to roam and the vistas stretch on for miles. The Vale BLM has over 22 different WSAs within the Owyhee Canyonlands- and no two more important than the Owyhee River WSA and Lookout Butte WSA near the Nevada and Idaho border. Both of these areas tie together an expansive landscape integral to sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer; and they also contain flourishing desert plant communities, Paiute lithic scatters and breathtaking views along the Wild and Scenic West Little Owyhee River.
This trip will be focused on helping the BLM establish a baseline monitoring trend for the two WSAs and further south into Lands with Wilderness Character. ONDA volunteers will accomplish this by traversing the area on foot and in their vehicles using GPS cameras to document man-made impacts on the landscape.

A great shot of last year’s volunteers on the Owyhee Canyon Rim. Photo by Jim Davis

TRIP TIMELINE:

Thursday, October 2nd: Meet at Burns Junction at 3PM Pacific Time to carpool to the campsite at Anderson Crossing. After reaching our campsite by 5:30PM we will have dinner and then go over how to use the GPS and cameras.
Friday, October 3rd: Awake early and head into the backcountry by 8AM. We will be split into two or three groups and travel north into the Owyhee River Canyon WSA.
Saturday, October 4th: Another early morning, leaving the campsite by 8AM for another day of monitoring and signing- this time heading south to the Lookout Butte WSA and Lands with Wilderness Character.
Sunday, October 5th: Finally, a well-earned morning of rest and coffee. After breakfast we will pack up and head home. We will reach the pavement of Highway 95 by 12PM Pacific Time so that volunteers can make the five and a half hour drive back to Bend and beyond.

THE WORK:
Expect long days traveling rocky, bone-jarring roads leading to canyon edges. Driving is perhaps the greatest challenge we’ll face in the Owyhee country, but up to two-mile hikes over uneven ground might be a close second. Volunteers will have to navigate on unsigned backcountry roads using GPS and work cooperatively as a team to take pictures and collect valuable field notes for use by ONDA staff at a later date. Using GPS cameras we will document naturalness characteristics inside the Wilderness Study Area boundaries. This includes photopoint monitoring of unauthorized motor vehicle use, dispersed campsites, and wildlife encounters. Volunteers will receive training on how to use GPS cameras and write pertinent field notes. Some areas will be driven to but many will involve a hike over uneven ground through sagebrush.

CAMP:
This trip will involve car camping at dispersed/undeveloped camping areas along dirt roads in the Owyhee backcountry. At least one night will be spent at Anderson Crossing. Participants need to have a tent capable of handling cold temperatures, rain, and wind… or the ability to sleep comfortably in their own vehicles.

A place that will not soon be forgotten!

DIFFICULTY RATING: 3 OUT OF 5:
The terrain in this region isn’t very steep, but the cross country travel through thick sagebrush and over uneven ground can be challenging and tiring. Weather can be highly variable. Driving and camping conditions are primitive and the location is one of the most remote within the lower 48 states.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participants are highly encouraged to have (or have a ride in) a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle in good working order for this trip. The vehicle should have a full-size spare tire, towing straps/chains, jack, and board for the jack, fix-a-flat, lug wrench, and jumper cables. Carpooling is highly encouraged.
Driving conditions in the Owyhee are extremely challenging. Roads are often unmaintained, rocky, and rutted. A small amount of precipitation makes the road surface slippery and creates a mud buildup that clogs wheel wells and limits travel.
Participants are responsible for their own food and as well as transportation to and from the trip.
Participants will need their own four-season tent or the ability to sleep in their cars; a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, cookware, stove, lanterns and headlamps are also required.
Sturdy off-trail ankle-high boots are recommended for this trip.
A full packing list will be provided by the trip leader 3 weeks before the trip.

PROVIDED BY ONDA:
ONDA will provide the gear for the work, excellent guidance in the field, and a few group camping items to make things more comfortable (chairs, tables, dishwashing bins, campfire materials, water, shade/rain tarp, etc)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This trip will be led by ONDA’s Wilderness Stewardship Assistant, Michael O’Casey Michael@onda.org
Group size will be limited to 8 participants.
This trip is offered free of charge.

