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2 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

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4 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Central Oregon Living

FEATURES HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLES 7 10 12 14 16 27 30 33 36

AUTUMN 2013

keeping the bees from point a to point bee education for everyone sustainable education green + solar tour guide pretty please with honey on top 25 years of sustainability green by design simply homemade

Green + Solar Tour Guide

IN THE GARDEN 41 green roofs top it off 44 garden calendar 45 47

expert advice - building and real estate events calendar

Simply Homemade

25 Years of Sustainability

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Central Oregon Living Autumn 2013 is a product of The Bulletinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Projects Division, 1777 SW Chandler Ave., Bend OR 97702. All content is the property of The Bulletin/Western Communications Inc., and may not be reproduced without written consent.

Printed by The Bulletin Western Communications Commercial Print Division. Story ideas may be submitted to editor Ben Montgomery for consideration. Contact him at (541) 383-0379 or bmontgomery@bendbulletin.com.

Staff members for The Bulletinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special projects division include: Martha Tiller, Special Projects Manager; Ben Montgomery, Special Projects Editor; Clint Nye, Graphic Designer; Nicole Werner, Special Projects Image and New Media; Stacie Oberson, Special Projects Coordinator; Kari Mauser, Special Projects Editorial Assistant.

Cover photo by Nicole Werner

Published Saturday, October 5, 2013

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 5

EDITOR’S

note

Swarming Bees and the Art of Fashion Few things say “something’s amiss” more than a guy who, within view of his neighbors, knowingly walks into the yard with his pant legs tucked into the tops of his white crew socks. And yet on one particular midsummer’s day about five years ago, I owned this look based on functionality alone. Or so I thought. I also sported a hoodie, the hood pulled up over my head and cinched tightly around my face. A pair of sturdy gloves fit snuggly around the cuffs of my sleeves, and a pair of hightop boots rounded out my attire. By design, the only skin that showed – the only patch to which my antagonists would have access – was a six-inch opening around my nose and mouth. A guy’s gotta breathe, ya know. So out the door I walked, shovel in hand, heading toward a raised bed along the fence

line of my backyard. Bees swarmed en masse near an epicenter that existed within a layer of stacked sod I’d removed a month earlier to make room for a paver patio. Within this sod was a hive, and I was hell-bent on finding it and removing it. Cue the theme music from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” The good news is this: I accomplished the first half of that plan – finding the hive – rather quickly. A couple of good whacks with the shovel, and I was staring face to face with a saucer-shaped hive about a foot wide and three inches thick. The second half of my plan, however – the removal of the hive and its occupants – could

have been hatched with a bit more judiciousness. I first considered this after being chased into my house the first of several times. About 20 bees followed me through the door, one of which hit pay dirt near the right side of my chin. You could say I developed an appreciation for bees that day – for their ability to accomplish so much as a single swarm, from creating such a large hive in a seemingly sort time, to working to protect the hive from stylish predators like myself. Within this edition of Central Oregon Living, we pay homage to the importance of bees and those who have dedicated a slice of their lives to raising them, protecting them and accepting the fruits of their remarkable labors.

Central Oregon beekeepers are a seemingly understated group, and yet they maintain a tremendous passion for their craft, their bees and the honey they produce. (See “Keeping the Bees” on page 7.) In addition, a few fine Central Oregon folks have made it their business to rid people of bee infestations not by extermination, but by relocation. They understand the environmental impact bees have on nature, and they’re doing their part to ensure troublesome hives find new homes. (See “From Point A to Point Bee” on page 10.) Needless to say, such services could have saved me some headache, as well as a few style points, back when I naively decided to take on my own hive. Ben Montgomery is The Bulletin’s special projects editor.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Annissa Anderson, a freelance writer and public relations consultant, also studied culinary arts and worked as a pastry chef in another life. She writes regularly for The Bulletin and other local publications.

An avid crocheter and origamist, John Cal worked as a baker, head chef, ukuleleist, and Sno-Cat driver before settling into writing. He enjoys filling his time with yoga, postcard writing, and collecting bowties as well as candy from around the world. He lives in Sisters.

6 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Amy Jo Detweiler has been working as OSU Extension Horticulture Faculty in Central Oregon for 12 years. She provides education in home horticulture, commercial horticulture, and provides annual training for the local OSU Master Gardener™ Program.

The Bulletin’s Special Projects Editorial Assistant, Kari Mauser loves to uncover and share the interesting, inspiring and important stories that surround us. She and her husband spend their time rediscovering the magic of the world through the eyes of their two little boys.

Former Bulletin business reporter turned international teacher, Jeff McDonald, has returned to Bend following a three-year sojourn in the Middle East. When he’s not traversing the globe, he enjoys the seasons, the laid-back culture, and the people of Bend.

Gregg Morris is a freelance writer and musician. You can find him finishing articles at the local tea shop, performing with his band or homeschooling his daughter. Supposed free time is spent in the woods with his wife and daughter or executing his duties with the Deschutes County Search and Rescue team.

Photographer and storyteller Hannah O’Leary is Oregon grown. A recent Oregon State alum, she is enjoying beginning her next chapter. She can be found running with her favorite four-legged friends Bill, Ella, Cael and Bailey or savoring a strong cup of coffee.

A former pubic affairs TV producer for the ABC and NBC affiliates, Kathy Oxborrow is a writer and consultant who helps her clients tell their stories in a compelling way. She grew up on a Nevada cattle ranch and after stints in San Francisco and Portland returned to her rural roots. She lives outside of Bend and enjoys riding her horse.

KEEPING THE

Bees

Local beekeepers reap the sweet rewards of the world’s foremost pollinators.

by John Cal, for The Bulletin Special Projects

Beekeepers are all around us, and when we discover who they are and why they do what they do, it always comes with a modicum of surprise. Alexander the Great, Aristotle, Ben Franklin, and even Bringham Young, beyond their other accomplishments all kept bees. Central Oregon is no different, people dedicated to beekeeping are everywhere. Allen Engle runs his own business that sources recycled paper and paper products in Central Oregon. He works Ski Patrol on Mt. Bachelor and is a Volunteer Career Counselor at Bend High. Cathy Platin is a retired Psychotherapist. She is fluent in Spanish and is an avid gardener, growing several varieties of heirloom tomatoes to eat and limes

for margaritas on her property just outside of Sunriver. And Eric Liddell is a father of four who operates Sisters Screen Printing and Embroidery, designing hats, T-shirts, and other goods in downtown Sisters. With their varying interests and pursuits, they do, however, have one thing in common - they all keep bees. “I honestly don’t remember how I got into bees,” said Engle. “I just like working with them.” Engle got his first hive in high school when he lived in Montrose, Colorado. “Back in those days, you ordered your bees in the mail from Sears or JC Penny,” he said. Years later, he is up to 15 hives scattered across

