The Human Dignity Coalition Hosts the Central Oregon Community Gay/Straight Alliance Network Support Group.

LGBTQ youth and their allies welcome to attend. Ages 20 and younger. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm. Please contact Virginia for location by emailing virginiam@humandignitycoalition.org or look us up on MySpace .

Portland's Great Parks, Great Cities Lecture Series

Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting a series of four lectures that make the case for the importance of city parks in the 21st century. The "Great Parks, Great Cities" series begins Thursday, March 13th, with a lecture by Neal Peirce, author and Washington Post columnist. Lecture tickets $25 and will be available at the door for Thursday's event. Click link above for the complete lecture schedule.

Join Oregon Wild for FREE Hikes and Events Year-Round

The Oregon Wild expert staff lead outdoor adventures around the state throughout the year! Join us to experience and learn more about Oregon's spectacular wild places. All hikes are FREE unless otherwise noted. Hike space is limited so pre-registration is required. Complete trip details are provided upon RSVP. Visit http://www.oregonwild.org/hikes_events to RSVP or learn more.

September Hikes with the Central Oregon Nordic Club

The Central Oregon Nordic Club has several hikes planned for September. Hikes start from the DilLusso Coffee Shop on Galveston Ave. Bring lots of water, lunch, sunscreen, good footwear and layered clothing. The hikes are subject to change without notice. Please contact Linda Frost in advance for information. OQTRS@bendcable.com Click link above for a complete listing.

Deschutes County Seeks Public Input on Transportation System Plan Update

Deschutes County Community Development staff encourages the public to provide input at six September open houses as the Department begins to update the Transportation System Plan (TSP). The TSP guides the County in selecting and prioritizing projects for bicyclists, pedestrians, and roads for the next 20 years. Click link above for the complete schedule of open house meetings.

Steens Mountain Fence Pull

We will backpack in on an old jeep trail to our primitive camp near the Cold springs and Dry creek drainages. Drinking water will be available at camp (from a spring, or packed in by BLM), but there are no other amenities. There will be a 1-2 mile hike to the fence line each day. There will be downtime to rest and explore. Click link above for details.

Community Participation Needed at Whychus Creek Management Plan Meeting

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the City of Sisters invites you to participate in a community meeting about Whychus Creek. Location: Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St, Sisters, OR 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM More information: http://www.whychus.com/ or call Mathias Perle at 541-382-6103 x37.

KPOV Blood Drive

106.7 KPOV will be holding a blood drive at our studios on September 11th. Support your community and save lives. More information is available by emailing ron.boozell@gmail.com.

The Oregon Environmental Council Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Portland!

To mark the milestone, they are having a party to celebrate the hard work of so many people who have helped protect what we love about Oregon: clean air, clean water, healthy food and protection of the many special places unique to Oregon. The delicious bounty of Oregon will be showcased by serving up sustainably grown local food, wine and beer. Visit www.oeconline.org or call 503-222-1963 for more information.

Geology Hike with the Deschutes Land Trust

Explore Rimrock Ranch's Whychus Creek canyon and unique geology on a guided hike with local hydrologist Travis Thornton. 9:00am-12:00pm. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Family Easy-does it Hike: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Clarno Unit, hosted by Oregon Paleo Lands Institute

Meets, Paleo Lands Adventure Center & Gallery, Main Street, Fossil., 10 AM. Bring sack lunch. Explore the Clarno Unit, John Day Fossil Beds. Return, 2 PM. $20, covers transportation and carbon neutral contribution. Limit: 10 541.763.4480 or click the link above for info.

Volunteer Training for Salmon Watch Volunteers

Volunteer training for Salmon Watch volunteers. Learn techniques for teaching environmental education learning activities in the field. 8:00 to 12:00 PM September 13th. Contact Kolleen Yake @ 541-382-6103 #33 or kyake@restorethedeschutes.org for more information.