REGISTRATION:
An ONDA registration application and medical form is required for this trip. Click HERE for the form. You only need to fill this form out once per year: You can join additional 2014 trips by e-mailing the trip leader directly. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 10 working days of submitting your form. The confirmation e-mail will provide information regarding which trips you are on the “participant list” for, and which trips are full, and therefore you have been placed on the “wait list”. Five weeks before the start of the trip, the trip leader will send out an RSVP to make sure everyone is still able to participate. Based on RSVPs open spaces will be backfilled with people from the wait list. Three weeks before the trip begins, the trip leader will send out an e-mail with additional information, maps, driving instructions, car-pooling options etc. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader.

The Landscape and Why We Photograph It, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve
2014-10-03
The digital age has provided a platform for an abundance of photographs. More images are taken daily than all those from the inception of photography as a medium of expression. There is one element of photography, however, that is missing: the “why” of photography. This introspective question has many layers and in this workshop we will explore a few of them in regards to landscape photography. In a sense, we will be exploring the “landscape of why.”
Why are certain pieces of equipment essential? Why does one choose landscape photography over other subjects? Why do some images evoke emotional response while others don’t? Why (or where) does personal vision play an important role? Why (or when) are photographic guidelines discarded? Participants in this workshop are welcome regardless of expertise however, there is one criterion that is a must: curiosity. egistration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required
– See more here

Jay Mathers Photography Workshop
2014-10-04
It’s not every day you get to learn photography tips from a Pulitzer-prize winner. It’s even more rare when the workshop is free and in stunning Central Oregon! That’s why you should mark your calendars (and get registered) for Jay Mather’s “The Landscape and Why We Photograph It,” on Saturday, October 4th.
Check out a small sample of his photos of Land Trust protected lands.
For registration information, please visit the Deschutes Land Trust website.

Disruption: Climate Change Film
2014-10-04
DISRUPTION: CLIMATE. CHANGE, the film takes us behind the scenes of the efforts to organize the largest climate rally in the history of the planet during the UN world Climate Summit—the story of our unique moment in history. It will look at the science, the broken political process, industry special interests, and the imperative need to leave fossil fuels underground. We are living through an age of tipping points and rapid social and planetary change. We’re the first generation to feel the impacts of climate disruption, and the last generation that can do something about it. The film enlarges the issue beyond climate impacts and makes a compelling call for bold action that is strong enough to tip the balance to build a clean energy future.
6:30 gathering and snacks, 7:00 program.

Geology Hike, Rimrock Ranch
2014-10-05
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a geology hike around privately-owned Rimrock Ranch. Explore basalt flows, tuff created with volcanic ash, landslide deposits of Pliocene to Upper Miocene age, and Ice Age glacial and pluvial lake deposits. All while hiking from the rim of the canyon carved by Whychus Creek down to creekside meadows. Brush up on your rock talk on an illuminating walk through geologic history. Registration opens 1 month prior to the event.
Registration is required;
– See more here

Drive Less Challenge!
2014-10-06 - 2014-10-19
The Oregon Drive Less Challenge is back October 6th through October 19th.
Sponsored by Amtrak Cascades
It’s your chance to win GREAT PRIZES, be Healthy, Smart, and Green.
WIN GREAT PRIZES
Kindle Fire
Keen Shoes
$500 Oregon Mini-vacation Gift Cards
A custom foldable Bike Friday
AND MANY MORE!!!
BE HEALTHY
Get active and help promote a health community. Biking, walking and taking transit helps you and your community stay healthier.
BE SMART
According to AAA, Americans spent nearly $10,000 a year on owning and maintaining a car. Cut down gas and repair costs by using
other ways to get to work.
BE GREEN
Oregon drivers are responsible for traveling 33.1 billion vehicle miles annually, resulting in 14.1 million metric tons of CO2. Driving less reduces traffic, pollution and our carbon footprint.
HELP OREGON & YOU
Keep Oregon moving forward! Better traffic flow and fewer cars on the road helps Oregon’s economy and quality of life. Plus you save money.
It’s simple and easy:
* Eliminate any trip normally taken alone by car for work, school, errands, or fun – any trip counts
* Walk, bike, skate, take the bus or train, carpool, vanpool or telework
* Log your trips online at DriveLessConnect.com
* Watch the savings grow and WIN PRIZES
For More Information, Posters and Brochures Contact Kim Curley:
Phone: (541) 408-6111
Email: kim@commuteoptions.org
Website: www.commuteoptions.org