Oregon and Washington. “I have a third of them at my house, a few over at Fields Farm on Pettigrew, and a friend of mine has a few of my hives at his vineyard up in Walla Walla.” And while Engle sells some of his sage and lavender honey by word of mouth through his business, Engle Apiary, his bee pursuits are mostly driven by personal fascination. “People usually fall into one of three categories: pet, pollination, or production,” said Engle. “I’m a hobbyist. I do this because I love it. I just love watching the hives, watching the bees.” While Engle has been beekeeping nearly his entire life, Cathy Platin, comparatively is only four years into

Photos by Kari Mauser Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 7

her bee journey. “I’ve always loved gardening, and a few years ago took the master gardening course at OSU Cascades,” she said. “We talked about pollination and about bees in passing, but through that course, I also found out about the master beekeeping course at OSU and also the Central Oregon Beekeeping Association.” After she began keeping bees, Platin noticed that her garden was producing a lot more raspberries and squash. “There was just a lot more produce all around,” she said. “And everything in my garden seemed to be a lot healthier. It’s literally buzzing with life.” Platin is also a member of the Xerces Society, an organization that promotes the health of pollinators of all kinds. She planted a pollinators garden — a garden full of plants grown specifically to foster the presence of pollinators — near her home to attract and contribute to the health of bees and other pollinators on her property and around the area. “They have made everything so wonderful and vibrant on our property,” she said. “So many things are flowering. [The bees] all have their own job. They all support each other. They all support the hive. Being a bee keeper has definitely deepened my appreciation for nature.” Platin’s life continues to grow to more intimately include bees. On a recent trip to Spain for her 65th birthday, she not only toured bee hives in

8 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Eric and Peter Liddell with one of their hives. Submitted photo

the Pyrenees, but also got a tattoo of a honey bee on her right forearm. She’s also managed to convince many of her friends and neighbors, including her husband Mark, to participate in the beekeeping. “He came kicking and screaming,” she said, “but I bought him a beekeeping jacket for Christmas, and now I hear him talking to people about bees. I’m very proud.” In just a few short years, Platin has grown her bee community from one hive to three. She produces enough honey for herself and to give away to friends. When honey production is the driving force behind beekeeping, many hives are necessary. “We eat a lot of honey at my house,” said Liddell. “My wife makes bread with it, and my kids put it on their toast and on their oatmeal every morning.” Liddell maintains more than 120 hives to produce enough honey for his family to enjoy and to sell to the public. Along with his brother, Peter, Liddell owns and operates Liddell’s Honey and Supply. They sell the honey his bees produce as well as beginner hive kits and live bees. Liddell is a third generation beekeeper. His father and his grandfather were also beekeepers. But even being immersed in bee culture as a child, he still had questions that were difficult to answer when he began keeping bees of his own. “There just weren’t a lot of resources out there,” he said. “Peter and I wanted to make a place where people who wanted to get into beekeeping could come.”

Peter Liddell inspects a hive.

Even now, the Liddell brothers remain one of only a few sources of beekeeping supplies in Central Oregon. “With all of the interest in bees these days, it’s more important than ever to have people learning and talking about them and helping preserve what they do in nature,” said Liddell. “We just wanted to make it easy as possible for people just starting out.”

According to Engle, proper equipment is only one of the three things that someone needs when starting their own hive. “You should also have a basic understanding of the biology of a honey bee,” he said. “You should know what they’re doing and why they’re doing it, and for many of us, that’s a big part of why we find bees so fascinating.” Then the third and perhaps the most important thing to know is how to interact with the bees, according to Engle. “People are often afraid of bees, but they’re not an aggressive insect,” said Engle. “If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone. They’re really mostly concerned with their honey, and so that’s why everyone, but a bee keeper especially, should know how to handle them, how to open up a hive box, how to make sure they have enough food, and how to read the personality of the hive.” “When you watch bees, you see that they’re all doing their part — the queen and the drones, and the workers, of course,” said Platin. “But beyond that, you see that some of the bees are water bees and others are mortician bees. There are nurse bees that care for the new larvae, scout bees that find new sources of pollen, and the foragers that bring the nectar back to the hive. It’s so amazing to me how they work together for the good of the hive … the good of the planet really. I really want to encourage people to find out how great it is to be a part of that.”

Cathy Platin (center) inspects one of her three bee hives with the help from friends, Larry (left) and Naomi Price.

THE LOCAL FACTS

ON RAISING BEES

by John Cal, for The Bulletin Special Sections

How much honey can I expect to collect? Where do I get the actual living bees? Is it safe to have them around children? These are some of the questions that any beginning beekeeper may have when they take up the practice of beekeeping. Each spring, usually in early March, the Central Oregon Beekeepers Association holds a weekend long Bee School to help train and educate those who want to learn more about beekeeping. “The first day is all the basics you need to know, the quick and dirty of ‘this is how you keep bees,’” said Allen Engle, Beekeeper and active member of the COBKA. “The second day is a little more advanced and we usually invite a guest lecturer, and talk about things like pest management and honey bee nutrition . . . To keep bees you need to learn three things: the basic biology of a honey bee, the equipment and how to use it, and how to actually handle the bees.” Both days consist of both lecture time and several hands on sessions where students learn the ins and outs of how to be a bee wrangler. The cost for both days is $5 for COBKA members, but non-members entrance is only $25 for the weekend and includes a year membership to the club. The club also holds monthly meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month where

members can share stories, challenges, and provide each other with information and assistance and share in the quirks of being a Beekeeper in Central Oregon.

For information on the spring beekeeping class, becoming a member of the club, or just queries relating to general bee knowledge, visit www.cobeekeeping.org.

However, here are a few things to keep in mind when considering beekeeping. Where you live can dictate how many hives you are allowed to have on your property. In Bend, most homes are only allowed to have one hive on premises, depending on size, while in Redmond, some city areas may have up to four hives. Placement of hives on your property is important and most places require not only that the hive be kept in an area isolated from public access, but that hives be a certain distance away from property lines (10 feet in Bend, 25 feet in Redmond).

Cathy Platin

Besides the peculiarities of raising bees in the High Desert, such as a limited honey flow and a lack of spring flowers due to lingering winter weather, each city in Central Oregon has different regulations for beekeeping, and you should check with your local city offices. You can also ask a beekeeper with the Central Oregon Beekeepers Association for help and clarification at www.cobeekeeping.org

All cities in Central Oregon not only require that you have a water source for your bees, but also that hives be kept in movable frames should the bees need relocating. While Bend and Prineville only require a hive to be re-queened if it is threatening to swarm or shows other aggressive behavior, Redmond requires that a hive be re-queened annually.

