The Environmental Center

Indigenous Perspectives on Earth and Sky: Living with the Stars on Day of the Dead
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Doña María O. Ávila Vera is a Maya elder born in the village of Xul and raised in the town of Peto, Yucatán, México. She is a steward of the traditions of her ancestors, using her life experience and native language—Yucatec Mayan. Mother of eleven children and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, she shares her time between Petaluma, CA, and Mérida, Yucatán. She actively researches the knowledge of the Maya by capturing the oral tradition of her people and sharing Indigenous knowledge with her family, friends, and communities.
Isabel Hawkins, Ph.D., is bilingual and bicultural Latina from Córdoba, Argentina. Dr. Hawkins received her Ph.D. in astrophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1986. She worked for 20 years at the University of California at Berkeley on several NASA satellite projects, and as the Director of Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Hawkins has received six NASA awards for her leadership in science education.

Justice for Black Farmers: A Conversation to Uproot Racist Policy and Plant Seeds of Redress
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The introduction of the Justice for Black Farmers Act in 2020 and the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act of 2021 was the first time many Americans learned about the historical and ongoing discrimination against farmers of African descent by local farm service agencies and private entities like banks. Yet, it was only the latest chapter in the long saga of anti-Black racism in American farming. Join a panel of legacy farmers, critical race scholars, and a civil rights lawyer to learn about the grave injustices of the 1999 Pigford v. Glickman class action racial discrimination lawsuit, recent actions by the Biden Administration and Congress to rectify these wrongs, and what you can do to support a more fair and democratic farming system in the United States.

Bend COTA Work Events
2021-10-28, 2021-11-04, 2021-11-11 | 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.

The Magic of the Metolius: Virtual Auction & Art Night
2021-10-28 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Central Oregon LandWatch for a virtual auction and art event celebrating the Metolius River Basin with artist Sheila Dunn. This evening will feature a talk with the artist, live musical performance, storytelling and guest speakers. This event is free and open to all.

Bird Walk
2021-10-30 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Walk on the wild side! Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars!
Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Expect to walk approximately 3 to 4 miles along various trails.

Mad Science Family Program
2021-10-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Late Night Plant Shopping
2021-10-30 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come shop the plants late night, with a portion of proceeds going towards a different foundation monthly. Also, meet and greet with the queens/kings/entertainers of The Greenhouse as well!
*Masks required*
Donation Based aka FREE!
Proceeds will benefit The Environmental Center

Climate Resilience in Central Oregon
2021-11-02 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Between record heat waves, horrific smoke and debilitating drought, we are all experiencing the anticipated effects of climate change first-hand. And while the situation is clearly dire, there is still opportunity to rewrite our climate future. Geology professor Hal Wershow will begin by examining how our climate in Central Oregon has already changed and then share projections for what we can expect for the rest of the 21st century. After reviewing the science, he will transition into climate resilience; in other words, what can we do in our community to diminish the worst impacts and adapt to the inevitable changes.
There is a limited capacity in-person event in Wille Hall (COCC Bend Campus) with an option for livestream as well.
Tickets: Tickets: $8 for in-person event (limited capacity), $5 for livestream event
Link to reserve tickets: cocc.edu/foundation/cls

Land Acknowledgments
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
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.

Legends of the Northern Paiute with Wilson Wewa from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:
Wilson will present legends handed down to him by his elders, in the traditional story-telling way. Wilson will be presenting on the Prineville campus on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 5:30 – 6:30pm, a light dinner will be provided.

Reckoning with Race and Racism in America with Michael Eric Dyson
2021-11-03 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Viewers will explore with Michael Eric Dyson the cultural and social forces that have shaped our nation’s approach to issues of race, and hear his thoughts on reasons to hope for a better future as we reckon with our past. A distinguished professor of African American studies, ethics and society at Vanderbilt University, Dyson is the author or editor of more than 20 books on subjects from Malcolm X to Tupac Shakur. He is a New York Times contributing opinion writer, and a contributing editor of The New Republic and of ESPN’s The Undefeated website. The presentation will be hosted by Erika McCalpine, executive director for strategic diversity at OSU-Cascades.
FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Truth, Reckoning, and Healing; A Story of Indian Boarding Schools with Gabriann Hall from the Klamath Tribes.
2021-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:
Truth, Reckoning, and Healing; A Story of Indian Boarding Schools with Gabriann Hall from the Klamath Tribes. Gabriann will present on the absolute atrocities that took place in these institutions as well as how and why this happened to our Native children in both the US and Canada. Gabriann will be presenting on the Bend campus on Thursday, Nov. 4, 12 – 1:00pm, Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center. Feel free to bring your lunch and join us for this moving presentation.