2nd Saturday Weed Warriors at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Help eradicate invasive weeds with this fun group of volunteers. Work will begin at 10am and includes an hour break for a brown bag lunch and socializing. Come for the whole day or just part. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email larry@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Biography of a Place Walk with the Deschutes Land Trust

Walk the history and ecology of one of Central Oregon’s oldest places with Martin Winch, a local author who has recently published a book (Biography of a Place) on the subject. 9am-12pm at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Hatfield Lake Field Trip with the East Cascades Bird Conservancy

Contact Dean Hale for carpool location and meeting time. Dean (541) 388-1770

Nocturnal Creature Walk with the Sunriver Nature Center

Take a walk with a Naturalist at night. Explore the wild nightlife of Sunriver. $3 Adults $2 Kids (ages 2-12)Members $1 Pre-registration required by 3:30pm day of walk. 7-8 PM Call: 593.4394 Saturdays, September: 6, 13 & 20

Join the Deschutes River Conservancy in celebrating the lifeblood of Central Oregon – the Deschutes River!

On September 13th, please join the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC), Bank of the Cascades, local outfitters and businesses in a celebration of the Deschutes River and all that it provides us: clean water, fish, wildlife, vegetation, power, and beauty. On this one day, A Day for the River, we hope to increase your appreciation of the river by providing an occasion to experience the entire river – from the headwaters in the Cascade Mountains to the mouth at the Columbia River. Click link above fore details or visit www.deschutesriver.org.

Public Hearing on Amendment 07-7 with the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners

This is a public hearing to consider a change to county code which would allow housing subdivisions to be converted to destination resorts. The Sierra Club encourages all concerned citizens to join them at this hearing to speak in opposition to this plan, and wear blue to show your concern for Central Oregon water resources. 5:30 p.m., Barnes and Sawyer Room (1st floor), Deschutes Service Center, in the County & State Offices building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend. Click link above for more information.

Building a Better Bend 2008 Lecture Series

Join Building a Better Bend as they host a variety of speakers discussing some of the hottest topics in smart growth. All lectures will be held in the comfortable conference facilities at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. You can find out more about each speaker and topic on our Web site at www.buildingabetterbend.org.

Family Birding with the Deschutes Land Trust

Explore the world of birds as a family. Children and parents are invited to come learn about birds on a tour designed especially for families. Hands-on activities! Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s WILD BADLANDS DAY!

Join ONDA, Oregon Equestrian Trails, Friends of the Badlands, Photographer Bob Woodward, East Cascade Bird Conservancy, the Footzone, and Pine Mountain Sports in a day of education and appreciation for the Badlands! A host of activities awaits you – click the link above for a complete schedule of events or visit www.onda.org. Registration is required. Call 330-2638.

Nocturnal Creature Walk with the Sunriver Nature Center

Take a walk with a Naturalist at night. Explore the wild nightlife of Sunriver. $3 Adults $2 Kids (ages 2-12)Members $1 Pre-registration required by 3:30pm day of walk. 7-8 PM Call: 593.4394 Saturdays, September: 6, 13 & 20

Annual Barbeque and Fundraiser for the Deschutes County Chapter of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters

This event is an opportunity to meet OLCV's endorsed candidates for the Bend City Council including Jodie Barram, Jim Clinton, Peter Gramlich, and Linda Johnson. This is our biggest event of the year, and there will be lots of great food and drink. 5:30-8:00 at the Sunrise Village Clubhouse, 19560 Sunshine Way in Bend. Those planning to attend should RSVP to Keith Quick at keith@olcv.org or (503) 224-4011 ext. 200.

Green Drinks at Silver Moon Brewery

Network with like minded professionals! Green Drinks is an informal happy hour gathering of sustainability minded people. Join us at Green Drinks to network, learn about other businesses and their sustainability efforts, and have a drink or two. 5:00-6:30pm at Silver Moon Brewery.

