The Environmental Center

Community Conversation on Poverty
2015-02-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Part of the Central Oregon Community College Multicultural Center Season of Nonviolence.
Join us for a community conversation about poverty. This community discussion will look at the culture of poverty, how personal experience frames understanding, and encourage you to make a difference in our community. Conversation facilitated by Gienia Baines and Rhea Cramer in collaboration with the Family Access Network.
Willie Hall, Campus Center, Bend Campus of COCC

Tell It On The Mountain, the film
2015-02-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Five months, 2663 miles, bone-dry deserts, raging rivers, snow-covered mountain passes, mosquitoes, blisters, torrential rains—see what challenges six hikers encounter during their brave Pacific Crest Trail journey.
For more information call Gretchen Valido, 541-389-0785

Oregon Climate Bend Kickoff for Carbon Cash!
2015-02-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Climate is coming to central Oregon! Oregon Climate is a statewide grassroots campaign for fair & effective climate policy, and on Thursday, February 19 we hope you’ll join us for a pre-release screening of our campaign video, great company, and free samples of Humm kombucha! Oregon Climate will share updates on our quickly growing, youth-led campaign for carbon pricing in Oregon, and invite you to become a part of making history this year.
Winter is going extinct. Pipelines menace our forests and farms. Oceans are emptying. We all need protection from fossil fuel chaos and we all know a new energy economy is possible. The time for bold action is now. Let’s enact a solution that is effective, equitable, and cuts through partisan gridlock. Let’s put a price on carbon.
The states are the laboratory for democracy, and no state has more power to model real climate action than Oregon. Let’s put science and justice above politics, and lead the way. See you at Humm on Feb. 19!

Indian Ford Creek Restoration and the Birds of Calliope Crossing
2015-02-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Sisters U.S. Forest Service silviculturist Will Brendecke and wildlife biologist Julie York in an overview of the Sisters area “Indian Ford Creek Restoration Project.” They will discuss the management history of the area, current condition of the aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and the long-term restoration objectives of the project. Of special interest to local birders is Calliope Crossing, a spot along Indian Ford Creek with excellent birding opportunities for spotting Calliope hummingbirds, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, multiple flycatcher species, and pygmy owls. Local birder Judy Meredith will highlight the birds commonly found at Calliope Crossing, as well as discussing why we should care about the planned habitat changes to this favorite Central Oregon birding spot. The program starts at 6:30 pm at the Environmental Center. The Indian Ford Creek Restoration project discussion will run from 7:30 to 8:30. ECAS members, friends, neighbors and central Oregon visitors are all welcome.

For more info contact
Jon Putnam
jon.g.putnam@bendbroadband.com
541-306-4713

Environmental Priorities for the Legislative Session at Pints and Politics
2015-02-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join OLCV for an interesting discussion about this year’s legislative session and what it means for the natural legacy of Oregon. We will be joined by presenters from the Oregon Conservation Network to talk about the environmental priorities for the 2015 legislative session and how you can get involved.
Gather with fellow community members who care about protecting Oregon’s natural legacy for Pints and Politics on the third Thursday of each month.

COTA Movie Night
2015-02-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
*Heads Up! Starting in February all COTA Movie Nights will start at 8PM!*
Pine Mountain Sports is bringing you a fatbike double feature! We’ve got an encore presentation of Cold Rolled and Among The Wild at COTA Movie Night on Thu Feb 16!
Cold Rolled (19 minutes) is a funny, action documentary from Clear & Cold Cinema about Marquette Michigan’s Snow Bike Route. This film explores the history and progression of winter cycling culture in this small Lake Superior harbor town.
Among The Wild – The Arrowhead 135 (29 minutes) follows one of the 50 toughest races on the planet. Some of the best winter ultra-athletes in the world come to compete and fatbike, run or ski 135 miles across Northern Minnesota along the rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail. This film follows 3 competitors during their attempts at completing the Arrowhead 135.
Break out your fatty and ride it down to McMenamins on Thu Feb 16! Show starts at 8P.
$5 per person, cash only, please. Minors accompanied by parent or guardian.
Movie Night at McMenamins raises funds and awareness for Central Oregon Trail Alliance.

Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) Course
2015-02-20 - 2015-02-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Bend, Oregon session runs January 22-June 17, 2016, 9am-5pm. $100 Early Bird Discount ends January 1.
Join this interactive six-month accreditation program and learn cutting edge high performance building best practices from our expert instructors, Stephen Aiguier (Portland) & Bruce Sullivan (Bend), as they guide participants through their own green projects and shares practical insights on the following:

Building science fundamentals & moisture management
High performance wall & roof assemblies
Integrated system design & mechanical/whole house performance testing
Indoor air quality, green material considerations
& health impacts
Water conservation techniques

Each two-day module integrates lecture and discussion, hands-on exercises, a guest speaker and two tours of certified homes. Outside work includes homework assignments, quizzes, readings and a final project that puts principles into practice. A certification exam at the end of the course allows participants to earn the designation of an accredited Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP). Earth Advantage also provides marketing support to help graduates gain visibility as informed green professionals.
Cost
$100 Early Bird Discount ends Jan 1
$950 | Earth Advantage Builders & Earth Advantage Professionals: AGAs, EA Brokers, CAKE/EPS Auditors (regularly $1400)
$1050 | COBA Members, PHnw Members & Certified Sustainable Business Advisors (regularly $1500)
$1175 | General Admission (regularly $1625)

Great Horned Owl Release
2015-02-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
You’re invited to the great horned owl release held at the Sunriver Nature Center Friday, February 20th at 3pm sharp. Bring your cameras!

20th Annual Eagle Watch Celebration
2015-02-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The 20th annual Eagle Watch celebration will be held Feb. 21-22 at Round Butte Overlook Park and The Cove Palisades State Park in central Oregon. The free celebration honors eagles and other raptors that live in the Lake Billy Chinook area. Hosted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), Portland General Electric (PGE), and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs the event features activities to explore the natural and cultural significance of the birds.
“This is a fun, family event,” said event Coordinator and OPRD Park Ranger Erin Bennett. “Visitors will have the opportunity to glimpse our resident bald eagles and golden eagles, as well as learn about the significance of the eagle to tribal culture and traditions.”
The two-day celebration runs 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. Festivities will begin at “Eagle Village” at Round Butte Overlook Park’s visitor center, 10 miles west of Madras.
Attendees can meet Aquila, a rehabilitated golden eagle, and a great horned owl. Children are invited to build a bluebird house (Saturday) or a bird feeder (Sunday). Wild Birds Unlimited and Madras Garden Center will demonstrate how to create a backyard refuge to enjoy birdwatching year-round.
Guided eagle viewing tours will take place each day; tour shuttles depart from Round Butte Overlook Park. Tour participants will be able to glimpse eagles from two overlooks. Wildlife biologists have recorded 11 bald eagle pairs and nine golden eagle pairs living in the area year round, and migrant bald eagles join the resident birds January through March. PGE will also offer a daily tour of PGE’s Salmon Hatchery Facilities; sign up at the entrance tables.
To cap off the event, the Quartz Creek Drummers and Dancers will provide a special presentation of tribal drumming and dancing sponsored by Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises, 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Dam Fiasco at Bull Flat: A History of Tumalo Reservoir
2015-02-24 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
One hundred years ago the State of Oregon stepped in to help settlers in the Tumalo area salvage their crushed dreams after a rogue’s gallery of grifters, chiselers, swindlers and cheats had left hundreds of settlers high and dry.
The State’s well intended plans to bring irrigation to the area went awry.
Join Mike Berry, history enthusiast and Deschutes County Surveyor, as he recounts the follies and foibles of the Tumalo Project in the area now known as the Tumalo Reservoir.
Please RSVP by clicking here

Wednesday Birders
2015-02-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Wednesday Birders – February 4, 11, 18, 25
Join local birders every Wednesday for birding trips in Central Oregon. Meet at 8:00 AM at Nancy P’s at 1054 Milwaukee in Bend. The group car pools, sharing expenses for gas, and taking turns driving. Current plans for February are:
• February 25: Sisters area and Suttle Lake,
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) http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/cobol It’s a great resource for Central Oregon birders..

