The Environmental Center

Discover Nature Festival
2023-09-23 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Alpenglow Community Park, 61049 SE 15th St OR 97702, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Discover Nature Festival is returning in 2023! 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 23
11 am-3 pm
NEW LOCATION: Alpenglow Park, Bend
61049 SE 15th Street
2023 Partners and Activities

Climbing wall with Bend Park ad Recreation District
Fire Truck and Fire Fighter Challenge with Deschutes National Forest
Introduction to Mountain Biking with Cog Wild/Cascadia Junior Cycling
Natural Dyes with Wildheart Nature School
Deschutes County Public Health
Watershed Exploration with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Who Lives Here? with Discover Your Forest
10 Survival Essentials and Pine Cone Bird Feeders with Camp Fire Central Oregon
Monarch Butterfly Crafts and plants with Deschutes Land Trust
Fruit and Veggie Spin Wheel with OSU Extension
Art Activity with Juntos Aprendemos
Pop-up Poetry with Deschutes Public Library
Pedestrian Safety Activity with Commute Options
Wildflower Seed Bombs with Think Wild
Wander and Wonder in Nature with Oregon State Parks
Great Garbage Game with The Environmental Center
Night Sky Education with DarkSky Oregon
Games with Mosaic Medical
Nature Color Match with Family Resource Center
Craft and medication with Take Care with Autumn
Mud Kitchen and Nature Crafting with Bend Forest School
Bird of Prey and Nature Journaling with High Desert Museum
Leaf Rubbings and Magnet Fishing with the Oregon Department of Human Services
Wondery Art and Adventure School
Green Leadership Coalition
Vámonos Outside and Camp Chica
Treasure Hunt with Children’s Forest of Central Oregon
and more!

Food Vendors

Central Oregon Pupuseria
Acme Hot Dog Co.
The Sweet Retreat

Seed to Table Fall Farm Tours
2023-09-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-09-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2023-09-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Seed to Table, 998 E. Black Butte Avenue, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Seed to Table Farm invites our community onto the farm for a free fall tour. This once-a-year opportunity is a chance for you to explore tomatoes in the greenhouses, get a taste of what students experience on field trips, and ask questions to the farmers who steward the land to grow nearly 85,000 pounds of produce on just a few acres. Feel free to bring a friend! You must pre-register for tours.
Thursday 9/21 4pm-5pm
Saturday 9/23 10am-11am
Monday 9/25 4pm-5pm
Wednesday 9/27 11am-12pm
Friday 9/29 3pm-4pm
Saturday 9/30 10am -11am
REGISTER FOR FALL FARM TOURS!

Happy Hour in the Garden
2023-09-26 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-10-10 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 2023, Happy Hour in the Garden will once again run twice a month from March through October. 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.
For Summer & Fall 2023, our Happy Hours will be 4-6pm, on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month.
March & April Happy Hours sponsored by Wild Ride Brewing

March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18

May & June Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

May 2 & 16
June 6 & 20

July & August Happy Hours sponsored by Worthy Environmental

July 11 & 25
August 8 & 22

September & October Happy Hours sponsored by Boneyard Beer

September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24

Contact Denise, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

BEYOND THE BEYOND: PREPARING BEND FOR A WILD FUTURE
2023-09-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How will our city and our lives be changed by population growth, a warming world, hotter summers and less water, new technologies and other emerging trends? And how can we plan to maintain our region’s beauty and quality of life?
Being resilient and seeking out opportunities to innovate is what moved Oregon into the forefront of planning 50 years ago and it’s what we strive to be far into the future. Come learn how planning will need to change in future decades with case studies on transforming traditional suburbs, developing new models for infrastructure planning, and building resiliency in an era of climate-driven events — and what we can do to retain the best of Bend as it moves into a wild future.
Admission is FREE but due to space constraints, pre-registration is required. Doors will open at 6:30pm and the program starts at 7pm. A no-host bar will be available.

REGISTER FOR FREE

THIS IS PART 3 OF A THREE-PART SERIES CELEBRATING OREGON’S LAND USE LAWS. YOU CAN VIEW PART 1 AND PART 2 HERE.