Bird Walk at Rimrock Ranch with the Deschutes Land Trust

Explore Whychus canyon and the unique bird habitats of this conserved ranch. Join Mary Crow to explore Whychus canyon and the unique bird habitats of this conserved ranch. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Metolius Stream Restoration Tour with the Deschutes Land Trust

Join Land Trust land steward, Amanda Egertson and Marthias Perle from the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to learn about a recent project to improve fish and wildlife habitat by removing a culvert on Lake Creek on this 3-4 mile hike. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

East Cascades Bird Conservancy Field Trip to Lower Bridge and Redmond Sewage Lagoons

Birding trips are free of charge but we do encourage participants to join ECBC. Generally, these are day trips that are led by local birders who are enthusiastic and are keen to share their knowledge of the local birds and birding spots. We encourage people to carpool once people have arrived at the meeting place. Email Judy for more information jmeredit@bendnet.com

Evening for the Environment: A Fundraiser for the Central Oregon Environmental Center

Enjoy delightful cuisine sourced fresh from central Oregon farms, wine and cocktails, a silent and live auction, live music by Dillon Schneider and the presentation of our 2008 Earth Star award. All proceeds from the event support the programs and services of the Central Oregon Environmental Center. 5:30 PM at the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Bend. Visit www.envirocenter.org for more information.

Building a Better Bend 2008 Lecture Series

Join Building a Better Bend as they host a variety of speakers discussing some of the hottest topics in smart growth. All lectures will be held in the comfortable conference facilities at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. You can find out more about each speaker and topic on our Web site at www.buildingabetterbend.org.

East Cascades Bird Conservancy Field Trip to Wickiup Reservoir

Birding tripsare free of charge but we do encourage participants to join ECBC. Generally, these are day trips that are led by local birders who are enthusiastic and are keen to share their knowledge of the local birds and birding spots. We encourage people to carpool once people have arrived at the meeting place. Email Judy for more information jmeredit@bendnet.com

High Desert Lakes in Peril hosted by the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute

Explore the majestic landscapes of the high desert and Oregon’s Basin and Range--Lake Abert, Warner Lakes and other vanished and vanishing lakes of the High Desert. 541.763.4480 or click the link above fore details.

Explore John Day Basin Pre-history with the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute

Join USFS archeologists to explore the human history of the John Day Basin for the past 10,000 years. Trip meets at Thomas Condon Center, John Day Fossil Beds, 9 AM October 4. $25 covers transportation, guidebook, carbon neutral contribution, and sack lunch. 541.763.4480 or click above to register.

Monthly Sweat Lodge hosted by the Four Winds Foundation

Join other community members at Deerhaven Ranch for a monthly Sweat Lodge hosted by the Four Winds Foundation. There will be a potluck to follow the traditional Native American ceremony. CONTACT: 306-0383 for more information. TIME: 1pm COST: Free. LOCATION: Deerhaven Click link above for more information.

Salmon Watch, Oregon Trout's award-winning education program for local students.

Salmon Watch! Oregon Trout’s award-winning education program for local students. October 6th-17th. Contact Kolleen Yake @ 382-6103 #33 or kyake@restorethedeschutes.org for more information.

Business Leader Forum: How Green Practices Increase Profits and Customer Satisfaction

Many companies throughout Oregon are seeing their bottom lines improve by adopting green practices. They are also increasing customer satisfaction and attracting new customers. If you are interested in increasing your profitability, then this is a must-attend event! 7:30-9:30am St. Charles Learning Center, 2500 NE Neff Rd., Bend. Click link above for details.

The Four Winds Foundation hosts their 10th Annual Women's Retreat

We are all being s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d to bring our unspoken feminine wisdom to the Global Village. How does a woman of power meet such challenging times without depleting herself and the gifts within her? Prepare yourself invite friends, sisters, mothers to share in the stitching of all sacred paths into the Sacred Mother’s Garden. 541 306-0383 for reservations or more information

OPLI Voluntourism / Friends of John Day Fossil Beds Weekend

Help us with a volunteer trails project on the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, with a hike and barbeque to boot! Trail building and barbeque on October 11; Guided hikes on October 12th. No Charge. 541.763.4480 for more info.