2021 Sustainability Awards
2021-11-04 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
This year, we will be hosting our seventh Sustainability Awards event to commend the determined and persistent change-makers in our local communities who are essential to achieving a sustainable future.
We recognize local leaders — individuals, businesses, organizations, and community programs/projects— who are advancing a healthy environment, a prosperous economy, and social equity.
Featuring a youth panel discussion and stories from Central Oregon leaders. Join us in celebrating local champions of sustainability.
This event was planned to be in person, but after much consideration of the health and safety of our participants and audience, we’ve decided to host a really engaging virtual event instead. By registering today, we ensure you’ll receive more information, links, and ways to engage as we get closer to the event date.

How can Indigenous cultures inform sustainable ag?
2021-11-05 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
How can Indigenous knowledges of agriculture and resource management inform the creation of a sustainable food system for all? And how can non-Indigenous people listen and learn without burdening Indigenous communities with the responsibility to alleviate problems they didn’t create? Join us as panelists explore these challenging and thought-provoking questions––and more––in this event hosted by Planet Forward and FAO.
Featured Speakers
Karletta Chief, Director, Indigenous Resilience Center at the University of Arizona
John Manirakiza, an Indigenous African businessman and farmer at Florencia Farms
Mikaila Way, Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison, FAO
Moderator
Frank Sesno, Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward

Camp Fire Fall Festival
2021-11-06 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Come join Camp Fire Central Oregon for their First Annual Fall Festival. This FREE community event is put on by local youth and will feature games and activities for the whole family! as well as raffle prizes!! See you there!
Click Here to Volunteer at the Event!

Truth, Reckoning, and Healing; A Story of Indian Boarding Schools with Gabriann Hall from the Klamath Tribes.
2021-11-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:
Gabriann will present on the absolute atrocities that took place in these institutions as well as how and why this happened to our Native children in both the US and Canada. Gabriann will be presenting on the Madras campus on Monday, Nov. 8, 11:45 – 12:45pm. A light lunch will be provided.

Forum on Racism: Addressing Counter-Narratives of Racism
2021-11-08 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Please join COCC for this year’s first Forum on Racism: Addressing Counter-Narratives of Racism. COCC is committed to continuing these important conversations and addressing systemic inequities. The forums will be held once per term. COCC invites you to share in this work and be a part of making changes in our communities so that we truly are a welcoming and inclusive place. Together we can make a difference!

Community Connections: Meaningful Investment in Indigenous Communities
2021-11-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Learn about efforts to sustain and preserve tradition, provide mutual support, and promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.
Featuring:
Erik R. Stegman (Carry the Kettle First Nation – Nakoda) – Chief Executive Officer, Native Americans in Philanthropy
Paul Lumley (Yakama Nation) – Chief Executive Officer, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)

Healthy Soils for Healthy People
2021-11-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Research has suggested that healthy soils can benefit human health, via transfer of beneficial microbes from the soil to the skin. What are the characteristics of healthy soils, and do these characteristics align with the soils tended by Oregon gardeners? This talk will provide an overview of what is known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, and how this relates to healthy garden soils. OSU will present data gathered from the soils of Oregon gardeners, as well as share initial results on a study looking at how garden soils might (or might not) influence the skin microbiome of Oregon gardeners.
Registration information to come.

InFARMation Fall Series: Uncovering the Dirty Parts of Farming
2021-11-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join FoFF’s for their last session of InFARMation Fall Series. They will focus these important conversations on climate change and will deep dive into drought and water issues, bio gas and dry farming. We know that climate change impacts all of our lives and Oregon’s family farmers are already feeling the effects from worsening storms, increased wildfire, and rising average summer temperatures. Agriculture is often mentioned as a huge source of greenhouse gasses, but that is most true for industrial agribusinesses, not family farms.
We are excited to hear from farmers and others in the food system network to find out what the real concerns are and the work they are doing to move towards a more climate neutral future. Our local farmers play an important role in this global climate crisis and agriculture offers some promising solutions in our fight against climate change. This series is virtual, and as always, FREE and everyone is welcome. We hope to “see” you there!

