The Environmental Center

SHP Course Begins
2017-01-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Take your home building to the next level
Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) is a comprehensive, interactive, experience-driven education program for residential and multifamily building and design professionals looking to take their work to the next level of quality.
All six monthly modules can be taken individually and each module provides new opportunities to gain valuable insights and eliminate common barriers to high performance building via:

In-class lecture, discussion, & hands-on exercises
Guest speakers that share past projects, experience, & expertise on issues that are critical to successful sustainable building
Two tours of under-construction or recently-completed green certified homes with builders on-site to explain approaches & reveal benefits
A final project that progresses throughout the course and puts principles into practice by guiding participants in designing their own high performance building or research project

Dates
6-month series starts Jan. 20, 2017
See schedule below
Instructor
Bruce Sullivan
BASE zero LLC
Location
Bend, OR
Exact Location TBD
Cost
Entire Course
$1400-1625
or
Individual Modules
$275 | Per Module
Course Modules:
Module 1: Green Building Intro & Integrated Design Jan 20 & 21
Module 2: Building Science Fundamentals Feb 17 & 18
Module 3: High Performance Building Envelopes Mar 10 & 11
Module 4: Mechanical Systems & Performance Testing Apr 14 & 15
Module 5: Health, Materials, & Water May 12 & 13
Module 6: Final Presentations & Certification Exam Jun 9 & 10
*Modules 1-5 can be taken individually for 14 credit hours each.
All modules are Fri – Sat and 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Fill out the interest form.

Bend Solidarity March
2017-01-21
In solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington, and similar actions occurring throughout the nation, the Juniper Group of the Sierra Club will join a coalition of local groups and individuals to encourage your participation in the BEND SOLIDARITY MARCH on January 21.
“This family-friendly event will highlight the power of intersectional communities in resistance against hate, fear and oppression in all its forms. The recent election indisputably shows us that everything we value is under assault.
We cannot stay silent, and we will not stay seated. We will stand up with one voice about all progressive issues. We are feminists, we are people of color, we are planet protectors, we are LGBTQI, we are allies, we are seniors, we are teachers and healers, mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters. We are everyone and we are strong.”
DETAILS: Assemble at Drake Park at 11 AM.
After a short rally, we will orderly march on the sidewalks via a designated route through downtown Bend, ending at Riverfront Park (Crow’s Feet Commons) off Brooks Alley behind the Tower Theater.
At the Commons we will listen to a few short speakers, be entertained by music, and will also have an “open mic” format through which groups or individuals may briefly express VALUES and actions we may consider to defend those values.
Additional information about the Bend Solidarity March can also be found at the WOMEN’S MARCH BEND Facebook Page.

Deschutes Public Library Volunteer Expo
2017-01-22
If you are looking for a new opportunity to serve your community, you don’t want to miss Know Volunteers – Volunteer Expo. During the Expo, more than 20 local agencies that use volunteers to reach and serve will be on hand to answer questions about how you can help. During the Expo, potential volunteers will have the chance to meet with representatives from a variety of organizations including, the Bethlehem Inn, the Deschutes Land Trust and the Humane Society of Central Oregon. New participants this year include the Bend Food Project, Better Together, and the Oregon Natural Desert Association. The Expo is free and open to the public.

Forest 'restoration' and biomass: trouble for Central Oregon?
2017-01-23
Take a trip up the Cascades Highway and you’ll see what the Forest Service is doing in the name of ‘restoration’. This is just the beginning of an extensive, but questionable, attempt to preclude large wildfires in the Deschutes National Forest.
The slash piles from these fuel reduction efforts are slated to feed local biomass projects. Biomass is being hyped as “green” renewable energy, yet is anything but that considering its carbon and air pollution impacts.
In this talk, we will present research debunking forest ‘restoration’ and biomass myths.
Q&A to follow. Seating limited, sign up today.
Speakers:
George Wuerthner is an ecologist who has published 38 books including ‘Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy.’ Hans van Naerssen is a local environmentalist and former international business/government consultant.
Moderator: Laurie Lakin