An Obsession with Odonata—Oregon’s dragonflies and damselflies
2015-02-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
With evocative common names such as leaftail, jewelwing, and sprite, and more threatening nicknames like “Devil’s darning needle” and “horse stinger”, dragonflies and damselflies have long captured the human imagination. However, there is still much to be learned at the scientific level about these colorful, fierce, and fascinating insects. Join entomologist Celeste Searles Mazzacano for an exploration of dragonfly and damselfly ecology, life history, and conservation, with a focus on the species that inhabit Oregon’s rivers and wetlands. Discover the important roles they play in aquatic food chains, the threats they face, and their fascinating behaviors, such as the large annual migrations. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online. Ticket are free and you must register. Sales open one month prior to the event.

Telluride MountainFilm on Tour
2015-02-27 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Save The Date: Telluride MountainFilm on Tour
February 27 & 28 at The Tower Theatre
MountainFilm on Tour features the best films from the world-renowned film festival in Telluride, Colorado. MountainFilm is dedicated to educating, inspiring and motivating audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving, adventures worth pursuing and conversations worth sustaining. All proceeds benefit The Environmental Center. Watch a teaser trailer!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door (careful – this event often sells out!) and $35 for both nights. Get your tickets online now at The Tower Theatre.
Different films each night! Check out the film lineup here.

Economics of Happiness Conference
2015-02-27 - 2015-03-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
All around the world, thousands of initiatives are demonstrating that we can create a better future: resilient communities, healthier ecosystems, equitable economies. Now we need to connect the dots, get together, translate understanding into action, and build a global to local movement!
Join us at the Economics of Happiness conference to discuss, discover and devise better systems for now and the future. Get involved in a new project. Find out how to make your work more effective. Link up with local initiatives. Debate the details. Explore new policies. Deconstruct the old. See the connections. Articulate solutions. Get engaged in creating new economy – one that works for people and the planet!
The program will include plenaries, panels, interactive workshops and other participatory sessions. The wide range of inter-connected topics will include: local food, public policy, democracy, local business, the commons, cooperatives, local finance, spirituality, connecting to nature, economic indicators, health, education, bridging the North-South divide, the new economy movement, climate justice, cultural diversity, biodiversity, environmental justice, income inequality, and the impact of the economy on our psychological well-being.

Mind the Gaps: How Gender Shapes Our Lives
2015-03-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Part of the Central Oregon Community College Multicultural Center Season of Nonviolence.
Jade Aguilar, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Willamette University, will lead participants in a conversation about how, from the moment we are born, gender shapes every aspect of our lives. Aguilar will guide the audience in a discussion about these questions and examine ways of finding meaning within gender gaps.
Wille Hall, Campus Center, Bend Campus of COCC

COTA Crook County Membership Meeting
2015-03-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Please join us for the COTA Crook County Chapter monthly meeting. These meetings are now held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Green Team Movie Night
2015-03-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Green Team Movie Night is coming right up! We are going to watch a few episodes of “Saving the Ocean with Carl Safina” on Tuesday, Aug 4th at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE Ninth St., in Bend in the church library. Watch and hear stories of hope and the innovation and the inspiration of scientists, conservationists and local communities who are working hard to care for the world’s oceans. This PBS series is hosted by Carl Safina, renowned marine biologist and writer and founder of the Blue Ocean Institute.