Photographing Fall Colors with the Deschutes Land Trust

Catch the fleeting brilliant colors of fall on camera during this photography workshop. Join the Land Trust and local photographer Bob Woodward to catch the fleeting brilliant colors of fall on camera during this photography workshop. Bring your own camera and lunch. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

3EStrategies Hosts the Tour of Green and Solar Homes

The annual Tour of Green and Solar Homes is your chance to explore green homes first hand. This ever evolving event will showcase the very greenest homes in Central Oregon, which demonstrate significant solar features, green building materials and techniques. For more information visit our website www.3estrategies.org or call (541)617-9013.

Stitched Patches: Quilts of Celebration a presentation by Mary Bywater Cross at the Sunriver Nature Center

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (SNCO) is pleased to host a free Oregon Chautauqua program from the Oregon Council for Humanities (OCH). Quilt historian and author Mary Bywater Cross will examine the significance of quilts as visual metaphors for community and cultures in Stitched Patches: Quilts of Celebration. This free, public program will take place at 7:00pm at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory Pozzi Building, reservations are required at 541-593-4394.

Natural Areas Association 2008 Conference

The Natural Areas Association, in partnership with the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils, will host the Natural Areas Conference 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee, October 14-17. This conference will focus on ecological management themes with an emphasis on invasive exotic species issues.

Birder's Night, Hosted by the East Cascade Bird Conservancy and Central Oregon Audubon Society

Join ECBC and COAS as they host Steve Kornfeld, a local birder who will discuss his birding trip to Cuba. Held at the Central Oregon Environmental Center, 16 N/W Kansas, Bend. 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. Free and open to the public. You do not need to be a member of any group to attend. Email Judy at jmeredit@bendnet.com for more info.

Paleo Lands Rocking and Rolling, Season Finale Ride

Begins in Spray. Includes catered breakfasts, lunches, sag-wagon services, guidebook, and two catered dinners. $175 for all three days of riding, includes guidebook, ride support and lunch, and dinners Friday and Saturday. 541.763.4480 or click the link above for details.

2008 Bioneers Conference

The Bioneers Conference is an acclaimed leading-edge forum where you can see tomorrow today: a future environment of hope. Social and scientific innovators focus on breakthrough solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity. These visionaries are already creating a healthy, equitable, diverse and beautiful world, our legacy for future generations and the web of life on which our lives depend. http://www.bioneers.org/ for more information.

Deschutes Chapter of Trout Unlimited - Monthly Meeting

Trout Unlimited will have their regular monthly meeting at 6 PM at the Central Oregon Environmental Center. Meetings are open to the public and usually have a speaker on a current topic of interest. Join the Deschutes Chapter of TU and see what they have in the works.

Deschutes Land Trust's Annual Membership Meeting

Catch the latest on land conservation in Central Oregon at the Land Trust's annual meeting. Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or email events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

Building a Better Bend 2008 Lecture Series

Join Building a Better Bend as they host a variety of speakers discussing some of the hottest topics in smart growth. All lectures will be held in the comfortable conference facilities at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. You can find out more about each speaker and topic on our Web site at www.buildingabetterbend.org.

Robinson Creek Restoration Trip

To help restore stream banks in Robinson Canyon we will be planting willow slips. Increasing vegetation will help reduce erosion, provide shade decreasing the stream's water temperature. We also may be pulling out some old fence lines depending on weather, group size etc. Click link above for trip details and registration information.

The Human Dignity Coalition’s annual Drag Show and Halloween Party with Portland's Poisonwaters and Friends

Halloween Night, 7:30 doors, 8PM Showtime Midtown Ballroom 55 NW Greenwood Ave. Tickets $26 at the door. After party With Grove Dj’s; Live Auction, bring your $$. 21 and over - no host bar. All proceeds benefit Human Dignity Coalition. Join us as we celebrate diversity in central Oregon! For more info, 541-385-3320 office@humandignitycoalition.org

3EStrategies Hosts the Commercial Green Building Summit

This event includes a Commercial Green Building Showcase, Vendors Expo, and information on green building best practices, new developments in the LEED certification program, and updates on cash and tax incentive programs. Tickets are $50 for BASE and Council Members; $60 for non-members. For more information, visit their website at www.3estrategies.org or call (541)617-9013.