Ethnobotany of the Klamath Basin
2023-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Native cultures have called the Klamath Basin home for millennium and have developed a long and intimate relationship with the native plants of the Basin for food, medicine, tools, and clothing. In this talk, Erin Rentz, Botanist with Six Rivers National Forest, will discuss a selection of culturally significant plants and the importance of management of these resources. Erin studied Botany and Ecology at San Francisco State University and has worked as a botanist for the Forest Service for the past 15 years in southern Oregon and northern California.
September 27, 2023
6:30 pm
Worthy Brewing
495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend OR 97701
Register HERE

A Sense of Place Webinar Series: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky, featuring Elizabeth Azzuz
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Elizabeth Azzuz, Secretary of Cultural Fire Management Council, will discuss her work using Traditional Native Karuk methods of prescribed burning to protect forests, heal degraded ecosystems, and reestablish forest-grown food, medicine, and products.
Register here!

Science Pub: Fungi in the Forest
2023-09-28 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Explore the variety of fungi in Central Oregon and the surprisingly important role they play in forest health. You’ll discover the vast fungal communication networks in forests at boot-level and beneath, how fungi are adapted to our fire-dependent environment, and how they can help forests recover from fire.
You’ll also learn about the largest fungus in the world, located nearby in the Malheur National Forest.
About the Presenter
Ariel Cowan is an assistant professor of practice and regional fire specialist with the OSU Extension Service in Deschutes County. Cowan’s experience in mycology began at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science & Forestry. Since then, as a biologist, researcher, stewardship forester and wildland firefighter her work has focused on fungal ecology and forest health. She is a member of the Central Oregon Mushroom Club.
Register here!

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2023-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival! Join ONDA for an evening of short films showcasing the earth’s natural wonders and the amazing stories of activists working to conserve the environment.
There will be an in-person show at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon as well as a virtual version streamed online. See their lineup of the year’s best conservation films.
For the Tower Theatre show, doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm. Join ONDA before the show to chat with staff, learn about current advocacy and volunteer opportunities, buy raffle tickets, and catch up with fellow ONDA community members!
Click here to purchase tickets!

Meet Your Farmer at Worthy Brewing Company featuring Beef Barn
2023-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Locavore presents:
A unique dining experience crafted to connect you with the hard working men and women of Central Oregon who grow the food that nourishes and sustains us. Featured Rancher: Stephanie and Jack Samples of Beef Barn, Bend + Organically grown produce by Worthy Garden Club
495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR 97701
*All proceeds benefit Central Oregon Locavore Non 501(c)3 Profit, a portion of your ticket price is deductible to the extent of tax law

Meet Your Farmer at Worthy Brewing Company featuring Beef Barn
Saturday, September 30, 2023 6pm

Menu
Shepherd’s Pie – Beef Barn ground, peas, carrots parsnip mash
Panzanella Salad – Sparrow bakery baguette, Worthy Garden tomatoes, Field Farm greens, basil, Classic vinaigrette
Salisbury Steak – Roasted purple potato, Worthy Garden beets and carrots, mushroom demi-glaze
Peach Bourbon B.B.Q. Brisket – Green beans and truffled mac and cheese
Dessert Surprise

Stories in the Garden at The Environmental Center w/ Deschutes Public Library
2023-10-02 10:30 - 11:30 | The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR, 97703
This is an in-person program. Registration is required. This event is suggested for children ages Kindergarten and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Children and families are invited to explore the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center. The event will begin with a nature-based story time, provided by Deschutes Public Library, followed by a chance for caregivers and little ones to get their hands dirty with Denise Rowcroft. Denise joined The Environmental Center in 2006 and is responsible for the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden and the Garden for Every School program.
Part of this event will occur outdoors — please bring appropriate layers, water, and sun protection.
Register here!