Book Discussion Celebration: A Community United Against Racism
2015-03-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
As the community book discussions conclude their review of “Overcoming Our Racism: Journey to Liberation”, we will hold a community celebration and dialogue about the next steps that we can take together to end racial injustice in our community. Whether you’ve participated in the book discussions or not, please join in this important community conversation.
Co-sponsored with Building Common Ground and the Social Justice Center.
Wille Hall, COCC Campus Center, Bend
Contact: Bruce Morris, cosjcenter@gmail; Info@cosjc.org

Kôr Community Land Trust Info Exchange
2015-03-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Kôr Community Land Trust invites you to join us for cocktails, lite-bites and some great information about our vision for affordable housing communities in Bend. The event is open to the public. Bring your questions and a friend!

Full Moon Hike
2015-03-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Full Moon Hike; May 4th from 8pm-9pm, June 2nd from 9pm-10pm; At SNCO; Adults $6, kids $4, SNCO members Free (Registration required: 541-593-4394).

Building Science Literacy through Outdoor Inquiry
2015-03-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Children’s Forest of Central Oregon partners for fun and interactive trainings which provide skills for K-12 teachers to lead effective outdoor educational activities. Teachers will learn natural resource information, inquiry skills, hands-on science activities which align with Next Generation Science Standards, and tips for group management and logistics for field trips. Substitute costs are available for public school teachers through the School Engagement Fund. Post-training support will be provided to participating teachers to assist with facilitating field experiences.

Eagles in Oregon: Watching Them Watch Us Watch Them
2015-03-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) Winter Lecture Series:
Eagles in Oregon: Watching Them Watch Us Watch Them
Presented by Frank Isaacs, Oregon Eagle Foundation
Oregon is fortunate to have abundant habitat for both bald and golden eagles. Frank Isaacs has studied both species for over thirty years. His program will compare and contrast the look, behavior, history and current status of eagles in Oregon.
Frank Isaacs is co-founder of The Oregon Eagle Foundation. He leads a statewide golden eagle nest survey in Oregon and has many volunteers monitoring nests throughout our Central Oregon scenic canyons. Frank graduated Michigan Technological University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Forest Wildlife Management. He has lived in Oregon since 1977 and worked on bald eagle research at Oregon State University for 31 years. While at OSU, Frank led the statewide bald eagle nest survey for 29 years and studied wintering bald eagles in eastern Oregon for 10 winters. He has also led Oregon’s peregrine falcon nest survey for 5 years. Frank has received many awards for his work with bald eagles, habitat and conservation.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation starts at 7:00 p.m. FANs members are admitted free; non-members pay $1 at the door. Held at The Ranch Chapel’s Family Center, Crooked River Ranch. Space is limited; click here to register today.

'Wild' Night in Bend
2015-03-07 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
BendFilm is hosting a screening of two independent films celebrating the Pacific Crest Trail and the 50thAnniversary of the Wilderness Act. Filmmakers will be in attendance!
The headlining film, “Only the Essential”, is a truly independent documentary film by former Bend resident, Colin Arsiman. Arisman and friend Casey Gannon thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with cameras in hand. “Only The Essential” is the story of their 5 month, 2668 mile journey on foot from Mexico to Canada across the wilderness of California, Oregon, and Washington. Their goal was to capture the brutal, yet breathtaking, ebb and flow of thru-hiking. The film serves as a window to experience the Pacific Crest Trail and witness the value of simplifying life to a point where “only the essential” remains. Arisman and Gannon are scheduled to attend for a post-screening Q&A and a raffle. (See more information and the trailer here: http://www.onlytheessential.com/watch)
A screening of “The Meaning of Wild” will open the evening. The film is a half hour documentary film that takes viewers on a journeythrough one of our nation’s wildest landscapes, the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska. The film follows wildlife cameraman Ben Hamilton as he travels by boat, plane, kayak and foot to capture and share the true value of Wilderness. Along the journey, Ben encounters bears, calving glaciers, ancient forests, and harsh seas, but it’s the characters he meets along the way that bring true insight to his mission. (See more information and the trailer here: http://www.meaningofwild.com/)
Tickets are available on BendTicket.com and on the BendFilm websites: http://bendticket.strangertickets.com/events/23290288/a-wild-night-in-bend

Introduction to Growing Vegetables Class
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
An introductory class given by OSU Master Gardeners™ on growing vegetables including climate, site selection, soil preparation, season extension, and how to grow the most common vegetables for the area.

