Science, Spirituality and a Sustainable Future
Tue., May 16, 2023 | 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Matt Orr, Associate Professor, Biology
Join us for a fascinating discussion looking at the connections between science and religion. OSU-Cascades biologist Matt Orr will explain how the Anthropocene, Earth’s present geological epoch, is defined by a decline in environmental ecosystems, as well as by human responses to the decline in the forms of anxiety, guilt, grief and illness.
Orr will share ways in which spiritual practices have evolved in response to other significant crises over time, and examine how contemporary spirituality practices are evolving in response to the environmental crisis. He'll also look at how this evolution may continue and improve both the environmental and human condition.
Technology to Clean the World’s Water
Tue., April 18, 2023 | 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bahman Abbasi, Director, Water and Energy Technologies Lab, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Energy Systems Engineering)
The WET Lab research team’s work was captured in a series of podcasts, produced by the OSU College of Engineering.
Gardening in the High Desert is “Snow” Joke
Tue., March 21, 2023 | 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Amy Jo Detweiler, Professor of Horticulture, OSU Extension Service
Love to garden, but are challenged by the region's weather? This is a great topic for newcomers to Central Oregon and experienced gardeners. Join us when OSU horticulturist Amy Jo Detweiler discusses the influence of Central Oregon’s climate and lands on growing vegetables and plants locally. She will provide research-based advice on watering, soil, and plant selection and protection that can help you successfully grow plants. In her role with OSU's Extension Service, Detweiler serves Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and is responsible for teaching and outreach about community and commercial horticulture in the high desert environment. She also leads the Central Oregon Master Gardener program. Detweiler specializes in sustainable landscape practices including water-wise gardening, landscaping that supports the community Firewise USA program and backyard food production.
The Tourism-Community Balance: Getting it Right in Bend and Beyond
Tue., February 21, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenters: Todd Montgomery, Director, Sustainable Tourism Lab; Kevney Dugan, CEO, Visit Bend
Around the globe, destination communities face the same challenge. How can they enjoy economic and cultural benefits of tourism, and support a quality of life for locals? Join Todd Montgomery, director of the Sustainable Tourism Lab at OSU-Cascades when he shares what he has learned through his research (and presented on OPB’s Think Out Loud) about community sentiment towards tourism in communities throughout Pacific Northwest states, -- including in Bend -- Alaska and Hawaii, and in the Northern Marianas Islands.
Kevney Dugan, CEO of Visit Bend, will join the conversation to share his vision a sustainable tourism-community balance that leverages data to drive decisions that balance community and visitor needs.
Founded in 2021, the Sustainable Tourism Lab works with destination communities worldwide in their pursuit of a sustainable path, inclusive of economic, community and environmental perspectives.
Why Narcissists are Never Wrong
Tue., January 17, 2023 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Satoris Howes, Professor of Management, Toomey Faculty Fellow
Narcissists tend to rise quickly within organizations, yet may not be the best individuals for decision-making positions. Join us as Professor Satoris Howes shares her research findings about the flawed decision processes of narcissists. Learn why narcissists tend to discount advice and fail to learn from their mistakes, and what, if anything, we might be able to do about it. Howes is a regular contributor to the fields of management, and industrial and organizational psychology. Her research looks at performance management and feedback, as well as employment selection, occupational health and motivation, and judgment and decision-making.
A Worthy Effort Increases Native Plants on Public Lands in the West
RESCHEDULED: Wed., October 26, 2022 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Worthy Brewing Brew Pub
Presenter: Matt Shinderman, Co-Director, OSU-Cascades Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability Lab; Senior Instructor, Natural Resources
When used in conservation, restoration and land management, native plants can counter the effects of invasive plants, wildfires, and extreme weather and human-caused events. But native plants are disappearing from the public lands throughout the U.S. West. Learn how Matt Shinderman, co-director of the OSU-Cascades HERS Lab and Rick Martinson, executive director of the Worthy Garden Club, joined forces to propagate native plants and transplant them onto public lands where they will support healthier ecosystems.