The Environmental Center

Birders' Night
2015-06-19, 2015-07-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Scheduled 9 times a year, 3rd Thursdays of month. Social gathering time is from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and usually last until 8:30 p.m.
March 19:
“Bird Friendly Native Landscaping.” Birders Karen Theodore and Rick Martinson of WinterCreek Restoration will share identify native plants, and share tips about landscaping, designed to transform any yard into a bird friendly sanctuary.
April 16:
“Birding Every Corner of Alaska” Crooked River Ranch locals John and Marilynne Keyser recount their Alaska birding trip with stories and photographs from St. Paul Island (a part of the Pribilofs,) Nome, Barrow, the Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Highlights of the trip were seeing thirteen alcid species and all four eiders. Close encounters with a northern hawk owl, a “flaming” ruff and a huge polar bear were magical moments!
May 21:
“Oregon 2020: A Benchmark Survey of Our Birds”
Douglas Robinson, Mace Professor of Watchable Wildlife at OSU and Director of the Oregon 2020 birds project, will discuss this collaboration of professionals and citizen scientists who are dedicated to compiling a high quality, state-wide measurement of the abundance and distribution of Oregon’s birds and their response to habitat change. Doug will talk about how local birders can be involved in this landmark study, which promises to leave a legacy for future generations. Website: http://oregon2020.com/
June 18:
“Where the Heck are the Falcons? Phylogenies and Changing Field Guides: An Evolutionary Tale.” COCC Biology Professor Jim Moodie will entertain us with some up to date science about bird phylogenies (read: relationship trees) and how they have changed (e.g. Falcons are now grouped with Parrots!) and why they have changed (e.g. DNA and genome comparisons.)
October 15
“Nerdfest III” A hands-on program for Birders’ Night participants to share and experience an array of the latest birding technology and media opportunities including websites, software and apps such as eBird, COBOL, I Bird Pro, and ABA. A sequel to Nerdfest I and Nerdfest II this interactive program will further explore how birders are using technology to enhance the enjoyment of birding.
November 19
“eBird” Tom Crabtree provides hands on instruction on how to use eBird, Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology’s online data base program which has revolutionized the way that birders maintain and access information about birds, track bird sightings and contribute to science and conservation. Tom will walk you through setting up an account, entering sightings and using the data in eBird to enhance your birding experiences.

Central Oregon Wildflower Show
2015-06-20 - 2015-06-21
Central Oregon’s unique habitats and climate enable a great variety of native wildflowers both big and small to flourish here. The Central Oregon Wildflower Show and Native Plant Sale, hosted by the Sunriver Nature Center exhibits hundreds of native wildflower species bursting with color. The show also provides a glimpse of Central Oregon’s native grasses, shrubs, sages, fungi, mosses and lichen. This year we are excited to host lectures on various topics by local experts in the field. Additional information booths on invasive species, disease and fire resistant pines, medicinal plants, and rare and endangered plants of Central Oregon. The event is family friendly and offers kids activity booths, family botanical hikes and much more!
Join us June 11th & 12th for a fabulous, colorful weekend!. Follow along on Facebook for event info and updates: https://www.facebook.com/centraloregonwildflowershow

Central Oregon Pride
2015-06-20
This is an all inclusive event where we celebrate the diversity and the beauty within our community. People come from all around the nation, as well as some from other countries, to take part in this event. This event has been here for 15 years and continues to grow. It’s the second largest pride event in the state of Oregon! Come connect with community, view awesome entertainment, and eat from amazing local food trucks.

Bend's Makers District Summer Solstice Party
2015-06-20
Come kick off summer on the other side of the tracks! Raffle, demonstrations, a bouncy house for kids, arial silks, adult tricycle racing, car wash fund raiser for Lava City Roller Dolls, food, drinks, and ice cream!

Volunteers Needed: Native Plant Harvest
2015-06-22
OSU-Cascades is planning for a new campus, and part of that effort will include development of the 10-acre parcel at the corner of Century Drive and Chandler, across from Cascade Lakes Brewpub. We are planning an extensive restoration of the site following construction, with the goal of restoring disturbed areas to conditions which reflect multiple seral stages common to the Ponderosa pine-bitterbrush-fescue plant association of the Central Oregon Pumice Zone. Doing so will involve harvesting as much plant material from the site as possible, to be stored at Wintercreek Restoration until planting next year.
This effort is part of a larger initiative to utilize site landscaping as a permanent learning opportunity for students and community members alike. Students from both the Bend and Corvallis campuses will be involved in the design and implementation of the landscaping plan for the property, and NR faculty will be developing a 4-6 week curriculum focusing on urban landscape restoration, development impact mitigation, and native plant enhancement strategies for delivery next spring. We are looking for volunteers to join us for a native plant harvest Monday, June 22nd. Wintercreek restoration will be on site to provide instruction and some information about native plant harvest as well as equipment for removing plants.
Where: Campus site, corner of Chandler and Century Drive.
What to bring: Water, gloves, sunny disposition, love of native plants
Lunch will be provided.
If you are available to assist with this effort, please contact:
Matt Shinderman, PhD
541-322-3159
matt.shinderman@osucascades.edu