Special Event with Dr. John Perona: From Knowledge to Power
2021-11-09 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
“To solve the climate crisis,” Dr. Perona writes, “we must call on the best thinking from all who share the vision of a thriving, healthy planet.”
Join for a special presentation by noted local climate activist and PSU scientist John Perona. Dr. Perona will present a synopsis of his soon-to-be-released book “From Knowledge to Power”, a climate activist’s handbook that addresses climate change from multiple angles.

Support Our Work Through Central Oregon Gives
2021-11-10 - 2021-12-31 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Make a difference in the Central Oregon community by giving an end-of-year gift to The Environmental Center! We have partnered with The Source’s Central Oregon Gives Campaign to bring you an exciting and convenient way to support our work at The Environmental Center.
You can donate anytime between November 10th and December 31st 2021 through the Central Oregon Gives portal. Every donation of $25 or more earns you an instant thank you gift from a generous local business sponsor, and enters you into a grand prize drawing. Thank you gifts change weekly so check The Environmental Center’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to see what is available each week.
Your generous donation could go even further thanks to sponsors who have pledged to match donations. There are three chances nonprofit organizations have to earn a match: highest dollar amount raised overall ($15,000 match), highest dollar amount raised in each category ($2,000 match), and highest number of donations ($2,000 match). Thank you for your support and commitment to embed sustainability into daily life!
Give Today!

November Homeschool Day: Wonderful Water
2021-11-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
During this outdoor, experimental based field trip, your student will see the water cycle in action, take a water walk, and explore buoyancy through experiments and an engineering design challenge. Programs are geared toward students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Small Farm Business School
2021-11-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Ever wonder about resources to help guide your farm business to the next level? Small Farm Business School, a subset of Small Farm School, is a perfect opportunity for beginning farmers to learn more about three important topics – land leasing, farm taxes and business plans. Join FoFF for a virtual day of business courses on November 10th from 10am to 2pm. $20 registration gives you access to all 3 sessions and recordings. Discounted registrations are available for students and participants of farm education programs. Full scholarships for Oregon Veteran farmers and Black, Indigenous and other farmers of color are available.

Native American Flute Concert with award winning James Greeley from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring.
2021-11-10 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
November is Native American Heritage Month and COCC would like to invite you to join for a series of in-person and virtual events, coordinated by Michelle Cary. These events are free, but donations to the First Nations Student Union Scholarship are greatly appreciated! Events are wide-ranging and focus on areas such as generational trauma, oral traditions, and the beauty of Native American flute music. Please mark your calendars and join COCC for the following events:

Native American Flute Concert with award winning James Greeley from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring. James will share his beautiful music with us on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 5:30 – 6:30pm, Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Bend campus.

2021-11-10 18:00 - 19:30 | 375 SW Powerhouse Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Want more info on the food system groups in this year’s Give!Guide? Join FoFF for the Food System Jam! FoFF will be joined by the Black Food Sovereignty Coalition, Growing Gardens, Zenger Farm, Rogue Farm Corps, and the Farmers Market Fund for this virtual event to talk about how their work complements and helps FoFF achieve our shared goal of a more just, accessible and resilient food system, and enjoy a DJ set from Black Food Sovereignty Coalition’s own Eddie Hill! Come celebrate the food system with us!

Trail Day at Camp Tamarack
2021-11-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
High schoolers: Sign up for Trail Day at Camp Tamarack.
Camp needs you! Join Camp Tamarack for an afternoon at camp – volunteer to help care for our trails, learn about Heart of Oregon & Camp Tamarack and job opportunities! Hot chocolate and smores!
Camp Shuttle from Culver High School, Redmond Proficiency Academy, and Sisters Library!
Learn more here!

Doc and Connie Hatfield Sustainable Resource Lecture
2021-11-11 | Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Throughout their lives, ranchers Doc and Connie Hatfield were committed to partnerships and sustainable practices in the High Desert, and this annual lecture celebrates their work. This year features Nikki Silvestri, the founder and CEO of Soil and Shadow, a consulting firm that works in the agricultural sphere to bring social and environmental entrepreneurs more impact in their work and joy in their lives.
