The Environmental Center

Gather: First Foods Discussion and Q&A
2021-05-18 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Confluence for an online discussion of the film Gather with cast members. Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.
The documentary follows Nephi Craig, a chef from the White Mountain Apache Nation (Arizona), opening an indigenous café as a nutritional recovery clinic; Elsie Dubray, a young scientist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation (South Dakota), conducting landmark studies on bison; and the Ancestral Guard, a group of environmental activists from the Yurok Nation (Northern California), trying to save the Klamath River. You can read more about it here.

Womxn in Conservation gathering
2021-05-19 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation at OnTap on April 28th!
Womxn in Conservation is looking forward to gathering for the first time in a long time! Join on Thursday, April 28th at OnTap food carts in Bend. They will be hanging out outside (hope for good weather!), catching up, and meeting new people from 4:30-6:00pm. Join at any time for their happy hour; no need to RSVP.

Pollinating a Dynamic Economy: Prioritizing Pollinators for Better Food Systems
2021-05-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On World Bee Day, join FAO North America and the Embassy of Slovenia for a dynamic webinar examining the vast challenges facing pollination efforts and the potential for creative development methods.

Students Speak: A Virtual Watershed Summit
2021-05-20 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council will once again be coordinating Students Speak: A Watershed Summit to highlight the incredible work of local students who have been learning about our rivers and streams throughout the year.
For the 13th year, Students Speak: A Watershed Summit will be entirely virtual. Upper Deschutes Watershed Council will host six different schools on a Zoom meeting and will support students in their work to present their watershed stories, art, science, and songs for their peers, parents, and natural resource professionals.
Stay tuned for more details to come!

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-05-20, 2021-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Watershed Warriors
2021-05-22, 2021-05-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Our local watershed is a vital part of our everyday life and a treasured natural resource we want to help preserve. During this program, you and your family will learn all about the importance of watersheds and how to be good stewards for our waterways. From examining water and macroinvertebrate samples in the field, to performing real-time pollution experiments using a watershed model, you will become experts in pollution prevention and watershed stewardship in no time!
This is a family program designed for families with children ages 6 to 10 years old. Capacity for this program is limited. This program takes place fully outdoors and masks are required for participants.
This program is free for Central Oregon families thanks to special support from Children’s Forest of Central Oregon.

Living with Wildfires: Webinar
2021-05-23 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn from experts about what you can do to keep yourself, your family and your community safe during this upcoming wildfire season.
Presenters will cover topics specific to our wildfire season in Central Oregon:

Easy tips for you to prevent your home from going up in flames
How to get out of the smoke and breathe freely when fires are near
Where to go and what to do if Central Oregon is threatened by encroaching wildfires
How you can make changes now to outlast this and all upcoming fire seasons

Each expert speaker will share a brief presentation and then have time to answer your wildfire questions.

CULTIVATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (a Virtual Conference): Confronting Health Threats, Climate Disasters, and Biodiversity Collapse with a Toxic-Free Future
2021-05-25, 2021-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Virtual Conference—May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15, 2021

Scientific understanding. Collective action. Systemic change. A toxic-free future. Organic transition. The serious and existential environmental and health challenges that we face bring an urgency to the focus of this Forum and the work that is going on in communities around the U.S. and the world. Central to the solution is the elimination of petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers in exchange for regenerative organic land management and nontoxic materials that stop the harm from toxic chemical production, use, and disposal. We recognize that this is the only way to protect our children and families, those in workplaces, pets, pollinators, and the rich diversity of organisms essential to life.

Deschutes County Town Hall
2021-05-25 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Senator Jeff Merkley is hosting his 18th digital town hall of the year — and 450th since first being elected to the Senate. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to hear directly from our community. But it’s also important to respect the health and safety of every member of our communities while there is still a very real risk of spreading COVID-19 through in-person gatherings. Senator Jeff Merkley, invites all Deschutes County residents to join online, on mobile devices, or on the telephone to discuss what we need to do to strengthen our state and our nation.
On a computer, smartphone or tablet: click here
On the phone:
Call 669-254-5252
Enter meeting ID: 160 544 9836
Ener participant ID: #
Enter access code: 41220350

The Science of Happiness with Catherine A. Sanderson, Ph. D.
2021-05-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This talk will present both surprising and not-so-surprising information on the science behind happiness. What role do money, marriage, friends, children, weather, age and religion play in making us feel happier? Is happiness stable over time? How can happiness be increased? How has COVID-19 changed this? Professor Sanderson will describe cutting-edge research from the field of positive psychology on the factors that do (and do not) predict happiness, and provide practical (and relatively easy!) ways to increase psychological well-being.