Again, please check with your local city offices for updated information or any further questions on city specific regulations. Photos by Kari Mauser

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 9

FROM POINT A TO

POINT BEE Bee relocation is an advantageous alternative to hive elimination.

by John Cal, for The Bulletin Special Projects

While bees are an essential part of making the world go ‘round and an integral component of the web of life that bring us flowers, food, and so many other forms of beauty and sustenance, they also can prove to be a little unsettling if their immediate presence is unwanted and their proximity too close to our personal spaces. While removal is possible, it’s not the only option, and there are things to know and consider when there are too many bees too close. “The first thing to know is if they actually are bees,” said Stephen Harris, Beekeeper and expert in bee removal and relocation. “A lot of people don’t know what a honey bee looks like, and assume they’ve got bees when really they’re yellow jackets or paper wasps.” It’s actually quite difficult to tell the difference at first glance from these three species. They’re very similar in size and yellow jackets also have yellow and black stripes. Telling the difference comes easiest when

identifying their hives and behavior. “Honey bees are harmless unless you bother them,” said Harris. “They’re not aggressive and mostly concerned with collecting nectar and the health of their hive.” “They really are like the Borg hive on Star Trek,” said beekeeper Allen Engle. “Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone. They’re just concerned with their goal, which is to get honey.” And while the hives of honey bees are made out of wax, yellow jacket and wasp hives are gray in color and papery in texture. “If you’re not sure, just don’t spray them,” said Harris. “We want to preserve honey bees, and we’re rapidly losing bees worldwide.” Eric Liddel of Liddell’s Honey and Supply echoed

this sentiment. “Let professionals handle it if you’re unsure,” he said. “They know what they’re doing and what to look for.” When bees have been identified on your property, another thing to consider is if they’re just swarming or if they’ve already established a new hive. “Swarming is when a hive gets too large and part of it splits off to create a new hive,” said Liddell. “They’ll often congregate on a tree while scout bees Photo by Nicole Werner

10 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Honey Bee

Yellow Jacket

Wasp Nest

Wasp

“Honey bees are harmless unless you bother them. They’re not aggressive and mostly concerned with collecting nectar and the health of their hive.” are looking for a new place to build a hive.” It can be disconcerting to find a huge mass of bees on your property. But between swarming and hive relocation, swarming is actually the quicker and easier issue to deal with. “It’s pretty straight forward for us to come to your property and remove the swarm and relocate it to a hive elsewhere,” Liddell said. Bees are gently shaken off the imposing tree branch and into a box for relocation.

“It’s a little harder when the bees have gone beyond the swarming phase and have actually found a small hole or crack in a soffit and have taken up in an attic or a part of your wall,” Liddell said. At this point, removal is essential to prevent a crevasse of dying bees and a wall full of honey. “It’s important to do this right as to remove all parts of the hive,” said Liddell. “Bees leave a pheromone that indicates that this is a good place to have a hive, and if this is not taken care of properly, more bees

may relocate to the newly vacated space.” According to Harris, bee removal can be tricky and may require parts of your dry wall or roof be removed to safely and thoroughly remove the bees. “Time of year is also important,” said Harris. “I tell people to wait ’til spring if at all possible. It’s easier to relocate or requeen the hive if necessary, and it’s not gonna hurt anything to leave them there for a few months.” But each swarm or unwanted hive really has to be handled on a case-by-case basis,

and it’s best to leave it to the professionals. “Swarm removal and colony removal are completely different things, and either way it’s important that we try to give the bees a good home,” Liddell said. For more information on bee removal, contact Stephen Harris through the Central Oregon Beekeepers Association at www. cobeekeeping.org or Eric Liddell at Liddell’s Honey and Supply at www.LiddellsHoney. com.

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 11

Education for Everyone Your attendance at NW GreenBIS qualifies you for a chance to

Thursday, October 10, 2013 • 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Westside Church Campus • 2051 NW Shevlin Park Rd. $50 early registration ($65 at the door)

WIN HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES*

Remodeling • Building • Weatherization • Landscape • Energy Efficiency The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit is a day of green building experts sharing the latest design trends and best practices for sustainable and energy-efficient home building. The event features a series of presentations and workshops scheduled throughout the day along with exhibitors on site displaying and educating attendees about new products on the market.

Homeowners: Learn about how to upgrade or add to your home Lea

Designers Design gners and A Architects:

Learn wh what cons consumers want in sustainable design, and an earn n cont continuing education credits.

Realtors aand Contractors:

Earn contin continuing education credits

12 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Thursday, October 10, 2013 Westside Church Campus 2051 NW Shevlin Park Rd., Bend

Schedule of Events

Time

Classrooms ATRIUM CONFERENCE

7:30-8:00

CAFÉ

THE BOULEVARD

ADULT EDUCATION

Registration and Coffee Welcome: Realizing the Vision

8:00-8:45

9:00-10:00

Ground Source Heating Homes and Business Speaker: David Maul

Design Elements for Simplicity and Sustainability Speaker: Jason Offutt

Making Sense of the Energy Code in Design: Part I* Speaker: Howard Asch

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Existing Homes Program Speaker: Michael Freels

10:15-11:15

Heating with Common Cents: Ductless heat Pumps Speakers: Randall Marchington and Wade Kinkade

Living Building Challenge: Desert Rain Update Speakers: James Fagen, Chris Hart Henderson, Tom Elliott

Making Sense of the Energy Code in Design: Part II* Speaker: Howard Asch

Make an Astronomical Reduction to Your Winter Energy Costs Speaker: Darek Smith

Luncheon by Tate and Tate 11:30-12:45

Exhibitors Demonstrations Meet the Experts: Panel of Speakers to answer your questions

1:00-2:00

Capturing Sun’s Energy: What’s New Under the Sun in Solar Technology Speaker: Lindsay Hardy

Innovative Designs for Green Kitchens and Baths Speaker: Kathleen Donohue

Remodeling Sustainably: Case Studies Speaker: Lawrence Schechter

Turning On your Home Technology: Upgrade Your Tech Systems Speaker: Ron Wanless

2:15-3:15

Insulation Compilation: What Insulation is Best for Your Home? Speaker: Will Lebeda

Net Zero: 2 years Later - How is It Measuring Up? Speaker: Cindi O’Neil

Remodeling Sustainably: Incentives and Design Strategies for Home Renovations Speakers: Matt Douglas and Lindsay Hardy

Landscaping in Central Oregon: Drought Tolerant Techniques Speaker: Tanya Carlsen

3:30-4:30

Energy Efficient Windows: Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass -What’s the Difference? Speaker: Neil Gearheart

Passivhaus in Central Oregon: Passive Design with Energy Savings Speaker: Bob Lorensen

Energy Performance Scores - In New and Existing Homes Speaker: Matt Douglas

Green Roofs: Getting the Goats to Mow! Speaker: Jake Woodruff

4:30

PRIZE DRAWINGS *Must be present to win

Your attendance at NW GreenBIS qualifies you for a chance to win: • Home Exterior Repaint by Advanced Product Application and Denfeld Paints • Home Re-roofing by NW Quality Roofing • Home Energy Performance Testing by Mountain View Heating

Titles, Speakers and schedule subject to change *Approved for 2 hrs AIA credit and 2 hrs CCB CORE Code Credit

... and MORE!

