AdvenTours: Deschutes River Trail and Benham Falls
2024-09-08 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Benham Falls
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that initially may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, we will enjoy the reward of stunning views and learn about bask in the serene beauty and power of the Deschutes River.
Naturalist Guided Experience: This serene trail will take us through a forest of Ponderosa Pine among spectacular lava flows where vistas of Oregon’s backbone, the Cascade Range, stand tall in the distance. We’ll witness the seemingly placid Deschutes turn torrid as it careens over ancient lava rock falls while aspen groves sweep along the river’s edge. During our adventure, your guide will impart their knowledge of the Deschutes River’s hydrology as well as local flora and fauna.
Learn more and register here!

Solarize Deschutes Campaign In-Person Workshop - Bend
2024-09-09 17:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
If you live in Deschutes County, register now to join us at 5:00 PM, September 9, to learn how you can benefit from installing solar panels and battery storage on your home. This free, one-hour presentation will be held in person at The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave, Bend, OR 97703. You will learn about the Solarize campaign in your community, how solar energy works and how it can be stored with battery storage for backup power. We will talk about limited-time discount pricing, tax credits and Energy Trust cash incentives, including special increased incentives for income-qualified homes. We will also spend time answering your questions.
Solarize Deschutes runs August 15 – October 31. To lock in your Solarize discounts, go to the website and request a custom analysis and bid from a pre-qualified Energy Trust trade ally during this period to lock in Solarize discounts (your solar installation can be completed any time through June 30, 2025).
REGISTER HERE!
This campaign is brought to you by:

The Environmental Center
Energize Bend
Envision Bend
City of Bend
Solar Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon

OEC Happy Hour in Bend!
2024-09-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
OEC is coming to Bend! Join them for an evening of good food, good beer, and good conversation. The first round and snacks are on OEC! 🍻
This event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded champions of Oregon’s environment in the community. It’s also a chance to get to know them and learn a bit more about the work that they do at OEC. Come meet the people who power their movement!

Solarize Deschutes Campaign In-Person Workshop - Redmond
2024-09-10 17:00 - 18:00 | SCP Redmond, 521 Southwest 6th Street, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
If you live in Deschutes County, register now to join us at 5:00 PM, September 10, to learn how you can benefit from installing solar panels and battery storage on your home. This free, one-hour presentation will be held in person at SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 SW 6th St Ste 100, Redmond, OR 97756. You will learn about the Solarize campaign in your community, how solar energy works and how it can be stored with battery storage for backup power. We will talk about limited-time discount pricing, tax credits and Energy Trust cash incentives, including special increased incentives for income-qualified homes. We will also spend time answering your questions.
Solarize Deschutes runs August 15 – October 31. To lock in your Solarize discounts, go to the website and request a custom analysis and bid from a pre-qualified Energy Trust trade ally during this period to lock in Solarize discounts (your solar installation can be completed any time through June 30, 2025).
REGISTER HERE!
This campaign is brought to you by:

The Environmental Center
Energize Bend
Envision Bend
City of Bend
Solar Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon

WaterWatch Presents an Evening with Angler and Author Steve Duda
2024-09-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Roundabout Books, 900 Northwest Mount Washington Drive #110, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join WaterWatch for a special evening at Roundabout Books in Bend on Thursday, September 12th at 6:30pm as we welcome angler, author, and musician Steve Duda of Patagonia as he discusses fishing, writing, and reads selections from his new book River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing. WaterWatch development officer and fellow angler Jesse Robbins will be host to this fun free event and moderate the discussion with Steve.

Indigenous Speakers Series – Sensing Sasquatch Artist Mingle
2024-09-13 18:30 - 20:30 | High Desert Museum, 59800 Hwy 97, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Meet the artists who brought Sensing Sasquatch to life! Enjoy time to mingle, use your senses exploring the exhibition and learn more about the artists’ approaches to interpreting their experiences with non-human others.
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
RSVP HERE

2024 Latino Fest
2024-09-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Sahalee Park, 1 SE 7th Street, Madras, OR, 97744, United States

