The Environmental Center

Know Mystery - Microbes in Seeds
2021-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Explore how microbes end up inside seeds, how their communities impact plant health, and future directions for ecological research on seed microbes.

Letter Writing Party: DEQ Climate Protection Program
2021-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come learn about the draft Climate Protection Program and join us in submitting public comments on how the plan can be improved.
Right now, you can help make climate protection in Oregon stronger by adding your voice to demand DEQ strengthens the draft Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. We will help you get your comments ready to send written comments by Oct. 25th @ 4:00PM. While the Climate Protection Program has the potential to be a meaningful tool to replace fossil fuels with clean energy, the draft Climate Protection Program has problems, which keep it from living up to its name. Thankfully, the rules for the CPP aren’t final yet!
Register to attend

Agenda

Learn about the Climate Protection Plan with Brad Reed from Renew Oregon and potential areas for improvement
Get started drafting your written comments or testimony for a public hearing
Q&A with Brad Reed
Wrap up & review how to submit your comments or get signed up to speak

Register to attend
Meet our speaker
Brad Reed, Campaign Manager, Renew Oregon
Brad Reed is a campaigner and communication, media and digital strategist. He’s worked with Renew Oregon since 2015 to support multiple, ground-breaking clean energy policies such as the Oregon Climate Action Plan, Oregon’s Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Act, and Clean Fuels Standard. He has also worked on winning statewide ballot measure campaigns to reform criminal justice and drug laws in Oregon. Prior to his career in political communications, Brad was an Emmy Award-winning television news producer. He worked in Portland, OR; Charleston, SC; and Boston, MA; over a 10 year career in news.
What is the Climate Protection Program?
The Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will set a starting ceiling or “cap” for climate pollution in Oregon from certain large polluters (oil companies, fracked gas utilities) in 2022. The cap lowers over time, requiring those polluters to reduce their climate pollution about 2-3% per year on average through 2050. According to science, reduction should be closer to 7% annually to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, so we have work to do. If polluters fail to lower their pollution, they will be held accountable by environmental regulators. Polluters will have to transition off of fossil fuels by adopting clean, energy efficient technologies. The resulting investments in clean energy will improve health in our communities, lower energy costs, and create local, good-paying jobs.
Learn more about the good and the bad parts of the proposed rules from Oregon Environmental Council.
This event is co-hosted with

Pandemic Politics: A COINversation
2021-10-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Embrace Bend for a discussion of how communities across Oregon are responding to and affected by the pandemic. Panelists include State Rep. Dr. Maxine Dexter, Bend-LaPine School Board Director Marcus LeGrand, Salem City Counciler Dr. Trevor Phillips, Wasco County Commissioner Kathryn Schwartz, RN, and former Jackson County Commissioner Dr. David Gilmour.
The event will start promptly at 7 p.m. Please join the meeting by 6:45pm,

Federal Indian Policy
2021-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Health & Outdoors Partner, Barton Robison is happy to announce a three-course training series, “Working in Indian Country.” Designed specifically for non-tribal members, this series will help professionals working with indigenous and tribal communities understand the broader context of US-tribal relations, dig into how to craft a successful land acknowledgment, and glean helpful tips on culturally responsive ways to engage with tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Barton has an MPA with a focus in Natural Resources from PSU, and just completed his Graduate Certificate in Tribal Relations through PSU’s Institute for Tribal Government.

Confluence Conversations: Storytelling with Ciarra Greene
2021-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During this virtual event, Ciarra Greene (Nez Perce) will share traditional Nimiipuu stories and dive into their ecological practices and cultural understandings, exemplifying what has made traditional storytelling a strong force for cultural continuity over the generations. Ciarra Greene is a citizen of the Nez Perce Tribe, focused on protection and healing of Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) community and homelands through culture, science, and education. Nimiipuu culture and traditions emphasize environmental stewardship and drives Ciarra’s academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

Rethinking How to Teach About the First Thanksgiving [Virtual]
2021-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In these changing times and with more time being spent on virtual platforms, we recognize that finding the time to engage in full day training is not always possible, so we are offering a series of “Bite Sized” Professional Development opportunities. These virtual training sessions will address individual topics, and highlight how your teaching can align with Oregon’s Senate Bill 13: Tribal History/Shared History and Washington’s Since Time Immemorial.
In this session, we are not going to talk about that fateful dinner called Thanksgiving. The discussion will be focused around The Wampanoags: The People who Met the Pilgrims: A perspective of power and partnership (for grades K-2), and how you as an educator can learn from their experience developing this curriculum, and be a part of challenging history and stereotypes about Indigenous peoples.
Two sessions available, content will be the same for each session: Wednesday 10/13/2021 or Wednesday 10/20/2021. Signing up on this page signs you up for October 20th — if you wish to do the 13th, sign up here.

From the Ground Up: Planning for Complete Communities
2021-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Cities and towns don’t happen by accident. They are shaped through years of policy and planning that lay the foundation for everything from commute time to the cost of housing. If you’ve ever wondered why some neighborhoods have parks and bike paths while others lack sidewalks, this event is for you.
*The format of this event (virtual or in-person) is to be determined. Register here and COLW will keep you up to date on the format.