Virtual Workshop: Looking Out for Neonatal Wildlife
2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
One of the most exciting parts of spring is the arrival of baby season. Baby birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer and other wildlife can be easily observed in the landscape. Some animals are fiercely independent within a few days of life while others need longer term care by a parent. This virtual workshop will review the development and behavior of commonly encountered wildlife in our area to help you better recognize when a baby animal may need help and intervention from humans.

InFARMation: Creative Ways to Access Land and Capital
2021-05-25 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The average farmer in Oregon is 60 years old. Without a plan to get new farmers onto the land, when the older generation hangs up their tools in the next decade we stand to lose 25-50% of farmland currently in production to conglomeration or development. Join FoFF for the last session in their InFARMation series on Land and Capital Access to talk about creative ways farmers and organizations are working collaboratively to protect farms and ranches in Oregon.
Speakers:

Nellie McAdams from Oregon Agricultural Trust
Chris Overbaugh from Winter Green Farm
Ryan Gallagher and Alissa Welker from Steward
Natalie Danielson and Silvia Cuesta from Oregon Farm Link

Gorge Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Summit
2021-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
What’s At RIsk? With unprecedented recreation use, how do we care for the places we love?
Join to explore worst case scenarios, the good news and the actions you can take in your region.
Hear from land agencies, businesses, local organizations and government including Eric White, social scientist from the Forest Service on how the Gorge might look in the next few decades if we do nothing.

Webcast: Visions of Wild Utah
2021-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The wild landscapes of Utah offer breathtaking vistas, an incredible array of wildlife, recreation opportunities, and the preservation of irreplaceable cultural practices and artifacts. In recent years, much of the debate over American public lands has centered on Utah, focusing on the unjustified shrinking of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. But there is much more to the story and importance of Utah’s wild landscapes. Join three adventurers from Oregonians for Wild Utah (OFWU) as they take you on a virtual tour of some of these breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll explore how the conversations about our public lands – where they came from, why they’re important, and how they should be managed for future generations – can bring us together and help us advocate for them.

Outdoor Access for All: Exploring Safety, Equity & Inclusion
2021-05-26 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Last year, hate crimes in the U.S. rose to the highest level in more than a decade, according to the FBI. In Oregon, hate crimes and bias incidents spiked 366% with several high-profile reports from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ community members being harassed in public parks and other public recreation areas. We can and must do better.
No one visiting the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Coast, or any lands held for the benefit of the public should have to fear that they and their loved ones might be harassed or attacked due to their skin color, gender identity, or ethnic background. But we still have a long way to go to ensure safe and equitable access on public lands.
Join for a virtual discussion— hosted by Friends of the Columbia Gorge and organized in collaboration with Comunidades, Love is King, and People of Colors Outdoors—to explore the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable access for all to state parks and lands in the Columbia Gorge and beyond across both Oregon and Washington.

Farm Kids Spring 2021
2021-05-27, 2021-05-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Farm Kids! is an educational program that collaborates with teachers to educate school-aged children about where their food comes from through experiential, curriculum-based activities including field-trips to local farms and classroom presentations.