Last Call at the Oasis
2014-10-07
Green Team Movie Night: “Last Call at the Oasis” is a powerful documentary about the global water crisis. It exposes defects in the current system and introduces us to some innovative solutions. This film was inspired by the book “The Ripple Effect” by Alex Prud’homme.
In the church library, First Presbyterian Church. Questions? Call Nancy Merrick 541-815-6504

Wednesday Birders at Dry River Canyon or Green Ridge
2014-10-08

6-week Course: Prepare Nutritious & Affordable Meals
2014-10-08
HDFFA and the Oregon Food Bank are pleased to announce our joint effort to bring the nationally recognized program Cooking Matters to Central Oregon. As part of the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Cooking Matters teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to maker healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.

Date: Wednesdays; Oct. 8 – Nov 12 from 6-8pm
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 230 Ninth St., Bend
FREE Childcare, transportation and interpretive skills are available.

Receive free cook book with tips and recipes
Learn how to shop smart at the store
Practice recipes
Take home ingredients for your meal each class.

For more information, contact Jules Greene at 541-480-7062 or julesmg911@aol.com

UGB 101
2014-10-08
Ever wondered, “What’s a UGB?”
We have the educational event for you! Central Oregon LandWatch and The Environmental Center are hosting a UGB 101 discussion-based seminar to bring you up to speed on this critically important planning process for our City.
Former City Planning Commissioner, Nathan Hovekamp, will give an overview of the UGB planning process and facilitate discussion. Representatives from the UGB Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) will be present to update participants on where we are in the planning process.
There will be an opportunity to review displays and participate in open discussions before and after the presentation.
6:30-8:30pm
Presentation begins at 7pm.
PLEASE RSVP for this event here!

KPOV Election Coverage
2014-10-09
The League of Women Voters of Deschutes County continues their free public candidate forums on Wednesday, October 8th, at 5:15 p.m. as they host the candidates for Bend City Council Positions #5 and #7 at the County/State Building in Bend. KPOV will also be broadcasting this forum recorded on Thursday, October 9th at NOON.
For more information, go here.

NW Green Building Industry Summit
2014-10-10
The NW Green Building Industry Summit is an information packed convention with exhibits and presentations from experts in the industry. Thanks to OrePac Building Products, the keynote address as well as some courses will be delivered by mark LaLiberte, of Building Knowledge, Inc., a nationally renowned building scientist.
Contractors: Want to know about the latest in sustainable building and remodeling?
Homeowners: Need to know more about what to upgrade or put in your next home?
Designers & Architects: Looking to incorporate the next best thing sustainably?
Suppliers: Get your word out about what you bring to the world of green building.
Realtors and Contractors: Earn continuing education credits at this all day summit.
For more information visit this website.

Garden Bed Build Out
2014-10-10
Join us in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center to start work on the garden design and build out this fall (supported by donors’ generous support and the Jack Johnson Ohana Foundation).
We’re building 9 raised garden beds this fall, and we’d love your help! This is a great opportunity to get hands on and learn some tricks for making a sturdy raised bed. Join us on Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th from 9am-12pm. You can sign up for one or both days, or just for an hour or two! Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Sign up to help by emailing Denise.

Spring Creek Riparian Restoration
2014-10-10
Spring Creek Riparian Vegetation Restoration with Deschutes Land Trust
Date and Times: Oct. 10th and 11th, 9am to 3pm
The Deschutes Land Trust, along with project partners: Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Aequinox, have been working together on a restoration project on Spring Creek to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The restoration included placing 32 whole trees in stream to enhance fish habitat, which was implemented and completed in July. The next phase of the restoration project is to plant native riparian vegetation in order to improve habitat conditions along the banks of Spring Creek. We plan to plant 300 native trees and shrubs along Spring Creek to restore diverse riparian habitat. Please join us in October to help with the plantings!
Friday, October 10th: 9 – 3 or Saturday, October 11th: 9 – 3ish*. Since space is limited at the site, please park at Camp Sherman and walk up the road and cross the Spring Creek Bridge to meet everyone at planting areas. For more information on the site and day and to rsvp, contact the Land Trust and Ashley Lowry (ashley@deschuteslandtrust.org, 541-330-0017).
