The Environmental Center

BLACK HISTORY DINNER CELEBRATION
2026-02-28 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
An inspiring dinner event honoring the strength, brilliance and legacy of Black women whose resilience continues to move communities forward. Curated and emceed by COCC Afrocentric students.

Stand up for Energy Affordability
2026-03-03 17:00 - 19:00 | The Breakroom, 1055 "B Northwest, Bend, Oregon, 97703, United States
We’re holding a public hearing to tell the Oregon Public Utility Commission to protect families from a big gas rate hike proposed by Cascade Natural Gas. Cascade wants to raise home gas bills by 17.4%, which could push the average winter bill up to $135, right when people need heat the most. At a time when many Oregon families are already struggling to pay their energy bills, this increase would make things even harder. Cascade is also spending money to grow the gas system and invest in costly renewable natural gas projects that may not help everyday households. We believe families should not have to pay more for risky investments and shareholder profits that clearly don’t benefit our community.

A Tribal Family History of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes
2026-03-11 07:00 - 20:00
The final event of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series features Dr. Diane Teeman, an archaeologist, scholar and tribal elder of the of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes. Dr. Teeman will share the history and culture of her family and discuss her work as an anthropologist. She will also highlight the deep connection between cultural traditions and environmental conservation within the Tribe. Ryan Houston, ONDA’s executive director, will briefly highlight the current steps ONDA is taking to conserve Oregon’s high desert in partnership with local Tribes.

Nature Nights: The Water Remembers
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Amy Bowers Cordalis (Yurok)—attorney, author of The Water Remembers, and Executive Director/Co-Founder of Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group—for a talk on the largest dam removal and river restoration project in world history. Amy will share the story of the Klamath River, from its creation teachings and Indigenous stewardship to the devastation caused by colonization, hydropower dams, and the 2002 fish kill. She’ll reveal how generations of Klamath Basin Indigenous Peoples combined ceremony, legal advocacy, grassroots action, and strategic partnerships to win a historic $515 million settlement, leading to the removal of four dams and the return of more than 400 miles of salmon habitat. Amy will explore how Indigenous rights, cultural values, and ecosystem restoration can reshape policy, strengthen democracy, and deliver real climate solutions. Her message is one of resilience and hope: the water remembers, the fish remember, and together, we can renew the world. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

2026 Oscar Nominee "The Voice of Hind Rajab"
2026-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join this incredibly rare LIVE Q&A with Omar Alqam, the Palestinian paramedic who is depicted in the film, joining us directly from Ramallah for his first US appearance.

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-3pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community.
More information to come!

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-2pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
February’s guest speaker is Laurie Danzuka, enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Laurie will share aspects of Warm Springs culture and history, including traditional foods and stories about her role as a designated food gatherer for her family.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community. We’ll have some kids activities plus snowshoes to borrow. Everyone is invited to stop in or come and stay awhile.
Come visit this special place in our community.

Repair Cafe with School of Ranch & Open Space
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Pedal for the Planet
2026-05-02 08:00 - 12:30
Get ready to roll for a greener future! 350 Deschutes is excited to introduce Pedal for the Planet, our brand-new community bike ride and fundraiser happening Saturday, May 2, 2026. Join us in Bend as we hit the trails of beautiful Central Oregon to celebrate the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and support local climate action.
This fun community bike ride features a paved 12-mile loop starting and ending at Farewell Bend Park, traveling along the scenic Haul Road Trail and Rim Rock Trail to the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station and back. For families with little ones, the shorter Logger Loop (1.33 miles) offers a relaxed, family-friendly option—perfect for walking or riding together. Registration is open for both individuals and families, and bike rentals will be available, so everyone can join in!
This ride is more than just a day of cycling—it’s a movement for change. Every mile you pedal helps fund 350 Deschutes’ ongoing climate work, from advocating for clean energy to building a more sustainable Central Oregon. So grab your bike, bring your friends, and be part of the very first Pedal for the Planet. Let’s make this a tradition that keeps our community active, inspired, and committed to protecting the spaces we love.