Spring Field Trips will be held at Windy Acres Dairy in Prineville, DD Ranch in Terrebonne, and Golden Eagle Organics and Juniper Jungle Farm in Bend
Farm Kids is geared toward students in kindergarten through second grade
Students will be in pods of 10 with a dedicated educator leading them through learning stations at the farm

Deschutes River Corridor Weed Pulls
2021-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes National Forest and Coalition for the Deschutes to pull invasive weeds along the Deschutes River. You’ll mostly be pulling knapweed and possibly some other invasives such as cheatgrass. With a small group of people spending two or three hours on the job, significant areas can be cleared and kept free of knapweed. And it’s fun and greatly appreciated!
Please bring:

gardening gloves
weeding tools if you have them (e.g., dandelion weeder)
snacks
water
And please dress for the weather and the work

For more information, send an email to inge@coalitionforthedeschutes.org

May Green Drinks Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
2021-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
To honor, celebrate and recognize the contributions, achievements, and influences that the Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander community has had, and continues to have in our community, we’d like to highlight Aina Hawaiian Bend for May Green Drinks.
We sat down with Kauai native and Bend transplant, Ian Vidinha. Ian runs and operates a Kauai-style Hawaiian food cart in Bend, Oregon. Ian shared about his upbringing in Kauai, his cultural connection to the land, and traditional practices on how his family gathered and prepared food.
Here’s how to participate in our May Green Drinks:
First: Watch the 20-minute video featuring Ian’s stories & cooking.
Second: On Thursday, May 27th, mention Green Drinks at Aina food cart and receive 10% off your meal. (Their hours are 12-7pm; located near Bevel Brewing.)
**Please note this is not a scheduled, in-person event. You can watch the film and eat at Aina anytime. Share your photos with us!**

BIPOC Climbing night
2021-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Latinos Outside, Vamonos Outside and the Circuit Bouldering Gym for their monthly BIPOC Climb Night. It is a place to come together and connect with other BIPOC folk in Central Oregon who are interested in climbing. All levels of experienced climbers welcomed.
First time visit is free. After that, it is half off regular day passes during these climb nights. Regular prices are $19 (adults), $17 (Students), $15 (youth). Free rentals for any one who needs them. Prizes will be given away as well. Sign waiver here!

Healing the Big River
2021-05-27 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Thirteen years ago he embarked on a self-assignment to tell the story of the Columbia River Treaty between the U.S and Canada, and its impact on first nations, tribes, and salmon along the entire 1,250 Columbia River. The original treaty in 1964 excluded participation and input from indigenous communities. The end result of this labor of love was the independently produced photo essay book, Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty. Peter invited leaders from first nations, tribes, and salmon restoration advocates to contribute powerful guest essays about their connection to the river, their hopes for a modernized treaty (now being re-negotiated), and their hopes to see one of the greatest salmon runs that ever existed on the planet restored, from the ocean to the headwaters near Canal Flats BC. The Grand Coulee Dam in eastern WA State has blocked the salmon returning home to the headwaters.
Peter Marbach has been a professional photographer for 25 years, published 6 photo essay books, and had previous assignment work with numerous conservation groups, U.S Forest Service, and outdoor travel editorial work. In October 2014, Peter was featured in an episode of Oregon Field Guide. His current professional focus is as a visual storyteller using his photography to address important environmental and indigenous justice issues.

Happy Girls Run 2021
2021-05-29 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Grab your bestie and take in the beauty of Central Oregon as you embark on a tour of majestic scenery. You’ll be well-supported with multiple aid stations, medics and helpful event staff to make your day all about you and achieving your personal goals. Register now

Happy Hour in the Garden
2021-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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

COTA Crook County Chapter Meeting
2021-06-01 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The local Crook County chapter COTA meeting happens the first Tuesday of every month. Now meeting at Good Bike Co., the monthly meeting takes place outdoors following OR Covid restrictions.

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon-Virtual Q&A session
2021-06-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Central Oregon Chapter of OSU Master Gardeners (COMGA) presents a Virtual Q&A Session to discuss your questions on Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon. Registered attendees will be sent a link to a pre-recorded class. Watch the video and bring your questions to this Virtual Q&A Session.
Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon video course – https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_45m9pklu

Networking 2.0 - Gearing up to go live!
2021-06-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come spend an hour with Julie Harrelson, Managing Director at Cascade Seed Fund, for a refreshing conversation about networking (especially while we’re still in a global pandemic).

Virtual Town Hall w/ Sen. Ron Wyden
2021-06-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This week, Wyden will be holding a virtual town hall. It’s a key time to let him know you want to see our wild public lands and waters – including Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands – protected, forever.
The link to watch this virtual town hall is here.
The link to submit questions for Senator Wyden is here.
All topics welcome!