The Power Of Food Sovereignty: Diane Wilson And Spring Alaska In Conversation
2024-09-17 11:30 - 12:30 | Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Renowned author of The Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson (Dakota), and founder/CEO of Sakari Farms, Upingaksraq Spring Alaska Schreiner, will discuss the transformative power of literature and food sovereignty work in creating positive change. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so registration is required.
REGISTER HERE

Happy Hour in the Garden
2024-09-17 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-01 16:00 - 18:00 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in our Kansas Avenue Learning Garden for our ongoing volunteer work party series. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 200 hours to help keep our learning garden maintained over the growing season. We couldn’t do it without you!
This event is open to all ages and gardening abilities! No experience or tools required. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for all who volunteer. Each event includes seasonal ongoing tasks as well as special projects as needed throughout the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to pop in for an hour or stay the whole time. No need to RSVP or commit ahead of time. (Pro tip – put the following dates in your phone calendar now – then when it pops up you can decide if it works out for you or not!)
In 2024, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4-6pm. This schedule throughout the extent of the growing season offers meaningful volunteer experiences for all who come, and deeper care for the garden when it needs it.

Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky - Featuring Dr. Nour E. Rawafi
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Dr. Nour E. Rawafi is an astrophysicist and a Principal Professional Staff member at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Dr. Rawafi is the project scientist of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission, launched on August 12, 2018, which is the record holder of the closest human-made object to a star (i.e., the Sun) and the fastest spacecraft. Parker will get as close as 3.8 million miles from the solar surface As part of the Parker Solar Probe team, Dr. Rawafi received the NASA Silver Achievement Medal Award, and the AAS Neil Armstrong Award.

Bend Celebration: 50 years of keeping Oregon wild
2024-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This year, Oregon Wild celebrates 50 years of protecting wildlands, wildlife, and waters and we are planning events all over the state to invite our members, supporters, partners, and lovers of the wild in all corners of the state to join us for gatherings of celebration and community.
Join us in Worthy Brewing’s Hop Mahal room in Bend, where we’ll provide drinks and some appetizers and celebrate successes protecting local public lands and look to the future of what comes next. We invite you to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and plug in to Oregon Wild’s current campaigns at this event as we look to a future of protected forests, thriving native wildlife, and reconnected ecosystems.
Please RSVP by September 6 for this event.

The Journey of the Monarch Butterflies in the Learning Garden
2024-09-20 16:00 - 19:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
Join us in celebrating Welcoming Week 2024! This will be a family-friendly event at the Environmental Center’s Learning Garden, focusing on the journey of the Monarch Butterfly! There will be a film about monarchs, kids activities, food, and resources to take home.
No RSVP required!

Día de Las Monarcas, Celebrating the Magic of Migration
2024-09-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Pioneer Park, Northwest Wall Street, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us on a special day dedicated to the astonishing migratory journey of monarch butterflies with Indigenous performances, a Mayan writing workshop, a butterfly reflection walk, and storytelling. Transportation is available upon request. Food and educational resources are provided. No registration is required. For transportation needs you can email priscilla@envirocenter.org or call/text at (541) 508-5410
Únete a nosotros en un día especial dedicado a las mariposas monarca y su asombrosa travesía migratoria. Durante este evento, exploramos la fascinante vida de estas criaturas aladas, desde sus inicios como orugas hasta su épica migración a través de la observación, talleres educativos y narración de historias. Se ofrece transporte, alimentos y recursos educativos. No es necesario registrarse. Para necesidades de transporte, puede enviar un correo electrónico a priscilla@envirocenter.org o llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al (541) 508-5410
Thank you to our partners- Deschutes Land Trust, Oregon Wild, Vámonos Outside, and The Environmental Center