Unpacking the Status of Oregon's Wolves
2021-10-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
If you care about wolves in Oregon and across the West, this is the webcast for you! In honor of Wolf Awareness Week, Wildlife Program Coordinator Danielle Moser and Northeast Oregon Field Coordinator, Rob Klavins will provide a thorough overview of the status of wolf protections, share opportunities for you to provide public comment, and more! In addition to this presentation, there will also be plenty of time to answer any questions you may have about wolf recovery efforts at the state or federal levels. Hope to see you there!

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-10-21, 2021-10-28, 2021-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
When: Thursday Aug 11, Tuesday Aug 16, Tuesday Aug 23 and Tuesday Aug 30, 5:15 to Dusk
Where: Meet at the old Ray’s parking lot, NE corner of Simpson Ave and Century Drive in Bend
Worksite: Varies
There’s only one thing better than mountain biking in Bend, OR and that’s riding in Bend, knowing that you helped build and maintain the trails you love.
Please bring a hydration pack with water and a snack.
Be sure to bring appropriate layers to accommodate whatever the weather may be.
Questions? contact@cotamtb.com
All COTA trail work events require the following safety measures:
All participants are required to have the following protective clothing and equipment:

Sturdy shoes or boots
Gloves
Eye protection with clear or light colored lens
Long pants

Due to COTA’s insurance requirements and the inherent dangers of trail work, we must implement the following policy regarding children at work events:

For anyone 14 years of age or younger, we require one parent, guardian, or responsible adult for supervision of every four kids attending any COTA trail work events.
All minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian available to sign our waiver.

Anyone who arrives for a work event may be turned away if he/she cannot meet the above requirements.

Beyond Toxics’ 7th Annual Bee Jazzy and 20th Anniversary Celebration, a benefit to Save Oregon's Bees co-hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and GloryBee
2021-10-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Beyond Toxics’ 7th Annual Bee Jazzy and 20th Anniversary Celebration, a benefit to Save Oregon’s Bees co-hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and GloryBee.

Pints & Politics Scorecard Release Party
2021-10-21 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Pints & Politics is back – virtually! OLCV is excited to announce their first Pints & Politics event in over a year.
This will be a fun night of guest speakers, including State Representative Jason Kropf and OLCV’s Coalition Director Julia DeGraw. They’ll dive into the 2021 Scorecard and take a look at what was accomplished during the 2021 legislative session–including major climate victories!–and what was left as unfinished business. We hope you can join OLCV!

Transplanting Forest Seedlings Workshop
2021-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During this hands-on workshop and field trip, you’ll learn how to identify and incorporate a variety of native forest seedlings into your landscape. Workshop will take place outdoors.

Amplify Fall Fest
2021-10-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Educators of color and students of color pursuing a career in education! Check out Amplify Fall Fest by the Central Oregon Regional Educator Network. This is a family-friendly gathering on Saturday, October 23rd from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Tumalo Community School with catered lunch and raffle prizes. For more information, go to www.centraloregoneducators.org.

Community Pint Nights at Deschutes Brewery
2021-10-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join The Environmental Center every Tuesday for the month of October for Community Pint Nights at Deschutes Brewery!
We are the designated nonprofit beneficiary for Deschutes Brewery’s Community Pint Nights in October. Join us on Tuesdays in October at the downtown Public House or Tasting Room and Deschutes Brewery will donate $1 from every pint sold to The Environmental Center.
Mark your calendars—we hope to see you there! Oct 5, 12, 19, and 26.
Many thanks to Deschutes Brewery for being supporters of our work!

Bend YP Social @ The Haven
2021-10-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come enjoy appetizers and beverages at The Haven. The goal is to have this on their deck overlooking the river, so be sure to dress in layers!
$15 for Bend Chamber Members
| $25 for Nonmembers
| FREE for YP Passport Holders

Indigenous Perspectives on Earth and Sky: Living with the Stars on Day of the Dead
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Doña María O. Ávila Vera is a Maya elder born in the village of Xul and raised in the town of Peto, Yucatán, México. She is a steward of the traditions of her ancestors, using her life experience and native language—Yucatec Mayan. Mother of eleven children and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, she shares her time between Petaluma, CA, and Mérida, Yucatán. She actively researches the knowledge of the Maya by capturing the oral tradition of her people and sharing Indigenous knowledge with her family, friends, and communities.
Isabel Hawkins, Ph.D., is bilingual and bicultural Latina from Córdoba, Argentina. Dr. Hawkins received her Ph.D. in astrophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1986. She worked for 20 years at the University of California at Berkeley on several NASA satellite projects, and as the Director of Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Hawkins has received six NASA awards for her leadership in science education.