Assessing the Function and Ecology of a Beloved River System
2017-01-24
Part II: Deschutes River Flows
Assessing the Function and Ecology of a Beloved River System
Please arrive at 6:00 pm to get seated.
Speakers: Jason Gritzner, USFS, and Jennifer O’Reilly, USFW.
The current condition of the Upper Deschutes River is a hot topic and processes are underway to develop solutions to improve the ecological function of the river.
Although the degraded condition of the river has been recognized for years, the recent ESA listing of the Oregon spotted frog has highlighted a broader aspect of the Deschutes River that includes the adjacent wetlands.
Our program presenters, Jason Gritzner and Jennifer O’Reilly, are local scientists working to assess the effects of water management on the Upper Deschutes River and wetland ecosystems.
Through partnerships in the basin, their focus is to elucidate how flows interface with and support the function of the Deschutes River and its adjacent riverine wetlands.
Registration Required. Suggested donation of $10/person; includes hors d’oeuvres and a drink.

Join the Coalition for the Deschutes for two programs related to the Upper Deschutes River and the Oregon Spotted Frog:
The first, on Monday, January 9 will address the legal aspects of the frog.

The second, on Tuesday January 24, will review the latest science about the frog and the river channel.

Safe Routes to School Redmond Town Hall
2017-01-25
The For Every Kid Coalition is hosting a Safe Routes to School Town Hall on Wednesday, January 25th in Redmond.

In 2017, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put kids and families first. Let’s seize this moment and make our roads safe so that every kid can walk, bike, and access transit to school. Join the For Every Kid Coalition for this community event; bring your friends, and find out how!
Childcare will be provided upon request.
At this event you will learn:

What’s new with the Safe Routes to School programs in your area.
How to provide public testimony, as well as other things you can do to make sure that every kid in Redmond and Bend has a safe route to school.
Why local leaders love Safe Routes to School and why streets matter for all generations.
How the For Every Kid Coalition needs your to help to make it safe for every kid to walk, bike, and access transit to school in Redmond, Bend, and all across Oregon.

RSVP today!
This is our second in a series of six events across the state for Safe Routes to School. Read about and see pics of the December Safe Route to School Town Hall in Eugene.
Doors open at 4 pm. Snacks provided! Please RSVP and join the Facebook event here!
Thanks to our event partners: Commute Options, the City of Redmond, The Street Trust, and Alta Planning and Design!

Backcountry Film Festival
2017-01-25
Discover Your Forest and Winter Wildlands Alliance joins forces to bring you a powder-filled night to remember!
There will be two screenings in Bend and one screening in Sisters — February 2nd at the Volcanic Theatre Pub in Bend (6pm and 9pm), and a screening on February 7th (6pm) at Sisters Movie House.
We are hoping to raise much needed funds for our Project SNOW field trip programs for Central Oregon students. To date, this program has raised over $10,000 to support this free field trip programs at Mt Bachelor. Project SNOW (Studying Nature Outdoors in Winter) is dedicated to providing a rich outdoor education experience for students that instills in them a sense of awe and stewardship for the environment. Project SNOW provides an unforgettable winter adventure that combines hands-on science education with snowshoe-powered outdoor exploration for over 2,000 kids in Central Oregon. Funds raised have helped us purchase adaptive equipment and warm weather clothing to make sure that kids can participate in the program no matter what.
Adventure, environment and climate, youth outdoors, ski culture- you’ll find it all in this award winning lineup.
The Backcountry Film Festival is produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered experience and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization that partners with groups like Discover Your Forest at the local level to inspire and educate the backcountry community to protect and care for their winter landscapes. Funds raised at each screening stay in the local community to support human-powered recreation and conservation efforts, winter education and avalanche/safety programs and to raise awareness of winter management issues.

Life History & Conservation of N. American Trumpeter Swans
2017-01-25
A Sunriver Nature Center Lecture Encore!
Lecture by Doctor Gary Ivey
$8 SNCO Members; $10 General Public
Call 541.593.4394 to reserve your tickets!