Taller presencial sobre la campaña Solarizando Deschutes
2024-09-23 18:00 - 19:00 | SCP Redmond, 521 Southwest 6th Street, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Si vives en el Condado de Deschutes, inscríbete y acompáñanos el 23 de septiembre a las 6:00 p.m. para aprender cómo puedes beneficiarte instalando paneles solares y almacenamiento en batería en tu hogar. Esta presentación gratis de una hora se ofrece de forma presencial en español en SCP Hotel Redmond. Obtendrás información sobre la campaña Solarizando en tu ciudad, la forma en que la energía solar funciona y cómo puedes almacenarla en batería para tener electricidad de respaldo. Te informaremos de los descuentos ofrecidos por tiempo limitado, créditos en los impuestos, y los incentivos en efectivo de Energy Trust, incluyendo mayores incentivos para propietarios que califiquen según sus ingresos. También habrá tiempo para responder tus preguntas.
La campaña Solarizando Deschutes dura del 15 de agosto al 31 de octubre. Para garantizar que recibas los descuentos de la campaña Solarizando, visita la página web y pide un análisis y cotización personalizados de un contratista precalificado de la red de aliados comerciales de Energy Trust durante este plazo de tiempo (puedes finalizar la instalación del sistema de energía solar en cualquier momento hasta el 30 de junio de 2025).
RESERVAR UN LUGAR
Esta campaña es patrocinada por:

The Environmental Center
Energize Bend
Envision Bend
Ciudad de Bend
Solar Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon

SheJumps x Between Evergreens | FTW Group Ride Series | OR
2024-09-25 17:00 - 19:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join SheJumps as they partner with Between Evergreens for a monthly meet-up mountain bike ride series!
Their monthly summer SheJumps FTW (Femme Trans Women) group rides are back in cooperation with Between Evergreens on the last Wednesday of August and September. You will meet at Between Evergreens at 5:00, spin out to Phil’s Trailhead at 5:30 for “Mild, Medium, or Spicy” ride options, and then debrief with bevies back at the shop afterward. These are always a huge hit, so pop the upcoming dates on your calendars now!
*Location: Between Evergreens Ski & Bike Shop

2843 Northwest Lolo Drive #Suite 110 Bend, OR 97703

September Green Drinks with Deschutes Trails Coalition
2024-09-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
The Deschutes Trails Coalition is thrilled to be co-hosting the September Green Drinks with the Environmental Center on September 26th from 5:30-7:30pm at The Embark Coworking Community. For the event, they will be showing two thought-provoking films that are closely tied to their pillars of social, environmental, physical, and economic sustainability. Please join us as we are thrilled to show these two award-winning films: The Right To Joy and The Hypocrite.

Drop it, Swap it - FREE Reduce and Reuse Event 2024
2024-09-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Deschutes County Road Department Parking Lot, Southeast 27th Street, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Drop it Swap it is an event where people bring small, portable items that are clean and in good working condition, which they no longer want or need. Items are dropped off early, categorized, and then displayed on swap tables where participants can browse and find something new to take home. These Free Swaps are a fantastic way to give new life to items, reduce waste, and prevent things from ending up in the landfill. Additionally, the event fosters a strong sense of community, offering residents a chance to meet and connect with like-minded individuals.
Date : September 28, 2024
Time : Drop it! 9am -10:30am
Swap it! 12pm- 2pm
Location : Deschutes County Road Department Parking Lot
61150 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR 97702
Why Participate?
This event isn’t just about finding something new – it’s about making a difference. By participating in Drop It, Swap It, you’re helping to keep perfectly good items out of the landfill and giving them a second life. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to de-clutter your home and discover hidden treasures from others in our community!
How It Works:

Drop It: Bring your unwanted, portable items to the event from 9-10:30am at the Deschutes County Roads Department. Items will be sorted by category to make browsing easy.
Swap It: Once the items are set up, the swap begins, 12-2pm! Browse the tables, find items that catch your eye, and take them home- all for free!

Green Building Tour 2024
2024-09-28 09:00 - 18:00 | OSU Cascades, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
REGISTER HERE!
The Green Building Tour is a showcase for real-world solutions that address the climate impact of buildings in Central Oregon. From architects and contractors to DIYers, the tour’s sites illuminate how high performance structures can be healthy, cost effective, and impactful options for all. Green buildings’ benefits are often invisible to both consumers in addition to building sector professionals. The Green Building Tour addresses this by connecting attendees with the tools and know-how that break down barriers to building more sustainably. This highly anticipated event brings building better enthusiasts into conversation with one another about paths to climate-resilient living.
For the 22nd year of the Green Building Tour we are excited to try a slightly different structure. Themes include Building Dense Livable Cities, Electrification, Water Resiliency in the High Desert, and Healthy Materials Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). The Environmental Center will host participants for a full day of theme-based activities on September 28th. Part I: Summit – From 9:00 to 1:00 community members gather at OSU Cascades, Tykeson Hall for featured speakers, community workshops, and educational booths. Part II: Tour – From 1:00-5:00 pm, we’ll see themes demonstrated in the field with a tour of four community sites that highlight local energy-saving solutions that connect to our themes. The Green Building Tour will inspire attendees to take action wherever they are on their journey to living more sustainably.

