The Environmental Center

A Wild Ride with Explorer George Kourounis
2020-05-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Hold on tight as explorer George Kourounis shares his 20+ years of tracking down and documenting the most fearsome natural forces on planet Earth.
Chasing tornadoes in Oklahoma, hunkering down in the eyes of hurricanes like Katrina & Sandy, descending deep into menacingly active volcanoes…George is the guy who runs into places that most sane people run away from, all to showcase the beauty and power of Mother Nature. George will be sharing stories, images, and videos from his most extreme expeditions in more than 75 countries spanning all seven continents.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 – 6:30 pm (includes time for Q and A)
Where: Zoom, of course. Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81619591840?pwd=bGdiY1Fob2JlRXF5Rk5wUnlTSkxEZz09
Curious about George Kourounis
George Kourounis is Explorer In Residence for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and has hosted 50 episodes of the globally-broadcast TV series “Angry Planet.” As a storm chaser & explorer, his adventures have been seen on Discovery Channel, The Weather Network, CNN, BBC, Science Channel, History Channel, and more. He led a National Geographic expedition to fiery Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, the “Doorway To Hell” that has been burning nonstop since the early 1970s. The science mission to look for extreme bacteria led him to become the first and only person to have ever set foot at the bottom of the flaming pit.

George has given 4 TEDx talks worldwide, received several medals for his explorations, addressed the United Nations Environmental Emergencies Forum, and regularly appears in various science and adventure TV shows.

Spring 2020 Fire Free Week
2020-05-21, 2020-05-22, 2020-05-23, 2020-05-24
Save the Dates: Spring 2020 FireFree Week!
May 9 – May 24, 7 am – 5 pm @ Knott Landfill
Gather all of your yard debris and bring it to Knott Landfill for a FREE yard debris drop off event! Cones and needles, branches and limbs! The material will get mulched and given a new life as compost or fill. Plus, you will be clearing out burnable material to reduce wildfire fuels near your home!
Also, you can help close the recycling loop by buying back some compost while you’re out there! Deschutes Recycling offers bulk or bagged compost in a variety of types.
Westside Collection Site – Discovery West/Brooks Resources
Weekends Only
May 9th-10th, 16th-17th and 23rd-24th
Crossing Drive at Skyliners Road – west of Miller
Elementary (Crosby Dr.), near the Tree Farm subdivision.

Circular Economy Cities PNW Virtual Workshop
2020-05-21
Learn about circularity. Join people in Circular Economy Clubs from all around the Pacific Northwest for a groundbreaking virtual event. Act to advance circularity in your community.

Webcast: Northwest Forests & Carbon: Science and Solutions
2020-05-21
Although new studies reveal a previously unexpected, tremendous capacity of west coast forests to absorb CO2, this new scientific understanding has not yet been transformed into public policy. Panelists will present a synopsis of this research and analyses and discuss proposed policy changes that would elevate carbon-oriented forest management as a climate solution.
Originally scheduled as a panel at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in early March (canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), this webinar features Dominick DellaSalla, Chief Scientist with Geos Institute; Ernie Niemi with Natural Resource Economics; and Chandra LeGue of Oregon Wild. Moderated by Fergus McLean, Conservation Chair of the Many Rivers Group Sierra Club.
Brought to you by Oregon Wild, Many Rivers Group Sierra Club, Geos Institute, and Natural Resource Economics.
Register here: https://oregonwild.org/events/webcast-northwest-forests-carbon-science-and-solutions

Bend COTA Work Events
2020-05-21, 2020-05-28, 2020-06-04, 2020-06-11
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.

The History and Science of Glacier Change in Western US and a Peek into their Future
2020-05-26
The Pacific Northwest is home to the most glaciers anywhere in the continental US. When did glacier observations start and who started it? When did science discover glaciers here in the West? The history is surprising and the glaciers in Oregon played a major role. The cast of characters includes the famous and not so famous, and controversy brewed for more than a decade. Part of the controversy included the question, ‘What is a glacier?’ Since their ‘discovery’ glaciers have been observed off and on since the start of the new century in 1900, mostly by amateur hiking clubs. These early observations have provided key data in understanding about how the glaciers have changed over time. While they are all retreating generally, there is one major exception, a new glacier, less than 50 years old.
Dr. Andrew G. Fountain is a professor of Geology and Geography at Portland State University where he has conducted glacier research for the past 25 years. Prior to that he was a glaciologist with the US Geological Survey.
Brought to you by COGS (Central Oregon Geoscience Society)

2020 Virtual Celebration of Native American Culture
2020-05-28
Native American Music Award Winner, James Edmond Greeley, of Hopi, Warm Springs, Wasco, and Nez Perce descent, will be presenting an outdoor, Native American flute concert from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. You may view this hour long concert on COCC’s web page at any time on Thursday, May 28.