Register online at www.ConnectionDepot.com, or call COBA at 541-389-1058 for more information. *Each element of the partial home makeover is limited to size, quantity and quality. Some restrictions apply. Must be present to win. Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 13

Sustainable by Jeff McDonald, for The Bulletin Special Projects

The Northwest Building Industry Summit provides education to homeowners and industry professionals alike. 14 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

With so many changes and advancements in building, homeowners and industry professionals alike can benefit from updated information. The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) has identified this need, and will present a day of green building informative sessions during this year’s Northwest Green Building Industry Summit. The event will take place at Westside Church in Bend on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Twenty different classes with topics ranging from zero- energy homes to sustainable design and making sense of the energy code will be available from which guests may select to attend. “Some courses will be geared toward industry professionals looking to gain knowledge or fulfill certification requirements,” said Gretchen Palmer, director of councils and education for Central Oregon Builders Association, which is sponsoring the event. Other workshops will be ideal for do-it-yourselfers or homeowners looking to hire a qualified local contractor. “Basically, it’s a gathering of experts in the industry or anyone in the industry either building or designing a home,” Palmer said. “But we are also trying to target consumers – the homeowner in the process of designing a home.” While industry pros might want to attend the session on ductless heat pumps, consumers might choose to attend the class on how to make an astronomical reduction in their winter energy costs. Attendees can also learn about how energy performance scores are calculated, how to earn the most savings on their utility bill and what the difference is between vinyl, wood and fiberglass windows. The event’s focus is on resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in both new home construction and remodels, according to Palmer. “Consumers are seeing increased cost savings by going green, taking advantage of tax credits and different programs, including the Energy Trust of Oregon,” Palmer said. “We’re seeing that buyers are looking for ways to save money on energy bills. It’s the same with remodeling – why not take the steps that will help you save money in the future?” The green building industry continues to evolve with increasing consumer

demand for net-zero homes, which generate as much energy on site as they use over the course of the year according to David Quiros, a real estate agent with Remax Key Properties in Bend. “With technological advances, people are becoming more aware of their options when they buy a new home or remodel an existing one,” he said. “It also could help them differentiate [a green home] from others by their knowledge of green building trends. Central Oregon’s green building industry has evolved over the last decade,” said Mark Kramer, co-founder of ConnectionDepot.com, a website that operates as a local matchmaker between consumers and qualified industry professionals. According to Kramer, this evolution has occurred as an increasing number of consumers have become more focused on bottom-line savings than on a home’s impact on the environment. “Ten years ago, people were asking, ‘Am I having low impact on the environment?’” said Kramer. “Now, it seems like most people are saying, ‘Is my house going to be efficient?’ People are motivated by dollars. They want to

know if their high-efficiency furnace is going to result in cost savings and how much.” There are many good options for consumers who have older homes and would like to remodel using the latest green technology including high-efficiency furnaces, triple-pane windows and highefficiency hot water heaters, according to Kramer. “There is a lot of interest in homes that were built 30 or more years ago,” he said. “People are asking, ‘How can I make that home more energy efficient?’” Kramer said that consumers will benefit from attending the event. “The conference will help them make informed decisions.” Participants also can enter for a chance to win a partial home makeover, a home reroofing, or a home energy performance test by local companies. For more information or to register, visit www.ConnectionDepot.com, or call 541-3891058. The cost to attend is $40 for COBA members, $50 for nonmembers, and $65 at the door on the day of the event.

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 15

Cascadia High Desert Branch Presents

FEATURING 10 SITES PACKED WITH GREEN AND SOLAR FEATURE S SATURDAY, OCT. 12, 2013 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

KICK-OFF COCC Health Careers Center

10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Free Tour of Homes and Buildings

www.GreenAndSolarTour.org

Title Sponsor

16 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Welcome to Central Oregon’s 13th Annual Green and Solar Tour! We are extremely excited about the quality and innovation that exists in the building community in Central Oregon when it comes to Sustainability. This year, the Cascadia Green Building Council’s High Desert Branch Collaborative is thrilled about showcasing not only homes but also amazing sustainable commercial buildings in Central Oregon; some of which could be buildings you walk by every day, work in, or a perhaps enjoy a tasty pint. The tour is the result of countless hours donated by dedicated volunteers and financial support from progressive organizations who believe we in Central Oregon have much to celebrate and showcase. Without such generous support, this event would not be possible. A huge thank you goes out to our Title Sponsor, Energy Trust of Oregon, our Platinum Sponsors, Sunlight Solar and Home Heating & Cooling. Please visit our website to see all of our sponsors who donated so graciously and please take the time to visit their websites to learn more about them and what they do. They truly are the innovators in the field. It is because of them

that we have such gems to highlight in our own community. True to the expected quality of this community event, we are showing you many examples of projects in our area of which we are extremely proud. Highlighted are a mixture of larger projects where even small changes can make a big

Our intention is to promote, inspire, educate and be a resource for sustainable building in our region. difference, and small projects that lead the State by example. Additionally, we’re honored to have Ralph DiNola with the New Buildings Institute and Eric Dunn with Green Hammer kick off our event with presentations on the challenges of truly achieving Net-Zero. Our intention is to promote, inspire, educate and be a resource for sustainable building in our region. We’re proud of the progress that’s been made in our region to date. In order to help continue making Central Oregon an even better place

we challenge all of you to make 2014 better. Consider what role you yourself can contribute to our environmental and social equity health. Be audacious enough to know when to insist on a different course of action. Sustainability cannot be achieved with a single big leap, but rather with many small successes. Remember, our aim should be to have buildings be a contributor to the ecosystem, not taking away from the earth. It may be a long way off, but putting our best, collective feet towards that objective will help our region attain a truly sustainable building industry.