Happy Hour in the Garden
2015-06-23
This year, Happy Hour in the Garden will run from March through October. Instead of weekly, this volunteer event will be on the *1st & 3rd Tuesdays*, kicking off Tuesday, March 1st. Stop by anytime between 4-6 on the following dates to help out in the garden and enjoy a bubbly beverage. Family friendly, no experience or tools necessary.
Contact Denise Rowcroft, Garden Program Manager, if you have any questions about getting involved.

March 1 & 15 (March & April beer sponsored by Worthy Garden Club)
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17 (May & June beer sponsored by Boneyard Beer)
June 7 & 21

Due to summer trips, please note that summer dates (July & August) are the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month!

*July 12 & 26* (July & August beer sponsored by Deschutes Brewery)
*August 9 & 23* (Note, this is the 2nd & 4th Tuesday, rescheduled due to planned time off)
September 6 & 20 (Sept & Oct beer sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing Co)
October 4 & 18

Oregon Desert Trail Mixer
2015-06-23
Join the Oregon Natural Desert Association and REI to celebrate the Oregon Desert Trail!
The Oregon Natural Desert Association and REI Bend are teaming up to host an event that will offer Oregon Desert Trail skills and information, celebrate volunteers who helped create the trail and provide a grand finale to ONDA’s Oregon Desert Trail Matching Challenge.
Join ONDA and REI for the Oregon Desert “Trail Mixer,” on Tuesday, June 23 at 6 p.m. The free event will take place at ONDA’s Bend office, 50 SW Bond St. Suite 4 (across the parking lot from Strictly Organic).
The event will feature stations staffed by ONDA and REI experts. Each station expert will share information about different sections of the 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail, as well as the types of skills and gear needed to get into the high desert. Topics will include lightweight backpacking tips, GPS navigation, leave-no-trace tactics and backpacking cooking.
The party will also feature great raffle prizes and fun conversation over beverages with other trail aficionados.

Public Meeting: Shevlin Park Management Plan
2015-06-24
Products from five CAC meetings and four Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings include an updated mission statement, six project goals, a listing of issues needing to be resolved at the park and possible strategies to address those issues. These strategies have been grouped into two broad categories; those needing physical changes or improvements within the park and those that require operational or policy changes in managing the park. Both the CAC and TAC have reviewed and approved the proposed strategies. Next steps include prioritizing these strategies, preparing a general master plan for physical improvements and assembling a first draft of the Shevlin Park Management Plan.
How you can help:
Attend the public meeting to review the Shevlin Park Management Plan:
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Bend Park and Recreation District Office
Learn more about citizens’ thoughts and experiences of Shevlin Park via the District’s questionnaire that was conducted in June through August 2014. The District received 827 questionaire responses. Click here to review the Shevlin Park Management Plan questionnaire and outreach summary

SolWest Fair
2015-06-26 - 2015-06-28
About the Fair: Oregon Rural Action will host the 17th annual SolWest Fair June 26-28 at the Union County Fairgrounds in beautiful La Grande, Oregon.
Come and learn about energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, alternatively fueled vehicles, local food and more! Over 30 workshops will be offered on a wide variety of topics from renewable energy to sustainable living. The fair will also include live entertainment, an educational film screening, numerous vendors and special activities for children.
Fair tickets can be purchased online at www.oregonrural.org/solwest or at the gate. Both weekend and day passes are available. Pre-sale discounts will be offered for a limited time. Weekend tickets at the gate will be $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $30 for a family. Pre-sale discounts available.
Saturday night will feature a special Sociability Supper with keynote speaker Bob Patterson, City Public Works Director for the City of Pendleton, Oregon. Patterson will speak about the challenges and opportunities for renewable energy in Eastern Oregon. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased online.
For more information about the SolWest Fair visit www.oregonrural.org/solwest or contact SolWest Fair Coordinator D’Jeane Peters at 541-975- 2411 ext.102.

Class - Garden Pests & Diseases
2015-06-27
Information from OSU Master Gardeners™ on identifying and controlling common vegetable garden pests and diseases.

Class - Loving Your Landscape
2015-06-27
Tips and techniques on gardening with perennials and grasses. Includes information on waterwise gardening given by OSU Master Gardeners™.