All About ADUs
2023-10-02 12:30 - 16:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This half-day course is intended to help real estate and building professionals understand the basic planning and building regulations for ADU development in the City of Bend. Participants will gain critical information to help them to respond to increasing client demand for properties with ADU potential, as well as the opportunity to earn the ‘ADU Specialist’ professional accreditation.
When & Where

Monday, October 2nd, 2023
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Bend, OR (In-person classroom, no webinar option available)
Central Oregon Association of REALTORS®
2112 NE 4th St, Bend, OR 97701 (map)

COZEE Happy Hour with Roost Development
2023-10-03 16:30 - 18:00 | 201 NW Harriman Ave, Bend, 201 NW Hariman Ave, Bend, OR, 97703
October COZEE Happy Hour with Roost Development
Perry Brooks and Peter Grube from Roost Develpment will give us the low-down on how the first net-zero duplex in the historic district of Bend came to be including some crucial code changes to help make this project happen.
Quick stats:

The shell is a combo of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) with a hand-framed roof.
It will be Earth Advantage certified as net zero.

Register here!

Central Oregon Zero Energy Enthusiasts brings together individuals who share a passion for or want to learn more about high performance and zero energy buildings in Central Oregon.

2023 Go Clean Energy Conference
2023-10-04 08:30 - 16:30 | COCC, 2600 NW Collge Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Go Clean Energy Conference: Get a Jackpot of incentives for Your Electrification Projects
Whether you rent, own a home, or commercial building, cash and tax credits are coming your way from government incentives that will help you electrify. Learn from 25+ experts how to put your project together. Don’t be left out of the funding stream to electrify for cost savings and health. Solar, efficiency, Electric vehicle Charging, home heating and/or cooling are among your many options. Oct 4, 8:30-4:30 at Bend Central Oregon Community College.
Register at GoCleanEnergy.org.

The West is Burning Film Screening - La Pine
2023-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine, OR, United States
Discover Your Forest, in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest and the Upper Deschutes River Communities, is hosting a public screening of The West is Burning followed by a panel discussion with specialists in land management, forest/fire ecology, fire management, and adaptive communities.
The free community event will be held at the La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine on Thursday, October 5th. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and childcare beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The West is Burning examines the history of forest management and social conflict that has contributed to current forest conditions, causing longer fire seasons and unprecedented impacts. The film emphasizes the need to act now to generate positive change in our forests, watersheds, and communities. Six real-life perspectives drive the film’s narrative to help raise awareness about the conditions of forests in the western U.S. Their stories demonstrate the need to embrace a new era of forest stewardship, and the unique partnerships that are being built across community-based organizations, government entities, and private and non-governmental organizations. These thought leaders highlight the need for a unified response to climate change, land use, and forest restoration, and emphasize the importance of community-based solutions to these challenges.
Representatives from local forestry and fire organizations will host tables and share information on wildfire preparedness before and after the event.
This is a free event with dinner and childcare provided. For more information contact Discover Your Forest’s Wildland Fire Education Coordinator, Emily Curtis, at emily.curtis@discovernw.org.

Any donations received through this form will go towards Discover Your Forest’s wildland fire and forest restoration public outreach and education programs.
Get tickets here!

Climbing Film Tour 2023
2023-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Introducing the Climbing Film Tour, formerly known as the Vertical Life Film Tour. Brace yourself for an even more thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience, showcasing the most captivating Australian vertical adventures on the global stage. Get ready to be inspired by tales of courage, unsung heroes, and climbing icons, fueling your passion to conquer new heights and fulfill your wildest dreams. Join us for an exhilarating journey like no other!
Get tickets here!

Grit Clinics X COTA
2023-10-07 - 2023-10-08 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us in Bend, OR for a full day of MTB skills with Grit Clinics ​& a trail work party with the Women of COTA
COTA and Grit Clinics are here for the same reason– Education and Empowerment. We invite you to join us for a weekend of tires and shovels on the trails. Further your mountain biking skillset with Grit Clinics on Saturday and then learn what it takes to build and maintain trails with the Women of COTA on Sunday (optional, but encouraged). With every entry, Grit Clinics will donate a one-year COTA membership to the participant or their friend of choice (if the participant already has a membership).
DETAILS:
Calling all riders, all levels, 18+
October 7, 2023 – Skills Clinic – 9am-4pm | Meet at 7th Mountain Resort
October 8, 2023 – Trail Work Party – 10am-12pm | Meet at the Welcome Center
Cost: $225 ​
Includes 6 hours of professional MTB instruction, coffee, snacks, and a healthy lunch on Saturday.
Also includes a 2 hour trail-work party on Sunday.
*A one-year COTA membership will be donated by Grit Clinics to every participant.
Register here!