Misti Nelmes (Energy Trust of Oregon)

Stevan Vinci (Morrison Hershfield)

Co-Chairs of the 2013 Green + Solar Tour

541-389-4663

www.homeheatingbend.com

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 17

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www.greenandsolartour.org THANK YOU TO OUR GREEN ADVOCATE SPONSORS: Central Oregon Timber Frame Christian Gladu Design Compass Commercial

Connection Depot Duey Brothers, Inc. E2 Solar Environmental Center

18 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Heart Springs Landscape Design Morrison Hershfield Neil Kelly

Northwest Crossing Northwest Quality Roofing Shelter Studio The Bulletin

W.H. Hull Company MODA Health The Source

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for all information Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

Kenote Speakers: Erica Dunn: The Human Side of High Performance Buildings

Tour Number Commercial Buildings

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19 49 34 36

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Erica Dunn

As we create more energy-efficient buildings, the impact of occupant behavior through plug loads and building operation becomes substantial — estimated at up to 40 percent of a building’s total energy consumption. To meet the net-zero energy goals of the 2030 Challenge, occupants are increasingly being asked to change both their expectations of building comfort and their energy-use behavior. But in doing so, do we risk creating buildings that sacrifice functionality for energy performance? Erica Dunn will present the findings from her year-long research on this topc as part of the Van Evera Bailey Fellowship. Based on post-occupancy evaluations of nine high-performance/net-zero buildings built regionally and nationally in the last 10 years, she will discuss best practices for meeting or exceeding user expectations for thermal comfort and function while also meeting aggressive energy goals. She will also focus on successful strategies for educating and engaging users, designing for preferred occupant behavior, and planning for user turnover. Erica Dunn is the Design Team Manager at Green Hammer, a Design-Build firm in Portland. She was awarded the 2012 Van Evera Bailey Fellowship. She cochaired the Portland AIA Committee on the Environment and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Oregon Portland Campus on “Energy Programming and Technology.” She received the 2011 AIA Portland Sustainable Design Award and the 2012 AIA National COTE Top Ten Award for her efforts on the LEED Platinum Portland Community College Newberg Center with Hennebery Eddy Architects.

Floor space square feet

New Buildings Institute Executive Director, Ralph DiNola, has dedicated his professional life to bringing green building innovation to scale. Through his work as a leader, advocate and mentor, he has steadily pushed the limits of Ralph DiNola building performance and raised the bar for a generation of professionals. DiNola served as a technical advisor for the Living Building Challenge™ standard and spearheaded an early Challenge project. He has consulted on more than 130 LEED projects, helping clients make quantum leaps that turned entrylevel green aspirations into precedent-setting LEED Platinum certifications. He also led a site-wide consultancy effort for a 76-acre, 110-building project in Qatar and has partnered with Fortune 500 companies to create advanced performance prototype stores, greening retail portfolios, and affecting hundreds of outlets worldwide. As principal investigator of a landmark study of historic buildings, DiNola helped establish and validate the true value and benefits of building reuse — bridging the divide between sustainability and historic preservation. DiNola is a LEED Fellow, founding Board Chair of the International Living Future Institute, founder and former principal at Green Building Services, and 2012 BetterBricks award winner. In 2012, Portland Monthly named him one of Portland, Oregon’s 50 Most Influential People.

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Community Pedestrian Friendly Infill Development Financial Incentives

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Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 19

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

COCC HEALTH CAREERS CENTER • GREEN BUILDING GEARED FOR STUDENT LEARNING: High-efficiency building envelope and technology providing a vibrant student learning center. An Earth Advantage Gold Certified modern facility for the college’s health career programs including nursing, dental and medical assisting, massage therapy, pharmacy and veterinary technician programs ... easily accessed by public transportation as well as bicycles ... south-facing exterior shading devices and a rain screen for additional moisture management. The heating system is a variable refrigerant flow with HRV energy recovery system ... day lighting design, CFL and LED lighting, high-efficiency water heaters and an energy monitoring system. The interior features low or no VOC finishes and primarily hard flooring surfaces for optimal indoor air quality ... locally sourced materials ... Water conserving features include storm water retention and infiltration. The building features public art installations as well as campus informational displays to engage students and faculty providing an excellent learning and teaching environment. 2600 NW College Way, COCC, Bend • Architect: YGH Architect • Builder: HSW Builders • Year Built: 2012

COCC SCIENCE BUILDING • STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE WITH EXPANSIVE VIEWS: Providing students and staff an exceptional building for learning science. Built with passive solar design principles, the southwest portion of the building has expanses of efficient glazing with appropriate overhanging shading to cool in the summer. An Earth Advantage Gold Certified building, it was built with a superior building envelope and energy efficiency measures. Indoor air quality is optimized through Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), low or no VOC finishes, and hard surface flooring. Interior materials also include FSC Certified wood and locally source materials. Water is conserved .. . exterior xeriscaping and storm water management and infiltration. Easily accessed on campus by public transport, pedestrians and bicycles, this is truly a building that speaks to COCC’s commitment to sustainability. 2600 NW College Way, COCC, Bend • Architect: YGH Architects • Builder: Kirby Nagelhout Construction • Year Built: 2013

20 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

18 NW OREGON • EFFICIENT OFFICE SPACE REMODEL FOR A SPECULATIVE MARKET: saving energy and money for future tenants. A unique remodel in a central downtown Bend location. You’ll know it when you see it as an eye-catching 9.66-kilowatt hour solar photovoltaic array ... providing optimal seasonal shading. When a new owner bought the building, she wanted a sustainable remodel ... The building has been remodeled to include three different office spaces... The heating system was replaced by high efficiency ducted and ductless heat pumps, reducing the heating energy load by 67 percent — a huge improvement in energy efficiency. 18 NW Oregon Avenue, Bend • Architect: Ambient Architecture • Builder: SunWest Builders Solar: Sunlight Solar • Year Built: 1977 • Year Remodeled: 2013

MODA HEALTH BUILDING • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SHOWCASING GREEN STANDARDS: and putting employee health and comfort a top priority. East of the Old Mill District ... building is certified LEED® Gold New Construction — the core, the shell and the second floor is certified LEED® Gold for Commercial Interiors. Currently the building is half occupied by various tenants, and perhaps the most appealing green feature is the green roof that can be accessed by all building users. The roof features solely native and xeric landscaping and provides a great outdoor space ... Energy use is centrally monitored and includes a combination of daylight and motion sensors, as well as programmable automatic shut-offs. 360 SW Bond Street, Bend • Architect: GBD Architecture • Builder: R & H Construction Year Built: 2007 • Year Remodeled: 2013

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 21

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

WORTHY BREWING • SUSTAINABLE MODEL FOR BREWING: From gardens to growlers, making insanely delicious local beer. When you find yourself walking into Worthy Brewing thirsty for a cold beer, it’s easy to get distracted by the sunny patio or warm wooden interior. In fact, the wood in the restaurant includes 9,000 board feet of reclaimed “Cuckoo” wood from the former Oregon State Insane Asylum in Salem, dismantled in 2008 ... The brewery includes passive-solar design, a 35-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, solar-thermal water heating ... water and wastewater processes included in their brewing operations. Some organic waste is sent to their partner pig farm, Lemke Berkshire Farms, to be returned to the restaurant as delicious bacon. The rest of the waste is sent to a local ranch as feed or local farm, Fields Farms ... The brewery has a greenhouse for gardening produce and partners with OSU in their Hop Yard where a number of varieties of hops grow. 495 NE Bellvue Drive, Bend • Architect: Neil Huston Architects • Builder: Sunwest Builders • Solar: Sunlight Solar • Year Built: 2012