SNCO Kids Summer Programs Start
2015-06-29
Kids Summer Programs start! Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 10am – 12pm; $15 non-members, $13.50 members. Registration required: 541-593-4394.

Junior Naturalist Applications Due
2015-06-29
Junior Naturalist Applications due. Ages 7-14. Contact the Nature Center for information at 541-593-4394.

Homeowner Information Session
2015-06-29
Bend Area Habitat for Humanity is looking for families to apply for our partnership program. Attend an information session to learn more.
Are you tired of renting? Owning your own home is possible! Bend Area Habitat for Humanity is looking for families and individuals to apply for our Partnership Program Toward Home Ownership. Attend a session to learn more!
See if you qualify by filling out our Partnership Questionnaire – you can also attend one of our Workshops (space is limited- reserve your spot today)
RSVP by June 22nd to DeeDee Johnson – djohnson@bendhabitat.org.

KPOV’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
2015-06-30
Yes, KPOV has been bringing Central Oregon the best radio around for nearly a decade.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10th Anniversary than gathering with our community for an evening of fun and friendship. Join us June 30, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tower Theatre in Bend for “High Desert Community Radio—Live and in Living Color.” The variety show will feature performers Five Pint Mary, Dennis McGregor and the Spoilers, MOsley WOtta, Triage Improv, the Around the Bend Players, Comic Celeste Franklin, the Parade of DJs, a fun look at KPOV history, great raffle prizes and more.
When, Where and How

7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 30, Year 10 (2015)
The Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St in Bend
Tickets go on sale May 21 at the Tower Box Office.
Ticket prices are: $20 in advance, $18 in advance for KPOV members, $25 at the door for all

Compost Makes Good Dirt!
2015-07-05
Join compost expert and horticulturist, Leo Mock as he explains just how vital and enriching compost can be for your home garden.
$5 per participant, reservations required! Sign up now by calling the Sunriver Nature Center at 541.593.4394.
Leo Mock’s book “Compost Makes Good Dirt: and how to use it” will also be for sale during the class for $15!
Happy planting!

What's Brewing? The Ticket to Transit
2015-07-07
As Bend faces new opportunities and challenges in 2015 and beyond, transit will play a more important role in connecting people to jobs; providing access to education and health care; reducing congestion and parking problems; and providing access to shopping and recreation. Some of us ride transit, but all of us need it.
Attend What’s Brewing on July 7 to find out how transit will impact our quality of life today and shape the future of Bend. Please join us for a discussion with Cascades East Transit (CET) and our community partners about what’s next for transit in Bend, including a proposed major expansion to the Bend CET system later in 2015. CET will be adding new routes, increasing the frequency of buses and extending hours of operation, while better serving partners such as OSU Cascades, COCC, St Charles, and the business community as a whole.
Panelists:
Andrew Spreadborough, Cascades East Transit/COIC
Amy Tykeson, Tykeson and Associates
Victor Chudowsky, Bend City Councilor
Brought to you by the Community Affairs Council of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Green Team Movie Night
2015-07-07
The World According to Monsanto is directed by French film-maker and journalist Marie-Monique Robin. This widely praised film follows Robin’s three-year-long investigation into the corporate practices around the world of the United States multinational corporation, Monsanto. She investigates Monsanto chemicals and GMO crops, combining secret documents with first-hand accounts by victims, scientists, and politicians.

Wrenched Film Documentary
2015-07-07
Award-winning filmmaker M. L. Lincoln will visit Bend to speak at a public event and present her new documentary, Wrenched.
Through interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, Wrenched reveals how Edward Abbey’s anarchistic spirit and riotous novels influenced and helped guide the nascent environmental movement of the 1970’s and 80’s. Some of these early activists pioneered “monkey wrenching,” a form of nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience, to defend wilderness. The film portrays a new generation of monkeywrenchers who use Abbey’s books as a source of inspiration. Among them is Tim DeChristopher, who pioneered ‘paper’ monkey wrenching by outbidding big oil and gas companies in an illegal auction, saved more than 100,000 acres of public trust land in SE Utah, and is now serving a 2-year Federal sentence.
Among those appearing in Wrenched are Terry Tempest Williams, Robert Redford, Katy Lee, Dave Foreman, Paul Watson, and DeChristopher. M.L. Lincoln attended film school in Los Angeles and worked on productions at the American film Institute. In the 90’s she worked at the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography and founded the “More Exposure Project,” which taught photography to at-risk youth.
Her previous award-winning documentary, Drowning River, celebrates the environmental activism of Katy Lee, who battled along with David Brower to prevent construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.
Appearing with Ms. Lincoln at this event is Jaik Goff, Bend founder of Dam Busters and Thunder Creek Custom Woodworking. Mr. Goff works to protect and defend the urban stretch of the Deschutes River. He will be displaying his art and woodwork.
More acclaim for Wrenched:
“Vivid, inspiring and beautiful film…Through the words of Abbey’s friends, the stunning footage of the land he loved, and his own unique and curmudgeonly voice, he is brought back to life in this vitally relevant movie.” – David Gessner, Professor of Creative Writing, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Author, All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West
“Wrenched portrays Abbey and friends with ruthless honesty…[The film] makes the most of Abbey’s quotes and the dedication his friends have to him and their beloved wilderness. It closed to a standing ovation in Moab.” – Janneli Miller, Four Corners Free Press