InFARMation: Future of Food – Local Perspective on Building Food Security
2020-05-28
According to the Oregon Food Bank, in 2019 one in eight Oregonians was food insecure. This means that one in eight of our friends, neighbors, fellow citizens has been unsure of where their next meal is coming from or has had to forgo buying food in order to pay for other necessities like housing or utilities. COVID-19 has exacerbated some of these problems and deepened the need for already vulnerable populations like young children, LGBTQ, Black and Latinx individuals who are twice as likely to face food insecurity.
Luckily, we live in one of the most agriculturally productive states in the nation! Oregon’s producers and food security institutions are working together to find creative solutions. Between farmers selling to food banks during the crisis, regional food banks growing food on their own, and food justice concerns permeating the work of food system advocates, there are some inventive ways that producers are helping to get food into the hands of people who need it.
Join Friends of Family Farmers to learn more about the role of small farms and supporters in creating a robust and resilient food system in which everyone has access to good food.
Panelists for the evening will be:
Katy Giombolini, Statewide Network Developer for Oregon Food Bank:
Katy comes to her role at Oregon Food Bank with experience in farmer training and producer development. She works to build connections to funnel food to OFB all over the state and was recently at the forefront of a statewide campaign to help local farmers sell food directly to food banks. She will share information about the current state of food security in Oregon and efforts to combat the problem.
Ted Purdy, Youth Farm Coordinator at FOOD for Lane County:
Ted is the coordinator for the innovative Youth Farm program at regional food bank FOOD for Lane County. This 5 acre educational farm is both a training ground for young people to learn the joys of direct market farming and a resource for the food bank itself. They produce over 100,000 pounds of food annually for the Youth Farm CSA and farmstands, as well as to help feed local families in need.
Katrina Van Dis, Executive Director at High Desert Food and Farm Coalition (HDFFA):
Katrina grew up on a farm in Eastern Oregon and has devoted her professional and personal life to strengthening Central Oregon communities through food access and local-food support. She was a founding member of the Central Oregon Food Policy Council (now HDFFA) in 2012 and the non-profit has expanded to run numerous programs supporting local producers while also providing education and food access through programs like Veggie Rx, Cooking Classes, Fresh Harvest Kits and more.
Join Friends of Family Farmers for an evening of community and uplifting support of local agriculture. This is a virtual meeting, so you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home with your choice of dinner, snacks and/or beverage. Tell your friends and enjoy a night “out” together, while getting all the info you need to keep your food system strong. This InFARMation is statewide and all Oregonians are welcome.

The Beaver Believers-A film about the bucktooth engineers that sculpted North America
2020-05-28
The Beaver Believers is an award-winning documentary that tells the urgent yet whimsical story of an unlikely cadre of activists – a biologist, a hydrologist, a botanist, an ecologist, a psychologist, and a hairdresser – who share a common vision. They’re all working to restore the North American Beaver, that most industrious, ingenious, bucktoothed little engineer, to the watersheds of the American West. The film is set in arid, high desert environments much like what we experience here in Central Oregon, so it has a regional feel to it.
Watch a trailer at: www.thebeaverbelievers.com

2020 Virtual Celebration of Native American Culture
2020-05-29
Brenda Brainard, of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, will be leading a live, virtual, cedar strip weaving project at 1 p.m. via Zoom. There is still space available. Please contact Michelle Cary at mcary@cocc.edu to sign up and receive your weaving kit and Zoom invitation. Registration and participation are free.

2020 VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
2020-05-30
Jefferson Greene is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Jefferson, among many other callings, is an Ichishkín Language and Cultural Liaison. He is an accomplished Story-Teller as well and will be sharing some Native American stories. His 30-40 minute story session will be available for viewing on the COCC Native American Program web page all day on May 30.

Nature Journaling Workshop Series
2020-06-02, 2020-06-09
Nature Journaling Workshop Series: This series starts on June 2nd and continues on Tuesdays in June.
Nature journaling is the practice of drawing and writing in response to observations of nature. Enjoy a “conversation with nature” by slowing down to notice and record what you see in our natural surroundings. Due to the nature of this virtual class, the instructor will bring various items from the natural world to a virtual classroom for viewing. With prompts and guidance from the instructor, students will be able to draw what they see and write “field notes” about their accompanying thoughts and observations. This series is offered by OSU Extension in Washington County and taught by artist Elizabeth Higgins. Register today. Space is limited.
Contact for questions and requests for accessibility-related accomodations: Alice Phillips alice.phillips@oregonstate.edu

Webcast: The Lost Sea Otters of Oregon
2020-06-03
What’s cute, fuzzy, an expert ‘rafter’ and that Oregon Wild is working hard to bring back to the state?
Sea otters! Featuring special guest Bob Bailey of The Elakha Alliance, this webcast will explore the history of this iconic species, efforts in Oregon to restore sea otters to their native coastal waters, and what you can do to help advocate for their return. You won’t want to miss this event, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

Justice for George Floyd Peaceful Gathering
2020-06-06
Join a peaceful gathering on behalf of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement protesting the social injustices that have plagued our country, and to raise awareness for the countless lives that have been lost due to the negligence and blatant discrimination by Police of Black Americans. This will be a PEACEFUL GATHERING, rioters and anybody who decides to cause problems otherwise are very unwelcome.
Public speaking by Riccardo Waites, founder of Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly.
Meet at Centennial Park and move protest to Downtown Redmond around the corners of SW 6th St and SW Evergreen Ave.
Again, this is a PEACEFUL gathering to raise awareness of the blatant injustices that have plagued our country.