Justice for Black Farmers: A Conversation to Uproot Racist Policy and Plant Seeds of Redress
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The introduction of the Justice for Black Farmers Act in 2020 and the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act of 2021 was the first time many Americans learned about the historical and ongoing discrimination against farmers of African descent by local farm service agencies and private entities like banks. Yet, it was only the latest chapter in the long saga of anti-Black racism in American farming. Join a panel of legacy farmers, critical race scholars, and a civil rights lawyer to learn about the grave injustices of the 1999 Pigford v. Glickman class action racial discrimination lawsuit, recent actions by the Biden Administration and Congress to rectify these wrongs, and what you can do to support a more fair and democratic farming system in the United States.

The Magic of the Metolius: Virtual Auction & Art Night
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Central Oregon LandWatch for a virtual auction and art event celebrating the Metolius River Basin with artist Sheila Dunn. This evening will feature a talk with the artist, live musical performance, storytelling and guest speakers. This event is free and open to all.

Bird Walk
2021-10-30 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR
Walk on the wild side! Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars!
Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Expect to walk approximately 3 to 4 miles along various trails.

Mad Science Family Program
2021-10-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Unleash your inner mad scientist while your family experiments with colorful, fun, and messy chemistry! See if you can inflate balloons using chemical reactions, discover membrane madness to create bouncy eggs, and experience the chaos of making slime, elephant toothpaste and more. Capacity is limited, so secure your family’s spot early.

Late Night Plant Shopping
2021-10-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come shop the plants late night, with a portion of proceeds going towards a different foundation monthly. Also, meet and greet with the queens/kings/entertainers of The Greenhouse as well!
*Masks required*
Donation Based aka FREE!
Proceeds will benefit The Environmental Center

Climate Resilience in Central Oregon
2021-11-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Between record heat waves, horrific smoke and debilitating drought, we are all experiencing the anticipated effects of climate change first-hand. And while the situation is clearly dire, there is still opportunity to rewrite our climate future. Geology professor Hal Wershow will begin by examining how our climate in Central Oregon has already changed and then share projections for what we can expect for the rest of the 21st century. After reviewing the science, he will transition into climate resilience; in other words, what can we do in our community to diminish the worst impacts and adapt to the inevitable changes.
There is a limited capacity in-person event in Wille Hall (COCC Bend Campus) with an option for livestream as well.
Tickets: Tickets: $8 for in-person event (limited capacity), $5 for livestream event
Link to reserve tickets: cocc.edu/foundation/cls

Land Acknowledgments
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Legends of the Northern Paiute with Wilson Wewa from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:
Wilson will present legends handed down to him by his elders, in the traditional story-telling way. Wilson will be presenting on the Prineville campus on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 5:30 – 6:30pm, a light dinner will be provided.

Reckoning with Race and Racism in America with Michael Eric Dyson
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Viewers will explore with Michael Eric Dyson the cultural and social forces that have shaped our nation’s approach to issues of race, and hear his thoughts on reasons to hope for a better future as we reckon with our past. A distinguished professor of African American studies, ethics and society at Vanderbilt University, Dyson is the author or editor of more than 20 books on subjects from Malcolm X to Tupac Shakur. He is a New York Times contributing opinion writer, and a contributing editor of The New Republic and of ESPN’s The Undefeated website. The presentation will be hosted by Erika McCalpine, executive director for strategic diversity at OSU-Cascades.
FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Truth, Reckoning, and Healing; A Story of Indian Boarding Schools with Gabriann Hall from the Klamath Tribes.
2021-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:
Truth, Reckoning, and Healing; A Story of Indian Boarding Schools with Gabriann Hall from the Klamath Tribes. Gabriann will present on the absolute atrocities that took place in these institutions as well as how and why this happened to our Native children in both the US and Canada. Gabriann will be presenting on the Bend campus on Thursday, Nov. 4, 12 – 1:00pm, Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center. Feel free to bring your lunch and join us for this moving presentation.

2021 Sustainability Awards
2021-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This year, we will be hosting our seventh Sustainability Awards event to commend the determined and persistent change-makers in our local communities who are essential to achieving a sustainable future.
We recognize local leaders — individuals, businesses, organizations, and community programs/projects— who are advancing a healthy environment, a prosperous economy, and social equity.
Featuring a youth panel discussion and stories from Central Oregon leaders. Join us in celebrating local champions of sustainability.
This event was planned to be in person, but after much consideration of the health and safety of our participants and audience, we’ve decided to host a really engaging virtual event instead. By registering today, we ensure you’ll receive more information, links, and ways to engage as we get closer to the event date.

How can Indigenous cultures inform sustainable ag?
2021-11-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How can Indigenous knowledges of agriculture and resource management inform the creation of a sustainable food system for all? And how can non-Indigenous people listen and learn without burdening Indigenous communities with the responsibility to alleviate problems they didn’t create? Join us as panelists explore these challenging and thought-provoking questions––and more––in this event hosted by Planet Forward and FAO.
Featured Speakers
Karletta Chief, Director, Indigenous Resilience Center at the University of Arizona
John Manirakiza, an Indigenous African businessman and farmer at Florencia Farms
Mikaila Way, Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison, FAO
Moderator
Frank Sesno, Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward
