The Environmental Center

OLCV Virtual Town Hall with Senator Ron Wyden
2021-06-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about the American Jobs Plan and Senator Wyden’s Clean Energy for America Act.
At the Town Hall Senator Wyden will share how the American Jobs Plan will put millions of people to work by making major investments in infrastructure, while also speeding up our transition to clean energy. Creating family-wage paying jobs and prioritizing environmental justice are at the heart of this historic policy.

National Trails Day- Take Action for Trails!
2021-06-05
Saturday, June 5th is National Trails Day: One Way to Celebrate! (in addition to getting out on the trail)
Contact your congressperson and ask them to support HR 1864, the Recreational Trails Program Full Funding Act. RTP is such an important funding source for all kinds of Oregon trails, and requests outstrip available funds 4 to 1! Thanks to everyone who signed on to our letter last week. Now let’s make sure Oregon’s congressional delegation hears directly from Oregonians about the value of local trails and this funding program. See who else supports HR 1864!

Screening & Discussion of “Kiss the Ground”
2021-06-05 - 2021-06-07
With less than 10 years left to shift the path of our planet and combat climate change, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration calls to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean.
On World Environment Day, join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to mark the launch of the UN Decade by viewing an exclusive screening of the critically-acclaimed environmental feature documentary, “Kiss the Ground,” and joining a virtual discussion about the film.
You are invited to watch the documentary between June 5-7 and tune into the interactive panel discussion with experts and featured guests from the film on Monday, June 7 from 11 am – 12 PM EST. This session will highlight innovative ways regenerative agriculture is reviving ecosystems around the world and how you can be part of the movement.

Join the discussion

Central Oregon Pride Month! June 2021
2021-06-05 - 2021-06-19
Pride Month is here! Join all month long for events throughout Central Oregon; including:

– City of Bend Pride Proclamation
– LGBTQ+ Film Screenings with BendFilm
– Pride edition of ‘Oh Yess’ @Dogwood
– Cult of Tuck Drag Show returns!
– LGBTQ+ Rock Climbing
– Pride Night Fridays @Bos
– Bend Your Wrist Vogue Dance
– Drag Brunch!… and many more

Details, dates, and locations to be announced on OUTCentralOregon page.

Watershed Warriors
2021-06-05
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.

CULTIVATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (a Virtual Conference): Confronting Health Threats, Climate Disasters, and Biodiversity Collapse with a Toxic-Free Future
2021-06-08, 2021-06-15
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.

Unique Winter Vegetables to Grow
2021-06-08
Take a deep dive into some of the more underappreciated winter vegetables! You’ll cover garlic, radicchio (a form of leaf chicory) celeriac, or celery root, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, winter squash and purple sprouting broccoli, to name a few. Basic winter gardening techniques to add these delectable veggies to your plates in winter will also be covered.

Happy Hour in the Garden
2021-06-08, 2021-06-15, 2021-06-22
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

High Desert Wonders
2021-06-08
Whether you’re a new member of the desert conservation community, or want to be introduced to the vast beauty of Central and eastern Oregon, you’re invited to join Oregon Natural Desert Asssociation to get to know the High Desert Wonders. Their team will share stunning imagery, tips to plan your next visit, and provide ways to advocate for this special landscape.

Pressure Canning Preserve-Along
2021-06-09
Practice or review pressure canning steps and tips in this hands-on interactive session. Session guides will be sent by email on Friday, June 4 prior to this workshop with ingredients, supplies and steps to take in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: Payments are non-refundable if you find you cannot attend

Virtual Event: A Guide to Restoring the Little Things That Run the World
2021-06-09
Join Dr. Doug Tallamy, entomologist and author of Nature’s Best Hope, for this lively discussion. A recent UN report predicts that as many as 1 million species will disappear from planet earth because of human activities. Many of these are insects and nearly all species at risk rely on insects. Insects have already declined 45% since 1974. How do we create beautiful landscapes brimming with life; landscapes that support the pollinators, herbivores, detritivores, predators and parasitoids that run the ecosystems on which we depend? Tallamy will remind us of the many essential roles insects play, and describe the simple changes we must make to keep insects on the ground, in the air and yes, on our plants. Also learn about the Native Plant Society of Oregon: High Desert Chapter, the Bend Pollinator Pathway, and how you can get involved. What can we plant and what actions can we take to support native pollinators in Central Oregon?
This virtual event is FREE but registration is required.