REGISTER HERE

NatureConnect Fest
2024-09-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Alpenglow Community Park, 61049 SE 15th St OR 97702, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
NatureConnect Fest is returning in 2024! NatureConnect Fest (formerly Discover Nature Festival) celebrates the diversity of ways that we all connect with nature. The event will provide something for everyone, including nature arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, music, food, and more. Bring your family out to try a new outdoor activity, connect with amazing community organizations, and learn how we can all help take care of our environment and community. The event is made possible by 20+ community partners, including Bend Park and Recreation District and Deschutes National Forest.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11 am-3 pm
NEW LOCATION: Alpenglow Park, Bend
61049 SE 15th Street

2024 Go Clean Energy Conference
2024-10-02 08:30 - 16:30 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Discover opportunities and solutions in building, clean energy, efficiency, sustainability, EV charging and electric vehicles. For individuals, businesses, & government.
REGISTER HERE!

Fall Social and Seed Swap
2024-10-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Welcome to the Fall Social and Seed Swap! Join us on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 at 5:30 PM at Worthy Brewing Company for a fun evening of mingling, swapping seeds, and sharing garden stories. Whether you’re a seasoned native plant gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for connecting with fellow native plant enthusiasts .
We’ll provide some light refreshements. Drinks avaialble for purchase.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the Pollinator Pathway, make new friends, and enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere. See you there!
Register here

Trailblazing in Space with Dr. Ellen Ochoa
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The first Latina in space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa has charted an inspiring path — as a researcher, inventor, astronaut with four missions and director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Join us for a stirring presentation as Ochoa speaks about the frontiers of space and the importance of breaking barriers, from championing diversity in the STEM fields to expanding the culture of the corporate world.
This program is presented by Discovery West with additional support from Associated Students of COCC, Bend Science Station, COCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Lonza, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and The Appel Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.
Tickets:
In-person $20 Reserve in-person tickets here
Livestream $5 Reserve livestream here
COCC students and staff are FREE. For complimentary in-person tickets email cgilbride@cocc.edu for promo code. For livestream, click Student Registration – FREE on the livestream page.

Livable Future Forum
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How do we meet our community’s needs without compromising the environment and all that makes Central Oregon so incredible?
Through our Livable Future Forum, we’ll explore that question and more as LandWatch program directors chat with knowledgeable local leaders about land use and livability topics. From the fascinating life and times of mule deer to the reality of farming in the high desert to the creative work of developing Complete Communities, you’ll gain new insight into the many ways land use decision making is foundational to life in our region — and learn how you can participate in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for Central Oregon.
Events will be on Oct. 3, Oct 23, and Nov. 13. All events will start at 7 pm and take place at Open Space Event Studios in the Bend Central District.
Each event in this three-part series will feature a LandWatch program director in conversation with fellow local experts covering a range of topics on land use and regional livability.
REGISTER FOR ALL THREE EVENTS
On October 3, we’ll start out by looking closely at the lives of mule deer, with the High Desert Museum’s Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. You see deer often, but how much do you know about this shy, fascinating species? Find out.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 3 ONLY
On October 23, we’ll talk about farming in the high desert with local farmers and ambitious entrepreneurs Megan Kellner-Rode and Cate Havstad.
GET TICKETS FOR OCT 23 ONLY
And, on November 13, following hot on the heels of the national election, we will host a lively session all about how we can act locally to create Complete Communities to ensure a more equitable, climate-resilient future.
GET TICKETS FOR NOV 13 ONLY