Sunriver Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show
2023-10-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Sunriver Nature Center & Oregon Observatory, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Celebrate the fantastic world of fungi
with the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Saturday, October 7, 2023 – 10am-3pm
Coming October 7th from 10 am 3 pm join us as we celebrate our 7th annual Fungi Fest and Mushroom Show!
This incredible event takes place at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and features Central Oregon’s only Mushroom Show, with hundreds of species on display. Tickets will be on sale at the event and the price of admission also includes access to a full schedule of lectures, mushroom workshops, activities and more!
Specialty vendors featuring fungi-themed products will be on-site selling everything from t-shirts to grow-your-own kits and fresh forest mushrooms.
Be sure and check out our webpage, which will continue to be updated as we add new information!
https://fungifest.snco.org/
Tickets

Purchase your tickets at the event.
Admission
Adult: $15
Child (ages 4-12): $10
Child (under 4): Free
SNCO Member: $9
SROA Member: Free
COMC Member: $7

Puffy Grass to Benefit COTA
2023-10-07 16:00 - 22:00 | LOGE Camp Bend, 19221 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Come out to LOGE for their Puffy Grass event on October 7! The festivities kick off at 4pm and include live music, drinks, food trucks, a raffle, lawn games and more! Tickets are $20 and include 2 drink tickets and 1 raffle ticket. Click here to buy your tickets!

Designing Accessible EV Charging Systems
2023-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In this webinar, you’ll be joined by speakers to explore how to create EV charging systems that are accessible to all. Speakers will explore designing equitable and inclusive EV charging systems accessible.

Deschutes Land Trust Planting Parties
2023-10-10 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-11 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, Sisters, OR, 97756, United States
Camp Polk Meadow Preserve: October 10 & 11
Roll up your sleeves and help the Deschutes Land Trust plant native plants in a recent restoration area at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. We have been working for several years to restore the native plant community in the Hindman Springs portion of the Preserve. Volunteers will help complete one of the last phases of the restoration by planting native plants in a portion of the Preserve where weeds were recently removed. Get your hands dirty and have fun while improving wildlife habitat and making a difference in Central Oregon. This is a family-friendly work party!
Register here for 10/10, 10am-1pm
Register here for 10/11, 10am-1pm
Indian Ford Meadow Preserve: October 12 & 13
Roll up your sleeves and help the Deschutes Land Trust plant native plants in a recent restoration area at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. We have been working to restore the native plant community at the Preserve, and volunteers will help plant native plants in a portion of the Preserve where weeds were recently removed. Get your hands dirty and have fun while improving wildlife habitat and making a difference in Central Oregon. This is a family-friendly work party!
Register here for 10/12, 10am-1pm
Register here for 10/13, 10am-1pm

Finding the Magic in Middle School Talk and Book Signing by Chris Balme
2023-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, OR, United States
This evening community gathering is intended to support the wellbeing and growth of parents, educators, and mental health professionals. While this talk is geared toward the development of adolescence, anyone who helps to raise our children -of any age- will benefit from the brain-body science that is presented.
In this talk, author and acclaimed educator Chris Balme shows how to tap into the positive potential of middle school. It begins with understanding what’s going on inside the middle school brain. Balme introduces three key developmental needs for middle schoolers, offering practical tips to support them at each step of the way. Drawing on his experience as a middle school founder and principal, as well as the latest neuroscience, he offers a fresh and uplifting take on the transformative years of middle school.
This talk is based on Balme’s book, Finding the Magic in Middle School, which was published in 2022 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller for adolescent psychology. Renowned adolescent psychologist and author Madeline Levine called it “a must-read for anyone who has a tween or works with tweens.”
This event is organized by the Interconnected Diversity team and is being supported financially by many individuals and organizations, including each ticket purchased and donation at checkout.
Generous sponsorships have been provided by Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks Schools. Our list of in-kind donors and financial supporters continue to grow and include: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, Insight Counseling, Natalie Houston, Amy Bahrman, The Base at Franklin, High Desert Makers, Brightways Counseling Group, Roundabout Bookstore, Spencer Mitchell Photography, , Kap Seidel and Upstream Parenting, Tim Burnett, Carrie Hicks, Samara Learning Center, Andy Slavin and Amity Creek Elementary. A Heartfelt THANK YOU to all those contributing, for making this event possible.