Class - Plan Before Planting
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn everything you need to know from OSU Master Gardeners™ about planning a successful vegetable garden in Central Oregon including climate issues, soil preparation, choosing seeds and other vegetable starts, for optimal growth and harvests.
For more info: Page 32 in Winter-Spring catalogue www.bendparksandrec.org
541-389-7275

Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
2015-03-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Fledgling Fun: The Life Cycle of Birds
3:45-5:15 PM
(3:45-4:15 pm: gathering & crafts; 4:15-5:15 pm: activities & presentation)
March 9th: Cranes
April 13th: Bird Migration
May 11th: A Bird-Day Celebration …(A celebration of what we have learned)
Join Mary Yanalcanlin for an exploration of our local birds geared towards grades K-5 (though all ages are welcome). The February session, devoted to the Life cycle of Birds, is from 3:45-5:15 PM, doors open at 3:15pm. Location is the Environmental Care Center, 16 NW Kansas in Bend. Fledglings (kids) must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The East Cascades Audubon Society (ECAS) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to further the knowledge and appreciation of birds and their habitats through field trips and education programs. Besides outreach to the community for the enjoyment and study of birds, ECAS also actively participates in field studies, data collection programs and other conservation projects to help protect local bird populations. Join ECAS and help preserve the birds in the Central Oregon region at www.ecaudubon.org.

Oregon Strong Voice Grassroots Lobby Day
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Leaving from Bend for conversations with legislators about laws on wages and working conditions and other priorities for our Oregon Strong Voice Coalition.
Contact: Bruce Morris, Bruce Morris, coscjenter@gmail.

Birding for PreSchoolers
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
10:00 AM Monday mornings, Drake Park in Bend
A birding and nature walk geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Exploration, singing, finger plays, observation, learning, questioning…it’s all part of a fun-filled hour on Monday mornings at Drake Park. We meet near the middle of the park by the restrooms. Parent or responsible care-taker is required to accompany child. Come join us for the whole hour or feel free to leave early if necessary for your child’s needs and interest. We will meet regardless of the weather so please dress in warm, dry layers.
Contact Mary Yanalcanlin by email (birdingfun@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Oregon Climate Meet Up
2015-03-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Climate is a statewide, grassroots campaign to put a price on pollution in Oregon. We have one overarching goal: to pass a carbon price and dividend for our state. This simple system will charge polluters and give the money directly back to each and every taxpayer. Join the Oregon Climate Action Hub in Bend, where we’ll be initiating and organizing action on the local level, to contribute to our ambitious campaign to put a price on carbon.
The following topics will be discussed:
1) What is the purpose of this Oregon Climate Action Hub?
— Our voice
— Our views on climate
— Our resources
2) What is the role of the Action Hub Leader (job description)
3) What is the role of the Assistant Action Hub Leader (job description)
4) What is the role of the Action Hub Secretary (job description)
5) What is the role of the Action Hub Members (job description)
6) Nominations and vote for leader, assistant leader and secretary
7) Determine Action Hub regular meeting times and location
8) Discuss Bend area event survey results
9) Discuss possible city and/or county resolutions
10) Actions, ideas, thoughts and comments for next meeting

Oregon State Legislature Policy 101
2015-03-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On Wednesday, March 11th, join Central Oregon LandWatch, Friends of Family Farmers, and High Desert Food and Farm Alliance for a FREE workshop.
Come learn how the Oregon Legislature works and get engaged with your government.
Learn about relevant food, farm and Land Use Bills that will be addressed by the 2015 Legislature and how to use your voice to stand up for issues that matter to you!
Seating is limited, so please RSVP. Light refreshments and beer from Worthy Brewing will be served.