Green Drinks Expo
2017-01-26
**NEW THIS YEAR!** Please register for Green Drinks events in advance. You can sign up for the January event here.
We’re kicking off 2017 with a Green Drinks expo in order to feature our Green Spot businesses that don’t have the space to host alone. Join us at The Old Stone Bend and get to know a few local companies doing great things, including:

Cascade Financial Strategies
Sunlight Solar Energy
Soup Cycle
Import Performance
Angelina Organic Skin Care
Kôr Community Land Trust
Baby Cakes Diaper Service
Darksky Technologies
Elemental Energy

Come show your support for the green business community in Central Oregon! We’ll have beer on tap thanks to Boneyard Beer and some yummy snacks courtesy of Market of Choice. Please remember to carpool, bike or walk if you can… and bring your own cup!

Bend COTA Work Events
2017-01-26, 2017-02-02, 2017-02-09, 2017-02-16
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.

Public Lands 101
2017-01-26
As Central Oregonians, we love the great outdoors but how much do we know about the lands we’re playing on? Join us for an evening where we’ll learn about public lands management in Central Oregon, the organizations involved in managing and conserving those lands, and opportunities to get involved. COTA, US Forest Service, ONDA, Meissner Nordic, BLM, and more will be in attendance. We’ll have beer and giveaways too!

Energy Education with NeighborImpact
2017-01-31, 2017-02-09
Save Money & Save Energy by attending a NeighborImpact Energy Education Workshop!
Each Energy Education participant will receive an Energy Toll Kit with energy savings for items for your home.
Sign up today by emailing: HomeWX@neighborimpact.org or calling: (541) 316-2034.

January Nature Night
2017-01-31
My life on trails—what a cougar taught me about conservation
Trails play a major role in the life of many Central Oregonians—whether in city parks or mountain wilderness. But have you ever thought about how those trails came to be? Join 27-year Deschutes National Forest trails specialist John Schubert for an evening on trails. Learn about the rich history of trails and how contemporary design, construction, and maintenance strive to minimize our impacts on nature. Finally, John, renowned trail designer and bridge builder across the country, will share tips on how people who love trails can reduce their own impacts while using them. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online.
Nature Nights will be held January-March at the Tower Theatre. Each presentation is designed to bring the nature of Central Oregon to the community. For many of us, it bridges the winter gap in birding and hiking, for others it offers a front row seat to the wonders of the world that would otherwise never be seen. Regardless, we hope you’ll join us! All Nature Nights are free and start at 7pm at the Tower Theatre in Bend. We recommend getting your tickets early as Nature Nights tend to sell out fast!

SOLVE IT for Earth Day: Project Apps Due
2017-02-01
SOLVE is now accepting project applications for SOLVE IT for Earth Day 2017 on Saturday, April 22nd. Applications due February 1st.
As the number of people visiting and moving to our beautiful state continues to grow, it has become more important than ever to keep it clean and healthy! Let’s come together to make this Earth Day the largest ever, picking up litter, removing invasive plants, and planting native trees and shrubs across Oregon. Together we can make sure Oregon can remain the amazing place we all love.

Projects will take place on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017, from 9am to 1pm (times can vary by project). In additon, projects involving students will occur the week before and the week after the Saturday event.
All SOLVE projects recieve:

Project planning assistance from SOLVE staff.
Volunteer coordinator training.
Step-by-step project planning guide.
Event flyers and pre-event publicyt.
Assistance with volunteer recruitment, including online registration, confirmation and reminder e-mails, and volunteer safety waivers.
Free Cleanup supplies including litter bags, vinyl gloves, safety vests, first aid kits, and sharps containers.

As funding allows, SOLVE IT for Earth Day projects may receive a reimbursable grant of up to $100.00 for qualifying project expenses. There are a limited number of grants available, so please apply early.
For some useful tips to filling out the project application form, please check out our new how-to video which goes through the application step-by-step.
The idea of people coming together on Earth Day to take care of and celebrate our planet began more than 45 years ago and was a perfect fit for SOLVE and our volunteers. In 1990, SOLVE IT for Earth Day took root in the Greater Portland-Metro area, fusing our hands-on approach with this worldwide day of service. Since then, SOLVE IT for Earth Day has grown into Oregon’s largest Earth Day service event.
Over the past 27 years more than 112,000 volunteers have removed 15 million pounds of litter and invasive plants from illegal dumpsites, neighborhoods, and natural areas as part of this global event.