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2024-10-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday, October 4, 2024 — an unforgettable evening of captivating short films that address pressing environmental issues, highlight incredible work being done by activists around the world, and celebrate the beauty of our planet.
Our carefully curated lineup will take you on a breathtaking journey through the natural world, showcasing awe-inspiring landscapes and emphasizing the urgency of protecting our wild places.
There will be an in-person show at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon as well as a virtual version streamed online. Join us for a night of inspiration and discovery!
GET TICKETS HERE

Go Zero! Tour 2024
2024-10-05 13:00 - 17:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Residential buildings account for ​almost a quarter of all energy usage​ in the state of Oregon, and zero energy home design is an important strategy in climate adaptation. Join Solar Oregon for an open house tour of zero energy and “path to zero” homes across the state: the Go Zero! Tour 2024 presented by Energy Trust of Oregon. This event is part of Sustainable Building Week.
This year’s tour features a diverse and exciting mix of projects. Explore new and retrofit homes, learn about the value of electrification, energy resilience, and energy efficiency. Meet the homeowners and builders behind each site, and learn about their path to zero energy.
REGISTER HERE!
Tour Format & Locations
This is an in-person, open house tour with 3 sites in E Portland and 2 sites in Lake Oswego. Ticketed attendees will receive an official map and a list of tour addresses in their ticket confirmation email.
Want to go green with your transportation? Bike and public transportation routes will be provided for both circuits! Details of the route will be sent with the official map.
Family Discounts
Bring your kids and teach them about green technology and climate solutions! Use the following discounts when purchasing your tickets:
Children under 14 can register for free using the promo code UNDER14.
All students with valid ID or youth ages 14-18 can register for only $5 using the promo code 14TO18.

Indigenous Speakers Series – Stories Are Good Medicine
2024-10-06 17:30 - 19:30 | High Desert Museum, 59800 Hwy 97, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley. Called an “Indigenous Nancy Drew,” her protagonists in Warrior Girl Unearthed and Firekeeper’s Daughter provide opportunities to see Indigenous children and teens as complex and nuanced individuals. Boulley will share her 38-year-long path to publication to demonstrate the importance of Indigenous storytelling.
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Reception
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Program
No-host bar, Rimrock Café open 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
$15, Members receive 20% discount, Free for Tribal Members
RSVP HERE

Deschutes Land Trust Open House
2024-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust at our annual Open House!
October 8, 2024, 5-7pm (Remarks will begin at 6pm)
Join us at our annual Open House on October 8th at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend. Celebrate an outstanding year of land conservation, community, and caring for the land! Learn about current Land Trust projects, and connect with Land Trust staff and other community members, while you enjoy snacks and drinks. RSVPs are helpful, but not required. Register today!
Accessibility: The Land Trust’s Open House will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Restrooms are accessible and include three unisex/family restrooms. Five accessible parking spaces are available in the building’s parking lot.
The Land Trust is working to make our events as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this Open House to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.

Solarize Deschutes Campaign Online Workshop
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
If you live in Deschutes County, register now to join us at 6:00 PM, October 8, to learn how you can benefit from installing solar panels and battery storage on your home. This free, one-hour presentation will be held online. You will learn about the Solarize campaign in your community, how solar energy works and how it can be stored with battery storage for backup power. We will talk about limited-time discount pricing, tax credits and Energy Trust cash incentives, including special increased incentives for income-qualified homes. We will also spend time answering your questions.
Solarize Deschutes runs August 15 – October 31. To lock in your Solarize discounts, go to the website and request a custom analysis and bid from a pre-qualified Energy Trust trade ally during this period to lock in Solarize discounts (your solar installation can be completed any time through June 30, 2025).
REGISTER HERE!
This campaign is brought to you by:

The Environmental Center
Energize Bend
Envision Bend
City of Bend
Solar Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon

Sunriver Fungi Fest and Mushroom Show
2024-10-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Celebrate the fantastic world of fungi with Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club on
Saturday, October 12, 2024
from 10am to 3pm
Know Before You Go

FungiFest & Mushroom Show takes place on the campus of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, located at 57245 River Road in Sunriver.
Tickets will be available at the door. Last entry is at 2:30pm.
SNCO, SROA, and members of the Central Oregon Mushroom Club receive discounted admission to the event with appropriate code.
Dogs are not permitted; service animals excepted.
Bring a shopping bag and stock up at the mushroom marketplace.