Register here!

Fall Repair Café at the Firehouse Community Hall in Sisters(bilingüe)
2023-10-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Sisters Firehouse Community Hall, 301 S Elm St, Sisters, 97759, United States
Join us for our in-person Repair Café on Wednesday, October 11th, 5:30-7:30pm at the Firehouse Community Hall in Sisters with co-host Deschutes Public Library.
Featuring a guest appearance from Kyle Wiens, co-founder and CEO of iFixit and a leader in the Right to Repair movement. Kyle and the pro-repair coalition are working on a bill in Salem and have recently passed laws in New York and Colorado.

The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project coordinates with an amazing group of volunteer fixers to host Repair Cafés every few months. This will be the second in-person Repair Café in Central Oregon since 2020. These free events connect people with broken stuff to people who like to fix stuff – they’re all about repairing things (together). Stuff like, jewelry, small appliances and electronics, outdoor gear, clothing, and more. Repair Cafés are held around the world! Repairing with other people saves natural resources, prevents waste, and cultivates community. Learn more at envirocenter.org/tec-events/repair-cafe/
Not sure if it can be fixed? Bring it!
Contact: udara@envirocenter.orgwith questions or if you’re interested in being a volunteer fixer!

¿Tienes algo que esté roto? ¡Tráelo al Repair Café!
El Rethink Waste del The Environmental Center está coordinado con un increíble grupo de reparadores voluntarios para organizar Repair Cafés cada pocos meses. Estos eventos gratuitos conectan a las personas con cosas rotas con las personas a las que les gusta arreglar cosas: se trata de reparar cosas (juntos). Cosas como joyas, pequeños electrodomésticos y productos electrónicos, equipo de exteriores, ropa y más.
¡Los Repair Cafés se llevan a cabo en todo el mundo! Reparar con otras personas ahorra recursos naturales, evita el desperdicio y cultiva la comunidad.
Tendremos interpretación en español disponible en el evento
https://envirocenter.org/tec-events/repair-cafe/repair-cafe-espanol/

2023 Lava Island Fish Rescue
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-16 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Sign Up for Your Time Slot HERE!
Every fall flows drop in the Upper Deschutes as water begins to be stored in Wickiup and Crane Prairie Reservoirs for irrigation use next summer. When this happens, fish residing in the Lava Island side channel of the Deschutes become stranded from the main stem of the river.
DRC is once again aiding irrigation district efforts to rescue fish by coordinating volunteers. Volunteers will collect fish from the Lava Island side channel and transport them in buckets to the mainstem of the Deschutes River.
The projected rescue dates this year will be October 14th-16th. There will be two time slots per day. The morning slots will be from 8 or 9 AM to 12 pm and the afternoon slot will be from 1 PM to 5 PM.
***Please note, dates are tentative and may change due to weather and dam operations. DRC will be in touch with all volunteers via text to provide updates***
There will be three jobs throughout the day:
Netting fish (must be experienced and bring waders and boots)
Carrying bucketed fish to be counted (majority of the volunteers need)
Counting/identifying fish (must be experienced identifying and handling fish)
The majority of volunteers will be helping run buckets from the capture site to the counting site. The buckets will weigh 35-40 pounds each.
Please bring a water bottle, snacks, hiking shoes, hats, sunscreen. We will provide coffee, snacks, pizza, and water.