Net Zero Energy Home Tour
2015-07-08
Looking forward to the 2015 Tour of Homes? Get a sneak preview of SolAire’s latest Net Zero Energy Home in Northwest Crossing. From 5 to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, the public is welcome to tour the home and hear about the key strategies involved in attaining Net Zero Energy in your home. Join SolAire to learn more about why Bend, Oregon is a great place to build, own and operate a Net Zero Energy Home.
Address: 2481 NW Drouillard Ave, Bend, OR 97701.

SOLVE Summerfest
2015-07-10
Join us Friday, July 10, at World Forestry Center for Summerfest, presented by Columbia Distributing, as we toast the achievements of our 2015 Citizenship Award winners! Doors will open at 5:00PM for the beer tasting reception, featuring live music by Ten Spiders Band, raffle, dinner and awards ceremony.
Tickets are on sale now. Hurry, don’t delay! Click here to purchase yours today.
*tickets must be purchased in advance of the event
Questions? Contact Karli Sagen at 503-844-9571 ext 307 or karli@solveoregon.org.

Juniper Jungle Farm Movie Night
2015-07-11
You’re invited! The film is a surprise. Don’t worry, you’ll like it!
Show up around 7:30pm to set up your chairs, get some Addy Mac’s ice cream and watch the sun set. The film starts at 8:30 and will be done by 10pm.

Summer Repair Cafe at DIYcave
2015-07-14
We’re excited to return to DIY Cave for our 2019 Summer Repair Cafe! Volunteers will be on hand to fix small appliances/electronics, outdoor gear, clothes, boots/shoes, bikes, jewelry, small furniture/household goods, and more. And it’s FREE!
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the list of volunteer fixers, please email Ani.

Central Oregon Flyfishers Monthly Meeting
2015-07-15
Monthly meeting of Central Oregon Flyfishers at Bend Senior Center. Social hour begins at 6:30 PM & meeting at 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome – all you have to be is interested in fly fishing!

Let's Renew Oregon at Pints and Politics
2015-07-16
Join OLCV and Susan Suffion, Field Director of Renew Oregon for an update of Renew Oregon’s work on creating practical policy changes that will create a healthier, more prosperous Oregon. From transitioning Oregon off coal power to polluter accountability and defending our Clean Fuels Program, your participation matters. Come learn more about Renew Oregon’s current and future efforts and how you can get involved.
Join OLCV and fellow community members who care about protecting Oregon’s natural legacy for Pints and Politics on the third Thursday of each month.

Pool on the Hill
2015-07-17
Tumalo Creek is one of Central Oregon’s most beautiful and ecologically significant creeks, and it’s right in Bend’s backyard! Join Bend legend, Eileen Woodward, and LandWatch program director, Gail Snyder, for a brisk hike to Tumalo Creek’s beautiful source springs.
(We can also spend some time walking part of the ditch that takes water from the Sparks Lake watershed and drains it into Tumalo Creek.)
Intermediate. Be prepared to get your feet wet and to encounter mosquitoes. Please bring water, lunch, snacks, and sunblock.
Sign up here

Songs for the Environment and Social Justice
2015-07-17
Environmental singer Dana Lyons teams up with labor singer-activist Anne Feeney in a concert “Teamsters and Turtles—Together at Last” on Friday, July 17, 7:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s new building, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend. Suggested donation $15-20, but no one turned away. Doors open at 7 pm. For more info contact Michael Funke, funkeredfinn24@gmail.com.

High Desert Garden Tour
2015-07-18
The 26th annual High Desert Garden Tour is coming up on Saturday, July 20th! This event is a self-guided tour of six beautiful gardens in the Culver and Madras area. Find new inspiration for your landscape and chat with OSU Master Gardener volunteers during this fun and educational event.
New this year there is a van pool available ($10) for those who want to relax and leave the driving to someone else. For more information, call the office at 541-548-6088.
More details will be coming soon! Check out the Facebook page for updates.

Class - Timely Tomato Tips
2015-07-18
A class with OSU Master Gardeners™ that tells you how to increase your success with growing tomatoes.