Solar for Oregon Communities Workshop
2017-02-02
Solar power means cleaner air, new jobs and can even lower energy bills. But due to high up-front costs and other barriers, low- and moderate-income families and the organizations that serve them are a small fraction of Oregon solar customers.
We’re working to make sure all Oregonians can benefit from solar energy. Join us Thursday, February 2, in Redmond to learn how to connect your community to innovative state and federal programs that are bringing solar power to low- and moderate-income families.
At the workshop, you’ll get to:

Learn about new solar programs and understand how your organization and your clients can participate
Hear about the community solar program, now in development at the Oregon Public Utility Commission, that will make it possible for renters, low-income households and others to participate in solar
Develop solutions to solar challenges unique to your community
Connect with other groups interested in collaborating on solar programs or projects that can benefit low-income residents
Learn how to help shape future opportunities for solar in Oregon by sharing your organization’s perspectives and experiences

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 30, to reserve a spot.

Energy Education with NeighborImpact
2017-02-02
Save Money & Energy by attending a NeighborImpact Energy Education Workshop!
Each Energy Education participant will receive an energy-saving tool kit.
Sign up today by emailing: HomeWX@neighborimpact.org or calling: (541) 316-2034.

Farmer Chef Workshops
2017-02-06, 2017-02-07
Chef workshop
On the table – developing a Chef’s Collaborative. Join the discussion!
Chef-Farmer Workshop
One-on-one time with farmers and chefs. Bring your foodie desires and price sheets. Food & Bevie included
Farmer Workshop
What’s the difference between direct and wholesale markets? From farmer’s markets to CSA and restaurant to institution, each market has distinct characteristics.
RSVP Today!

Workshops are FREE
The Mixer costs $10 and includes food and beverages. We will send you a link via PayPal to pay for the event or you can pay by check or cash at the event.

Central Oregon Pride 2017 Volunteer Kickoff
2017-02-07
Do you want to help make Central Oregon Pride 2017 the best Pride ever? Human Dignity Coalition is looking for a core group of dedicated volunteers! At this meeting, we will be discussing ideas, plans and volunteer needs for the planning of Pride at Drake Park on June 24th, 2017.
Please come join us if you want to take an active role as a volunteer this year or if you have ideas or skills to offer in planning.

The Secret Lives of Sage Grouse
2017-02-07
High Desert Speaker Series Bend: Stuart Garrett- The Secret Lives of Sage Grouse
The Greater sage-grouse is an imperiled bird that lives on public lands right in our backyard. The elaborate courtship ritual and decorated plumage of this bird have captivated the minds and hearts of desert visitors throughout the western United States. But this bird has faced a number of threats in recent years that led scientists to consider its listing under the Endangered Species Act. In recent years, federal agencies have developed new protection guidelines for this bird in lieu of listing.
Local physician and conservation advocate Stuart Garrett will discuss recent attempts to protect the sage-grouse and highlight how sagebrush habitat is important to the bird’s life cycle. Don’t miss this chance to get more information on how we can protect habitat for this bird that lives on public lands in our own high desert backyard!
Join us for an evening highlighting the best of your high desert.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Doors will open at 6:30p.m. with the speaker beginning at 7p.m. For more information about other speakers in this series, visit ONDA.org/HighDesertSeries

The Housing Game
2017-02-09
Put on your planning hats and join Central Oregon LandWatch and Stemach Design + Architecture for a free interactive event where you’ll discover what’s required to create market rate affordable housing in Bend!
First presented at the Bend Design Conference, The Housing Game is a unique hands-on activity developed and presented by local architects and designers Stacey Stemach, Rachel Stemach, ML Vidas, and Heather Crank.
This educational experience will help citizens understand challenges and potential solutions to one of Bend’s most pressing issues. We provide the legos and beer, you bring the problem-solving creativity. Can you make it work?
No experience necessary; all are welcome! RSVP Required.

Film Screening: Death by Design
2017-02-09
The Dirty Secret of Our Digital Addiction

Join The Environmental Center at The Old Stone for a screening of Death by Design.

What is the cost of our digital dependency?

Death by Design, a feature length documentary, explores this question and uncovers a global story of damaged lives, environmental destruction and devices that are designed to die.