Bend Walk For Justice
2020-06-06
Show up for peaceful demonstration against the violence, death, racial discrimination and social injustice of black men, women and children.
Walk the whole route or meet at one of the waypoints below.
2:00pm – Meet at Farewell Bend Park near Bill Healy Bridge
2:30pm – Start walk
2:45pm-3:00pm – Pass by REI/Old Mill
2:55pm-3:10pm – Walk through the Box Factory (down Arizona to Bond)
3:10pm-3:25pm – Pass by McMennamins
3:20pm-3:35pm – Arrive at Courthouse
3:40pm – Speakers
5:00pm – Vigil at Troy Field

Madras Vigil for George Floyd
2020-06-06
Peaceful gathering in Madras, Oregon to honor George Floyd and stand for justice for #BLM.
Where: 222 NW 4th St

Black Lives Matter Community Vigil
2020-06-06
Please join us to remember and honor every person of color who has lost their lives at the hands of brutality. This will be an evening of community and coming together in peace for all of Central Oregon.
Social distancing guidelines and masks are recommended throughout the event.
Please bring any candles, signs and pictures. That you would like for the evening.
Keep in mind that this is a peaceful event. Do not incite violence or harm! Let’s set an example as a community.

Bend for Black Lives Matter
2020-06-07
Join a peaceful sit down protest in solidarity with the lives lost and the ones we must fight for. Bring masks, signs, and pictures.
Keep in mind that this is a peaceful event. Do not incite violence or harm! Let’s set an example as a community.

RISE UP FOR JUSTICE BLACK LIVES AND OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE
2020-06-08
Please join Rise Up for Justice Monday for a critical discussion they’re hosting on the history and impact of police violence and inequality on the Black community, the current context of white supremacy and Black resistance, and the possibilities and strategies for a racial justice future.

The Story of Plastic Film Screening with Discussion Panel
2020-06-09
Description

Join the Newport Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation for a moderated live discussion with this amazing and knowledgable panel:

Charlie Plybon of Oregon Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
Megan Ponder, accomplished public policy expert, researcher, and a producer of the award-winning documentary The Story of Plastic
Pete Chism-Winfield, past chair of AOR and Program Coordinator at the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

Moderated by Rosalynn Greene, AOR’s Legislative chair, we’ll examine the movie, take audience Q&A, and learn how Oregonians can #BreakFreeFromPlastic.

Public Lands Pop Quiz
2020-06-09
Ready for a pop quiz on public lands? Study up and join Oregon Natural Desert Association for a fun presentation that will use trivia-style questions while teaching you more about how public lands are designated and managed across the United States! All participants who join this live event will be entered to win a raffle prize package.
This is an interactive digital event, which you can live-stream from the comfort of your home. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join, so sign up now:

Webcast: Hiking the Wonders of Mount Hood
2020-06-10
The Wonders of Mount Hood

Mount Hood is home to some of Oregon’s most jaw droppingly beautiful trails, old-growth forests, wildflowers, and streams. Eli Boschetto, author of the brand new Day Hiking Mount Hood guide, will take you on a virtual tour of some of the more off-the-beaten-path trails where you’ll be able to enjoy the mountain safely as we temporarily adjust our hiking habits in light of current health concerns.
Of course, it isn’t enough just to enjoy Mount Hood. These precious public lands deserve and need protection. Oregon Wild’s Erik Fernandez will discuss efforts to chart a new vision for recreation and conservation around Mount Hood, it’s carbon rich old-growth forests, rivers, trails, and wildlife.

The Story of Plastic Documentary: Panel and Screening
2020-06-11
Join the Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Sea Grant, Hatfield Marine Science Center Green Team, and Thompson’s Sanitary for a free virtual screening of The Story of Plastic, followed by a Q&A panel discussion at 6:30 pm.

The Story of Plastic brings into focus an alarming, man-made crisis and the heroes who are working every day to rise up against big plastic. After the film, learn more from our panelists about efforts underway here in Newport and statewide to reduce plastics and ways that you can get involved.
Our panels will include:

Cait Goodwin, Oregon Sea Grant
Aimee Thompson, Thompson’s Sanitary
Brandon Trelstad, Oregon State University (invited)
Facilitated by Charlie Plybon, Oregon Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation

Attendees will receive a link to stream the film from the event host 48 hours before the event start time. The link will be delivered to you at the email address you use to RSVP here. In that same email, you will also receive zoom info for the panel discussion.