Summer Bees & Plants
2021-06-09
Join Beyond Toxics for a webinar to learn about native bees and attend a virtual native plant tour! August Jackson (Mount Pisgah Arboretum) will give a brief look at some of Oregon’s bee species that thrive in the heat of summer, and discuss what you can do to support them in your area. Then Kelsey Irvine (City of Eugene) will take you on a virtual tour of the Native Plant Nursery in Alton Baker Park and show you some blooming native pollinator plants to support these heat-loving summer bees! There will be time for q&a at the end. All are welcome!

Bend YP DevLabs: Persuasive Communication – Accomplish Your Goals
2021-06-10
We all have to give a persuasive speech sometime. Whether that be in asking for a raise or a promotion, in a job interview, giving a presentation to your team, or selling someone on your product or service. In this development lab, you will learn from public speaking coach Joanne Matthews how to understand your audience and custom tailor a persuasive message to them that will meet your goals.

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-06-10, 2021-06-17
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.

Whychus Creek at Pine Meadow Ranch Weed Pull
2021-06-11
Join Pine Meadow Ranch and Coalition for the Deschutes to pull knapweed and other invasive weeds along Whychus Creek as it flows through the ranch.
Where: Pine Meadow Ranch, Sisters
For more information and to register, send an email to Inge@CoalitionfortheDeschutes.org
You’ll start each of the weed pulls with an overview of logistics and safety protocols and talk about the what and why of pulling invasive plants. Participants will be required to sign a release waiver. Covid-19 protocols will be observed.
Why pull invasive weeds:

Noxious weeds invade a variety of habitats, including wildlands such as the National Forest and Deschutes River corridor.
They displace and compete with native vegetation, thus reducing wildlife forage, erosion control, and overall watershed health.
The Bend/Ft. Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest has documented approximately 2,300 acres of infestations. Some of these infestations are in our favorite places to recreate.
We need your help with controlling noxious weeds so we can continue to enjoy these special places!

National Get Outdoors Day
2021-06-12
Saturday, June 12 is National Get Outdoors day and sites managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management will be fee-free! Popular areas include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Newberry Volcanic Monument, and National Forests for the US Forest Service and Alsea Falls and Shotgun Creek BLM day-use areas.
National get outdoors day is held on the second Saturday of June annually and is part of National Great Outdoors month. It is coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and US Forest Service. It began as a way to encourage first-time participants and families with kids to get outdoors and enjoy nearby recreation areas.
Find out more about other USFS fee-free days on the US Forest Service Region 6 website.

2021 Dirty Half
2021-06-13
Registration for the 2021 Dirty Half is open!
This year the run takes place on Sunday, June 13th starting at 7am. Proceeds will benefit the Land Trust. A local’s favorite, the 2021 Dirty Half is extra special because it’s turning 20 years old! To celebrate, this year’s Dirty Half will be bigger and better than ever with awesome branded packet pickup gear, a special Hydro Flask finisher prize, great raffle prizes, delicious food, and live music!

June Town Hall with Representative Jason Kropf & Representative Dacia Grayber
2021-06-13
Join Representative Jason Kropf and Representative Dacia Grayber for a virtual town hall to discuss issues relevant to Bend, Tigard, and our state. Topics will include wildfire recovery and preparedness, climate change action, and more! Community members will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the legislative session and local issues. We hope to see you there!

Deschutes River Corridor Weed Pulls
2021-06-16
Join the Deschutes National Forest and Coalition for the Deschutes for weed pulls along the Deschutes River.
Weed pull #2
Over the past three years Deschutes National Forest and Coalition for the Deschutes have pulled invasive weeds at Meadow Camp and Ryan Ranch. The exact location for the upcoming weed pull is still being decided upon by the Forest Service.
For more information about each of these weed pulls, send an email to contact@CoalitionfortheDeschutes.org
You’ll start each of the weed pulls with an overview of logistics and safety protocols and talk about the what and why of pulling invasive plants. Participants will be required to sign a release waiver. Covid-19 protocols will be observed.
Why pull invasive weeds:

Noxious weeds invade a variety of habitats, including wildlands such as the National Forest and Deschutes River corridor.
They displace and compete with native vegetation, thus reducing wildlife forage, erosion control, and overall watershed health.
The Bend/Ft. Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest has documented approximately 2,300 acres of infestations. Some of these infestations are in our favorite places to recreate.
We need your help with controlling noxious weeds so we can continue to enjoy these special places!

