The Environmental Center

Sage Summit
2021-10-14 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
In just two weeks, NAO is combining the High Desert Conference and the Eastern Oregon Nonprofit Conference into one virtual summit with keynote speaker, Carol Cheney, Chief Executive Officer at the Collins Foundation! They have an exciting line-up of sessions, speakers, and panels planned. If you’re a nonprofit leader in Oregon, particularly in Eastern or Central Oregon, don’t miss the opportunity to attend.

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Food Heritage of Turtle Island
2021-10-14
Join on October 14 in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day (in the United States) and World Food Day 2021 to learn from Indigenous Chefs and Producers of Turtle Island (North America). Engage with Indigenous chefs, producers and international experts on the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and cuisine in the kitchen, production, policy, schools and community.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in the Sustainable Building Industry
2021-10-14
The ZERO Coalition is proud to present this training focused on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the Sustainable Building Industry. Participants will learn JEDI concepts, uncovering implicit biases, and actions to implement immediate change.
Join and be sure to register before October 8th for early bird tickets!

Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Reward – How to Recreate Safely in Oregon’s High Desert
2021-10-14
Would you know what to do if you were injured while exploring the desert?
In April 2019, Oregon Desert Trail thru-hiker Stacy Boone sustained a debilitating injury in the Owyhee region. In the summer of that same year, long-distance biker Tomas Quinones came to the aid of an unconscious man while he was bikepacking through the Greater Hart-Sheldon. To help you learn from their experiences, Oregon Desert Trail Coordinator Renee Patrick will facilitate a conversation between these two desert explorers, highlighting two sides of search and rescue efforts.

Student Voices on Climate Futures
2021-10-14
Join OGS|PDX for a student-led discussion on climate futures and resilience. Students are demanding climate action in Portland and beyond. They are feeling the effects of climate change very deeply as it rapidly unfolds before their eyes. Join us for a lively discussion with local Oregon high school students from PPS, Forest Grove, and other districts to hear their thoughts about the urgent need to fix the climate. They will discuss how climate change is currently affecting them and what they think the solutions are from their perspective. Those of us in the field will have the ability to ask them questions and they in turn will be able to ask us the tough questions right back.

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-10-14, 2021-10-21
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.

MEASURE WHAT YOU VALUE: TEEING UP MORE MEANINGFUL PLANNING WITH AN EQUITY ATLAS ​
2021-10-14
The events of 2020 and early 2021 have magnified many longstanding issues and concerns related to systemic racism, inequitable development, and many other social injustices in our communities. A more equitable approach to planning and designing our cities will require a more inclusive process and a rethinking of how communities track past trends, understand existing conditions, and define the highest priority problems.
No pre-registration is required and attendance is free, but seating is limited.

Healthy Homes - Energy Efficiency, Electrification and Equity
2021-10-15
Join Electrify Now and the ZERO Coalition to explore how weatherization and electrification programs and policies can help energy burdened households lower their energy bills and create healthier homes.

World Food Day
2021-10-16
Celebrated annually on 16 October, World Food Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and take actions for those who suffer from hunger and the need to provide healthy diets for all.

The food we choose and the way we produce, prepare, cook, and store has an impact on how our agri-food systems work. This year World Food Day calls for collective actions towards building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems for “Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life,” leaving no one behind.

As a global community, we each have a role to play in the transformation of agri-food systems – from governments to private companies, farmers, civil society, academia, and all individuals, including youth! Together we can empower each element of our agri-food systems to collaborate more fairly, sustainably, and inclusively from farm to table, and beyond.

Mad Science Family Program
2021-10-16
Unleash your inner mad scientist while your family experiments with colorful, fun, and messy chemistry! See if you can inflate balloons using chemical reactions, discover membrane madness to create bouncy eggs, and experience the chaos of making slime, elephant toothpaste and more. Capacity is limited, so secure your family’s spot early.

SOLVE Ochoco Creek Clean-up: Womxn in Conservation Crew
2021-10-16
Looking to connect with fellow Womxn in Conservation and make a difference at the same time? Join at an Ochoco Creek clean-up on Saturday, October 16th from 11 am-2pm in Prineville. Volunteers will work together as a COWC team both in the water and along the creek.
If you’d like to be part of the COWC team, let leadership team member Megan Hill know via email by Monday, October 11th.
Due to the complexities of working in the creek, no one under 12 will be allowed to be in the Creek itself. Under 16 must be with a parent or guardian. A limited number of waders are available to be borrowed, let me know if you need waders.

Seasons of the Desert
2021-10-16
Each season in Oregon’s high desert, a new world unfolds. From spring blooms to autumn’s migrating birds, this virtual presentation will teach you a bit about what you’ll find year-round in the desert and provide travel suggestions to appreciate seasonal wonders.
This event will be hosted on Zoom, registration is free and required. Only one person per household should register. All registrants will also receive a captioned recording of the presentation.

Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit
2021-10-17 - 2021-10-23
​The 2022 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit (in partnership with the Oregon Trails Summit) combines fun and high impact, in-person networking opportunities with conference programming on the important issues of the day, educational content, trails stewardship work parties, and in-field tours and workshops.
The summit will convene Oregon’s diverse outdoor community to learn, build relationships, and find solutions to the challenges in developing and elevating outdoor recreation opportunities for all.

Stand Up for Healthy Schools - a grassroots advocacy training!
2021-10-17
Learn how to make your voice heard. Hear from parents, educators, and healthcare experts from right here in Oregon on how you can take action for safe and healthy schools! It is time to show up, speak up, and defend our schools.
Hosted by: We Win Strategy Group, Hands In Oregon, and The Healthy Schools Project.

Wildlife and Landscape Photography Workshop
2021-10-17
Join professional nature photographer Christian Murillo for an afternoon of wildlife and landscape photography right in Sunriver. This workshop will focus on building the techniques and tools necessary to capture engaging nature photography. Whether you would like to learn how to use your camera better, how to find creative compositions, or how to work with natural light, there will be opportunities to learn all of the above during this workshop. All experience levels and any camera equipment (even smartphones!) are welcome.
Workshop is limited to 10 participants so secure your spot early. SNCO Members receive a 15% discount on registration.

Community Pint Nights at Deschutes Brewery
2021-10-19
Join The Environmental Center every Tuesday for the month of October for Community Pint Nights at Deschutes Brewery!
We are the designated nonprofit beneficiary for Deschutes Brewery’s Community Pint Nights in October. Join us on Tuesdays in October at the downtown Public House or Tasting Room and Deschutes Brewery will donate $1 from every pint sold to The Environmental Center.
Mark your calendars—we hope to see you there! Oct 5, 12, 19, and 26.
Many thanks to Deschutes Brewery for being supporters of our work!

Centering Black and Brown Experience: Walking While Black & Celebrating Ruby Bridges
2021-10-19
ODOT SRTS aims to create inclusive programs for all students and families, where they can feel safe and secure walking and rolling to school. Unfortunately, for many in Oregon, walking and rolling can feel unsafe. Join us on October 19th at noon, with speaker Ashton Simpson (Oregon Walks) who will talk about the issues Black and Brown community members face, and give insight on how to make SRTS programs better for all. The SRTS Technical Assistance team will also discuss Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, which celebrates 6 year old Ruby’s heroism and bravery, and ways to promote safe walking and biking while it gets darker, colder and rainier in Oregon.

Know Mystery - Microbes in Seeds
2021-10-19
Explore how microbes end up inside seeds, how their communities impact plant health, and future directions for ecological research on seed microbes.

Letter Writing Party: DEQ Climate Protection Program
2021-10-19
Come learn about the draft Climate Protection Program and join us in submitting public comments on how the plan can be improved.
Right now, you can help make climate protection in Oregon stronger by adding your voice to demand DEQ strengthens the draft Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. We will help you get your comments ready to send written comments by Oct. 25th @ 4:00PM. While the Climate Protection Program has the potential to be a meaningful tool to replace fossil fuels with clean energy, the draft Climate Protection Program has problems, which keep it from living up to its name. Thankfully, the rules for the CPP aren’t final yet!
Register to attend

Agenda

Learn about the Climate Protection Plan with Brad Reed from Renew Oregon and potential areas for improvement
Get started drafting your written comments or testimony for a public hearing
Q&A with Brad Reed
Wrap up & review how to submit your comments or get signed up to speak

Register to attend
Meet our speaker
Brad Reed, Campaign Manager, Renew Oregon
Brad Reed is a campaigner and communication, media and digital strategist. He’s worked with Renew Oregon since 2015 to support multiple, ground-breaking clean energy policies such as the Oregon Climate Action Plan, Oregon’s Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Act, and Clean Fuels Standard. He has also worked on winning statewide ballot measure campaigns to reform criminal justice and drug laws in Oregon. Prior to his career in political communications, Brad was an Emmy Award-winning television news producer. He worked in Portland, OR; Charleston, SC; and Boston, MA; over a 10 year career in news.
What is the Climate Protection Program?
The Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will set a starting ceiling or “cap” for climate pollution in Oregon from certain large polluters (oil companies, fracked gas utilities) in 2022. The cap lowers over time, requiring those polluters to reduce their climate pollution about 2-3% per year on average through 2050. According to science, reduction should be closer to 7% annually to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, so we have work to do. If polluters fail to lower their pollution, they will be held accountable by environmental regulators. Polluters will have to transition off of fossil fuels by adopting clean, energy efficient technologies. The resulting investments in clean energy will improve health in our communities, lower energy costs, and create local, good-paying jobs.
Learn more about the good and the bad parts of the proposed rules from Oregon Environmental Council.
This event is co-hosted with