DESERT RAIN RESIDENCE: Telling the story of sustainability through a collaborative and educational community project. Imagine a home that is designed and built to the most sustainable standards in the world. The Desert Rain home seeks to fulfill all of the rigorous requirements of the International Living Building Challenge™ to become a model sustainable building and is an absolute must-see project to learn about the depth and scope of sustainable building that is possible ... adhering to very strict green standards while incorporating a beautiful, artistic design, this project has left no leaf unturned. All carbon emissions from project day one have been calculated and will be entirely offset by the homeowners. 22 NW Shasta Avenue Bend • Architect: Al Tozier Design • Builder: Timberline Construction • Solar : E2 Solar Year Built: 2013

22 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

KALOY RESIDENCE • A SUSTAINABLE REMODEL: Transforming a tired old home into smart livability. It is often said that remodeling and retrofitting buildings is really the most sustainable practice because it re-uses existing resources and land. The building envelope was upgraded with new insulation in the walls, roof and floor, new windows and doors, new electrical throughout, a solar thermal water heating system ... These measures have reduced energy usage by 50 percent ... The house also provides an aging-in-place approach with handicap accessibility in the main living areas. This project is proof that with good planning and sound construction, an older home can be transformed. 23030 Butterfield Trail, Bend • Architect: Lawrence Schechter • Builder: SolAire Homebuilders Year Built: 1984 • Year Remodeled: 2011

TAPPAN WRIGHT RESIDENCE • LIVING NET ZERO IN STYLE: A modern family home with amazingly low energy costs. A Net-Zero Energy home. Simple, modern, and beautifully decorated, it is certified ... the living areas are all south facing, while sleeping and utility spaces occupy the north side of the home. The homeowner said her energy bills are low, due to the extraordinarily efficient building envelope and the 7.8-kilowatt grid-tied solar photovoltaic system. The 12-inch thick walls also make the house quiet and easy to keep cool in the summer. Exterior landscaping is all native and xeriscape — helping conserve water. 2476 NW Drouillard Ave, Bend • Design / Builder: W.H. Hull Co. • Solar: E2 Solar • Year Built: 2013

Make Your Next Home a Zero Energy Home! No Energy Bills • Costs Less to Own No Carbon Emissions

Contact Experienced Zero Net Energy Builders & Designers • • • • • • • •

SolAire Homebuilders · Contact Peter Grube · 541-383-2140 W.H. Hull Company · Contact Bill Hull · 541-420-7345 WoodCraft Building, Inc · Contact Michael Scannell · 541-383-7133 MWP Construction · Contact Murray Perkins · 541-280-7586 The Shelter Studio, Inc, Designers · Contact Jason Offut · 541-306-4270 Schechter Architect, LLC · Contact Lawrence Schechter · 541-408-3638 Neal Huston & Associates Architects, Inc · Contact Neal Huston · 541-389-0991 DKA Architecture & Design · Contact John Kvapil · 541-383-1898

Learn more about Zero Net Energy Homes at www.zerohomes.org Visit a Zero Net Energy Home · #8 on the Green & Solar Tour Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 23

Visit www.GreenAndSolarTour.org for full details

BRECKE RESIDENCE • DURABLE AND FAMILY READY: Long-lasting materials with a high-performance building envelope. Built on a rather challenging, steep lot, this residence has durability and energy savings in mind, yet also incorporates desired features such as a family-friendly layout ... This residence is currently under construction — providing a sneak peek into construction techniques that would otherwise be hidden after completion ... Although built on a north-facing lot, the design uses clerestory windows, eight-inch thick walls and structurally insulated roof panels to maximize heat gain and retention ... This is a must-see project to learn first hand what a green building looks like under construction. 2586 Cousins Place, Bend • Architect: The Shelter Studio • Builder: W.H. Hull Co. • Year Built: 2013/2014

WELCH RESIDENCE • PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN: Creating a warm Northwest home in an infill location. When the owners of this home decided to move from Eugene to Bend for the sunny, clear days, they specifically sought out the perfect south-facing infill lot for great passive solar design ... Built on the east/west axis, the living areas are all south facing, allowing for ample daylighting while large overhangs aid in maintaining cool temperatures in the summer. An insulated slab floor provides a thermal mass in the winter and a cooling mechanism in the summer. A highly efficient building envelope ... When asked what makes the house truly special, they joked, “Warm and cool places for the cat to sleep, depending on his whim.” 1258 NW Saginaw Avenue, Bend • Architect: Al Tozier Design • Builder: Greg Vendrame Solar: E2 Solar • Year Built: 2013

24 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 25

Working Together to Build Your Vision

739 YEARS COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING

EST. 1977

AN EMPLOYEE OWNED COMPANY

www.sforest.com • 541.385.8522 803 SW Industrial Way • Bend, OR CCB #36632

26 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

PRETTY PLEASE WITH

HONEY ON TOP On toast, in tea, with milk, or as a glaze, honey is one versatile ingredient.

by Annissa Anderson for The Bulletin Special Projects

The entirely natural – yet seemingly miraculous – process that creates honey makes it a very special food. It all starts when honey bees feast on flowers and collect flower nectar in their mouths. The nectar becomes honey when it mixes with special enzymes in the bees’ saliva. The honey is then carried back to the hive and deposited into the cells of the hive’s walls, creating a honeycomb. Inside the hive, the fanning of the bees’ wings helps to evaporate water from the honey, leaving the thick, syrupy liquid that beekeepers extract for our consumption. Photos by Nicole Werner

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 27

... the culinary uses for honey are far reaching, whether using honey out of a plastic bear or a jar of specialty honey derived from blossoms that lend a more distinct fragrance and flavor. All honey is created through the same set of steps, yet there are hundreds of different honeys throughout the world. The flavor, color and aroma of each are a direct reflection of the nectar’s source, namely the flower from which they originate. The types of honey most commonly found on grocery shelves are the mildly flavored ones from clover, orange blossom and sage flowers. These are the ones that most of us use interchangeably as a sweetener for stirring into hot tea or milk, or spreading on toast in place of jam. But the culinary uses for honey are far reaching, whether using honey out of a plastic bear or a jar of specialty honey derived from blossoms that lend a more distinct fragrance and flavor. In the case of the latter, it is important to know that not all honey tastes the same. Interchanging honeys could affect the desired flavor of the dish. When a recipe calls for honey, it almost always means the liquid kind, most of which is pasteurized to prevent crystallization giving it a shelf life of a year or more. Raw honey is also in liquid form but has not been filtered and heated. It will crystallize after a few months so it will not have the shelf life of pasteurized honey. Honey can also be found in the comb, chunkstyle (with pieces of honeycomb in the jar), or whipped like butter.