Womxn in Conservation Gatherings
2021-06-16
Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation hosts professional development events, social outings, and full group meetings. They hope to resume these offerings once pandemic conditions improve.
In the meantime, as the weather warms, Central Oregon Womxn in Conservation invites you to join at Juniper Park in Bend (near the tennis court entrance) for an informal monthly gathering. There will be no agenda. Simply be connecting with one another and catching up!
All gatherings will take place at Juniper Park at 800 NE 6th St in Bend.
The fine print: Even though you’ll be together outside, they ask that people wear masks to this gathering. Also, please bring your own snacks, beverages, and chair.

One of a Kind Owyhee
2021-06-16
Get to know the unique landscape of the Owyhee Canyonlands, from the rolling rapids to the sagebrush plateau. You’ll travel back in time to learn about the long history of how the Owyhee came to be and how you can be involved in the future of conservation across this vast region.

Virtual Workshop: Living with Flickers: A Homeowner’s Guide
2021-06-16
Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for a virtual workshop to explore how to live with birds such as flickers and nuthatches who want to turn our homes into theirs. Local wildlife rehabilitator, Elise Wolf of Native Bird Care Rescue, will discuss simple ways to either exclude or adapt to our flighted friends and why even the pests, are well, extraordinary.

2nd Annual Take The Butte Back March
2021-06-19
The Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly is hosting the second annual “Take the Butte Back March” on Saturday, June 19th.

In the 1920s, the KKK would march up Pilot Butte to hold meetings and burn crosses. Last year, C.O.B.L.A led over 300 people to the top of Pilot Butte and symbolically took it back in the name of peace and solidarity. Join the march this year to continue this annual trek to keep Pilot Butte a peaceful and enjoyable place for the community.

Oregon must continue to address its long history of racism and harm to Black communities, and celebrating Juneteenth provides an opportunity to educate ourselves, recognize Oregon’s racist roots, and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans in the face of ongoing systemic oppression.

Juneteenth: Central Oregon Celebrates Freedom Day
2021-06-19
Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement by Union Army General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, this will be a great opportunity for local residents to learn about and celebrate the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. This type of community gathering is particularly relevant now given the increased awareness and widespread protests that have occurred over the past 12 months around longstanding injustices and inequities in our society. This year we will be highlighting the systemic barriers within Central Oregonians’ current housing crisis, from our houseless community to affordable rent to equitable homeownership. This opportunity will allow service providers, city representatives, land trusts, and others to come together and communicate their strategies and resources.
This fun, family-friendly event will feature dynamic speakers who will share the history of Juneteenth, music, food (both island and American), dancers, face painting for the kids, a variety of educational exhibits and artistic displays, and sports. It will benefit the community and especially the youth as most of the day will be spent learning about Juneteenth and its history. Our secondary goal is to increase our collective impact around our housing challenges by providing our community members with access to information.

Flowing North: Rewilding the Deschutes
2021-06-21
The Deschutes River holds a distinct past, an iconic present, and a precarious future. This river story meanders through time as its flows rise and fall. The river today is not the same river of yesteryear. At LandWatch, their mission is to improve and restore critical habitats for fish and wildlife in our rivers and wetlands.
In this event, you’ll dive into the ecological story of the Deschutes, the ongoing drought, and what’s next for the river.

All Electric Yard Care - Ditch the gas
2021-06-23
Join the Electrify! Coalition for an informative webinar on electric outdoor power tools. They’ll be talking with some of the leading experts on the electrification of the landscape maintenance industry and the manufacturers of outdoor landscape equipment about why this is important, and the state of the transition away from gas powered tools. They will provide tips on how you can make this transition in your home or community, and discuss:
• How much air pollution and toxic solid waste is produced by gas powered tools
• Why the noise and emissions from these tools is not just a nuisance
• How battery powered tools deliver performance and productivity that rivals gas
• The advantages of electric: low operation and maintenance costs, ease of use
• Tips for homeowners wanting to make the switch
• The transition happening in the commercial landscape maintenance industry
• How cities, schools and communities can electrify their fleets
• The concept of certified Green Zones – fossil fuel free public outdoor spaces