Consumers love – and live on – their smartphones, tablets and laptops. But this revolution has a dark side, hidden from most consumers. From the intensely secretive factories in China, to a ravaged New York community and the high tech corridors of Silicon Valley, the film tells a story of environmental degradation, of health tragedies, and the fast approaching tipping point between consumerism and sustainability.

More about the film: http://deathbydesignfilm.com/

$5 suggested donation at door.

WWOLF at Fields Farm
2017-02-10
The WWOLF program provides organized volunteer assistance in the form of volunteers, or “wwolf packs” to local farmers at their farms or ranches. In return volunteers learn where and how local food is grown while fostering an intimate connection with the food that sustains us all.
Willing Workers On Local Farms (WWOLF) WWOLF is a community program of Central Oregon Locavore Non-Profit with the goal of lending a hand to small farmers while educating the community about the true nature of local food.
How It Works You will meet the group at Fields Farm at 10am or carpool from Locavore at 9:30am sharp. After a round of introductions, we will split into groups and get to work. We will break for lunch around noon and then return to work until about 3pm.
What to Expect Good times, new friends, and a boots-on-the-ground education about local farming practices. Children are welcome with adult supervision. We love dogs, but please leave them at home for this event.
What to Bring Snacks, work gloves, closed-toe shoes, layers for the weather, water, and sunscreen. Tools and all materials needed to complete tasks will be provided by the farm. Lunch will be provided.
About Fields Farm Fields Farm is a 10 acre vegetable farm located in the middle of Bend, only a few miles from downtown. Fields is a Community Supported Agriculture Farm and has been growing on the land since 1989. Fields Farm is a sustainable farm using pesticide free, soil builiding methods. They sell their produce at Bend Farmers Market, Locavore, Agricultural Connections, and to various restaurants in the area.
Tasks at Fields Farm WWOLF tasks at Fields Farm will include mending greenhouses and prepping for the upcoming growing season. This WWOLF event is certain to be a cold one, so please dress appropriately, as we will be outside all day.

The Vocal Seniority Meet and Greet
2017-02-10
The Vocal Seniority (Raising Cane), a newly formed civil society group originating in Bend, is planning a Meet and Greet. The Vocal Seniority was formed in Bend, Oregon shortly after the presidential election by a seasoned group of concerned, senior citizens who are alarmed about the direction the country appears to be headed. As elders with a strong sense of history, The Vocal Seniority actively promotes social and economic justice and environmental sustainability.
We would like to meet fellow Vocal Seniors and talk about what we most want to accomplish going forward. If you are planning to join us there, please RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-vocal-seniority-meet-greet-tickets-31557889497.

Activist Hour: Speaking up for Public Lands
2017-02-15
Join ONDA, Oregon Wild and the Bitterbrush Broads for a fun and interactive training on how to speak up effectively at Town Hall Meetings and hold your elected officials accountable. We’ll gather for drinks and snacks at 5, and the training will start at 5:30.
This training will cover:
– Background on the current threats to our public lands
– Basics on how to communicate effectively with your elected officials
– Tips on crafting your comments and questions prior to a town hall meeting
– An opportunity to practice delivering your comments in front of a friendly audience
– A chance to meet and talk with other budding public lands activists in your community!

The Birds and the Bees: Love, Sex and Mating Rituals of Local Plants and Animals
2017-02-15
What better way to celebrate (or recover from) Valentine’s Day than with a nature talk about romance and reproduction in the natural world? Join local nature guide author LeeAnn Kriegh for a fun and humorous talk about some of the strange, awe-inspiring, and downright scary mating habits of Central Oregon plants and animals.
This is about romance, sex, breakups, etc. in the natural world, using photos from LeeAnn’s book, The Nature of Bend, and various research to describe the love lives of local non-human species.
LeeAnn Kriegh is a Bend-based writer who devoted much of the past two years to researching and writing The Nature of Bend. As a journalist, Ms. Kriegh has written for a variety of regional magazines and websites, as well as The Oregonian. For the past dozen years, she has run a writing and editing business called WordDoc, through which she pens everything from websites to white papers for high-tech companies including Google, Intel, and Microsoft, as well as smaller businesses and nonprofits. Visit her website at www.natureofbend.com.
6:30pm social time/snacks, 7:00 program