Liquid honey elevates the flavor of many foods, both sweet and savory. In desserts, honey pairs perfectly with fruits – especially citrus, berries, figs and stone fruits – and all things dairy. Milk, cream, yogurt and soft cheeses, such as brie and ricotta, all offset the flavor of honey well. Root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips, are heavenly when roasted or braised in a honey glaze. But honey is equally ideal for glazing ham, pork chops or ribs. And herbor citrus-infused honey makes a divine sauce for grilled salmon. Honey’s consistency – like ready-made simple syrup – makes it perfect for mixing into other liquids. A little honey naturally sweetens homemade salad dressings and marinades. It falls off a spoon at just the right rate for drizzling over yogurt or granola, fruit or ice cream. As sweeteners go, honey has some real advantages. All-natural honey, especially in its raw form, is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. When not pasteurized, honey is also antibacterial, antifungal and even probiotic. Local honey, harvested by a beekeeper in the local vicinity, is even reputed to help reduce allergies when taking daily over a period of time. What’s not to love about honey? Taste a few, and try using honey as a natural, healthful flavor boost for your favorite foods.

Orange and Honey-Glazed Carrots (Serves 4)

These cooked carrots with a sweet-tart honey glaze make a perfect side dish for roasted poultry or meat.

Ingredients: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1 ½ inch chunks 3/4 cup honey Juice and zest of 1/2 orange Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon 28 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Method: Melt the butter in a 12-inch, high sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, honey and orange juice and zest. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about an hour and 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and sauce is thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle with tarragon and serve.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Apricots and Honey Syrup (Serves 6)

‘Milk and honey’ is more than a biblical reference, it is a heavenly food pairing. Here, panna cotta – essentially eggless custard – is made with Greek yogurt, giving it a tanginess that is nicely offset by sweet, honey-plumped apricots and their syrup.

Ingredients: 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (2 1/4 teaspoons) 2 tablespoons cold water 1 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped 2 cups Greek yogurt 1 cup dried apricots 1 cup semi-dry white wine, such as Riesling 1/4 cup honey Toasted and chopped pistachios, for serving (optional)

Method: 1/ In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water; let stand until softened, 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, bring the cream, sugar and vanilla bean and seeds to a simmer. Off the heat, stir in the gelatin until melted. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Gradually whisk in the vanilla cream; remove the vanilla bean. Pour the mixture into six 1/2-cup ramekins and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. 2/ Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, simmer the apricots in the white wine over moderately low heat until the apricots are plump and the wine has reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Stir in the honey and simmer the syrup until thickened, about 5 minutes; let cool. 3/ Run a knife around the inside of each ramekin. Set a plate on each ramekin and invert each panna cotta onto a plate; you may have to tap and shake the ramekins to loosen the panna cottas. Slice the apricots and spoon them on top of the panna cottas. Drizzle with some of the honey syrup, sprinkle with pistachios if desired, and serve.

Nectar of the Gods Honey has been used since biblical times to make mead, the beverage made by fermenting honey, water and yeast with flavorings such as herbs, spices or flowers. Also called honey wine, mead is seeing a surge in popularity as an alternative beverage to microbrews and hard ciders. Now Central Oregonians can enjoy locally-crafted mead that uses fireweed honey harvested by a beekeeper right here in Oregon’s high desert. Nectar of the Gods Meadery uses the traditional style of making mead, says owner Wesley Ladd, in the sense that he does not cook the honey. Ladd prefers to retain the natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the honey for optimum health effects. Nectar of the Gods Meadery is always creating new varieties, some sweet, but others dry or delicate. Flavored meads are made

by using different types of yeast and fruit additives; seasonal meads have included Apricot, Pineapple-Blueberry-Coriander and Lavender-Lemon.

Where to Taste: Nectar of the Gods Mead is regularly on tap at these local establishments: Tin Pan Theater 869 NW Tin Pan Alley, Bend Crow’s Feet Commons 875 NW Brooks Street, Bend Broken Top Bottle Shop 1740 NW Pence Lane, Suite 1, Bend

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 29

Environmental Center employees and board members from left to right: Denise Rowcraft, sustainability advocate; Peter Geiser, founder and board member; Lindsey hardy, board member; Mike Riley, executive director; and Jackie Wilson, sustainability educator.

25 YEARS

OF SUSTAINABILITY

The Environmental Center in Bend celebrates a quarter century of partnerships with the region’s environmentally progressive organizations. by Kathy Oxborrow for The Bulletin Special Projects Photos by Kari Mauser and Nicole Werner

In its 25th year, The Environmental Center has much to celebrate — not the least of which is being the hub for all things green in Central Oregon for a quarter of a century. Incorporated in 1988, this association of conservation groups grew out of a successful effort to pass the Oregon Scenic Rivers Act, which added protection for 40 rivers. “The Center was formed as a place for like-minded people to be together to share 30 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

resources like copy machines, office space, telephones and meeting rooms,” said Mike Riley, the Environmental Center’s executive director. “… not necessarily to come together to do one thing.” Originally focused on preserving and protecting natural resources, the Environmental Center’s mission has evolved to “embedding sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon.”

In the early 90s, the Environmental Center’s board identified urban sustainability and associated lifestyle issues as areas in which education could benefit the community. “A primary way we addressed this was to become an incubator for various projects,” said Peter Geiser, a founding board member. Geiser said they decided to support people with a passion and a good idea and cited Commute Options as an example of a project

mentored by the Environmental Center. Many of the organizations that shared office space in the early days, such as Commute Options and the Oregon Natural Desert Association, eventually outgrew their home at The Environmental Center and moved into their own offices in other Bend locations. “Many groups still use the Center as their meeting place or mailing address and as a

central communications hub, but not as many groups have offices here,” Riley said. Currently, 39 nonprofit organizations maintain a membership with The Environmental Center. One of those is Cascadia Green Building Council, a regional organization with a presence in Central Oregon that promotes progressive green building standards. Environmental Center Board member, Lindsey Hardy, who volunteers with Cascadia, said membership at the Center has helped the fledgling group. “We use the space and the copy machines, and they help promote our events. Having the support of the Environmental Center is a huge part of what we are trying to do here.” The Environmental Center has a variety of programs to encourage recycling and urge people to compost, reduce waste and reuse materials. The online Green Spot Directory lists locally owned businesses in Central Oregon that practice and promote sustainability within their business model and are community conscious. The Center’s Rethink Waste Project, which has its own website, offers information for households, businesses and schools on how to reduce their waste through recycling, reusing and composting. Through the program, toolkits have been developed and distributed to Habitat for Humanity homeowners, which include composters, recycle bins, water bottles, and other reusable items to reduce household waste. The Environmental Center’s youth education program provides classroom lessons, community field trips and outdoor school days that immerse students in sustainability education.