Pandemic Politics: A COINversation
2021-10-19
Join Embrace Bend for a discussion of how communities across Oregon are responding to and affected by the pandemic. Panelists include State Rep. Dr. Maxine Dexter, Bend-LaPine School Board Director Marcus LeGrand, Salem City Counciler Dr. Trevor Phillips, Wasco County Commissioner Kathryn Schwartz, RN, and former Jackson County Commissioner Dr. David Gilmour.
The event will start promptly at 7 p.m. Please join the meeting by 6:45pm,

Federal Indian Policy
2021-10-20
Health & Outdoors Partner, Barton Robison is happy to announce a three-course training series, “Working in Indian Country.” Designed specifically for non-tribal members, this series will help professionals working with indigenous and tribal communities understand the broader context of US-tribal relations, dig into how to craft a successful land acknowledgment, and glean helpful tips on culturally responsive ways to engage with tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Barton has an MPA with a focus in Natural Resources from PSU, and just completed his Graduate Certificate in Tribal Relations through PSU’s Institute for Tribal Government.

Confluence Conversations: Storytelling with Ciarra Greene
2021-10-20
During this virtual event, Ciarra Greene (Nez Perce) will share traditional Nimiipuu stories and dive into their ecological practices and cultural understandings, exemplifying what has made traditional storytelling a strong force for cultural continuity over the generations. Ciarra Greene is a citizen of the Nez Perce Tribe, focused on protection and healing of Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) community and homelands through culture, science, and education. Nimiipuu culture and traditions emphasize environmental stewardship and drives Ciarra’s academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

Rethinking How to Teach About the First Thanksgiving [Virtual]
2021-10-20
In these changing times and with more time being spent on virtual platforms, we recognize that finding the time to engage in full day training is not always possible, so we are offering a series of “Bite Sized” Professional Development opportunities. These virtual training sessions will address individual topics, and highlight how your teaching can align with Oregon’s Senate Bill 13: Tribal History/Shared History and Washington’s Since Time Immemorial.
In this session, we are not going to talk about that fateful dinner called Thanksgiving. The discussion will be focused around The Wampanoags: The People who Met the Pilgrims: A perspective of power and partnership (for grades K-2), and how you as an educator can learn from their experience developing this curriculum, and be a part of challenging history and stereotypes about Indigenous peoples.
Two sessions available, content will be the same for each session: Wednesday 10/13/2021 or Wednesday 10/20/2021. Signing up on this page signs you up for October 20th — if you wish to do the 13th, sign up here.

From the Ground Up: Planning for Complete Communities
2021-10-20
Cities and towns don’t happen by accident. They are shaped through years of policy and planning that lay the foundation for everything from commute time to the cost of housing. If you’ve ever wondered why some neighborhoods have parks and bike paths while others lack sidewalks, this event is for you.
*The format of this event (virtual or in-person) is to be determined. Register here and COLW will keep you up to date on the format.

Unpacking the Status of Oregon's Wolves
2021-10-20
If you care about wolves in Oregon and across the West, this is the webcast for you! In honor of Wolf Awareness Week, Wildlife Program Coordinator Danielle Moser and Northeast Oregon Field Coordinator, Rob Klavins will provide a thorough overview of the status of wolf protections, share opportunities for you to provide public comment, and more! In addition to this presentation, there will also be plenty of time to answer any questions you may have about wolf recovery efforts at the state or federal levels. Hope to see you there!

Beyond Toxics’ 7th Annual Bee Jazzy and 20th Anniversary Celebration, a benefit to Save Oregon's Bees co-hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and GloryBee
2021-10-21
Beyond Toxics’ 7th Annual Bee Jazzy and 20th Anniversary Celebration, a benefit to Save Oregon’s Bees co-hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and GloryBee.

Pints & Politics Scorecard Release Party
2021-10-21
Pints & Politics is back – virtually! OLCV is excited to announce their first Pints & Politics event in over a year.
This will be a fun night of guest speakers, including State Representative Jason Kropf and OLCV’s Coalition Director Julia DeGraw. They’ll dive into the 2021 Scorecard and take a look at what was accomplished during the 2021 legislative session–including major climate victories!–and what was left as unfinished business. We hope you can join OLCV!

Transplanting Forest Seedlings Workshop
2021-10-23
During this hands-on workshop and field trip, you’ll learn how to identify and incorporate a variety of native forest seedlings into your landscape. Workshop will take place outdoors.

Amplify Fall Fest
2021-10-23
Educators of color and students of color pursuing a career in education! Check out Amplify Fall Fest by the Central Oregon Regional Educator Network. This is a family-friendly gathering on Saturday, October 23rd from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Tumalo Community School with catered lunch and raffle prizes. For more information, go to www.centraloregoneducators.org.