Riley said new programs will likely focus on energy conservation and renewables but also how we design and plan our communities. He said those areas will have the largest impact on climate change, which is the biggest environmental issue of our time. The Environmental Center continuously assesses ways to advocate policies and programs that promote sustainability. “We’ll be looking at what are the kind of things that need to happen on a communitywide level to make our community sustainable over the long term,” Riley said. The Environmental Center’s programs have focused on what individuals, families, schools and businesses can do, but now will look at how they influence policy that promotes change at the systems level. Riley said change is needed at both the individual and the systems levels for the greatest impact. The Environmental Center’s $400,000 annual budget is funded through memberships, donations, events, government contracts, grants and facility rentals. In addition to Riley, six staff members coordinate the various programs. The Center’s 25th anniversary celebration on October 19 is open to the public. There will be live music, food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased online at www. envirocenter.org.

First graders from Amity Creek Elementary School search the Environmental Center’s learning garden’s plants for lingering bounty such as beans and broccoli.

The Learning Garden, located next to the Center at 16 NW Kansas in the heart of Bend, teaches students about food. In this outdoor classroom students sow seeds, cultivate the plants and harvest their bounty. Youth are able to apply what they are learning in school to real world situations. “The kids use math to calculate volume and planting seeds.” Riley said. “They learn about weather, geography and plants.” The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon and Amity Creek Elementary School are partners with The Environmental Center in the learning garden. The Amity students prepare the garden in the fall and plant in the spring and the youth at the Boys and Girls Clubs tend the plants during the summer months.

Sustainability advocate,Denise Rowcraft teaches the Collins family,Rethink Waste toolkit recipients, about their new compost bin. From left to right: Rick, A.J., Lynelle, Maddison and Denise. Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 31

COLOR TRENDS

PAINT EVOLUTION

Recent evidence shows that very early man created usable paint like mixtures 100,000 years ago to decorate walls, bodies, and clothes. In 2008 in The Blombos Caves in South Africa, scientist unearthed the remains of 2 tool kits apparently used for the grinding and mixing of paints. It is believed their recipe involved mixing ground ochre with bone and heating it to release the oils in the marrow. Charcoal was then added, mashed, and thinned with a liquid to create a spreadable substance. Early settlers to New England in the 1600s were opposed to paint. The puritanical beliefs of the Pilgrims upheld that painting a home was an inappropriate expression of vanity and happiness. Despite this paint recipes and procedures were developed using easily obtainable ingredients such as lime, ground shells, milk, eggs, coffee, or rice. Fast forward several hundred years and you will find the craft of making paint has evolved again. Miller Paints has taken their 123 years of perfecting their craft--the art of quality product formulations, and created Evolution by Miller. Evolution paints are handcrafted in the 32 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Pacific Northwest, and designed to reflect the unique beauty of our landscapes and protect the unique elements of your home. You can feel the craftsmanship in the rich, thick textures as you spread the art of paint on the canvas of your walls. CANVAS is an extra-rich luminescent eggshell finish for soft, warm hues. SILK- a thick and creamy

satin finish is designed to capture and reflect deeper tones and richer hues. Finish your master piece with FRAME- the finest semi-gloss coating Miller paints has ever created. The new color pallet – COLOREVOLTION COLLECTION was created with a collaboration of Miller Paints and 5 renowned

BUY ONE GALLON GET ONE GALLON

FREE

(Miller Colors Only) Limit one free gallon of equal or lesser value. No cash value. Excludes quarts, 5-gal. pails, and special orders. Limit one gallon per household. Not valid with any other offer. Offer good Sept. 29 - Oct. 17, 2013.

To redeem this offer, bring this coupon to Denfeld Paints

NAME: ADDRESS: EMAIL:

2121 NE DIVISION • BEND, OR 97701

541-382-4171

641 NW FIR AVE • REDMOND, OR 97756

541-548-7707

MON–FRI 7:30–5:30, SAT 8:00–3:00 • WWW.DENFELDPAINTS.COM

Pacific Northwest designers. It features 168 exclusive colors. Inspired by the artistic eye of landscape artist and Miller Paint founder, Ernest Miller, the ColorEvolution collection is the most advanced evolution of color and quality in the market. If you liked the Devine Color brand that was formerly licensed by Miller Paints, you will love ColorEvolution. It is all that and more! You can experience the warm symphony of colors at “thecolorevolution.com” or Denfeld Paints in Bend and Redmond. Information provided by Norma Tucker at Denfeld Paints.

GREEN BY

DESIGN by Gregg Morris, for The Bulletin Special Projects Photos by Nicole Werner

WITH A FOCUS ON PASSIVE DESIGN, THIS NORTHWEST CROSSING HOME IS SIMPLY ENERGY-EFFICIENT.

Another new, energy-efficient home has risen in Bend’s NorthWest Crossing neighborhood. Designed by homeowner Bob Lorenzen and built by SolAire Homebuilders, the NW Lolo Drive residence inherited its approach to living from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian- style house. With that in mind, there is a strong visual connection between the interior and exterior areas of the home. “We wanted to blend Frank Llyod Wright’s Ustonian style with extreme energy efficiency,” says Cindi O’Neil, co-owner of SolAire Homebuilders.

The approximately 2,400 square-foot home combines passive-solar characteristics with increased insulation and other green building techniques to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Because the walls are 16 inches thick, the house lives like a 2,100 square foot home. “This is the fourth house we have designed and built for ourselves,” said Lorenzen, a certified passive house consultant. “With each one, I push the energy efficiency envelope a little more. “I’ve been involved in energy efficiency my Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 33

recirculation pump system at the faucets that saves water and allows for the quick heating of hot water. The home’s energy efficiency is measured by R-value and energy consumption, while the style is rated by its features and livability. “The kitchen cabinets are absolutely gorgeous,” said O’Neil. “They are a blend of cherry and maple. Plus, the cabinet boxes are made of an exposed-birch plywood called Appleply.” “We love the house,” said Lorenzen. “It is very livable. The spatial arrangements turned out great. We wanted a compact design with some openness.” Mike, president, and Cindi, vice president, started Bend-based SolAire Homebuilders in 1995. They have strong roots in building energy-efficient homes in Central Oregon. Lorenzen, having worked in architecture

entire life,” said Lorenzen. “I chose SolAire because Cindi and Mike’s [O’Neil] knowledge and eagerness to build. They were very well-informed [about] what I was trying to accomplish.” Cindi explained that an earth advantage associate had referred Bob and his wife, Priscilla Elder, to SolAire Homes. “We were very honored that a company such as Earth Advantage would think of us,” said O’Neil. “We definitely wanted in. It turned out to be a great partnership.” Because of the desire for increased energy efficiency, the house was built to follow the Passivhaus Standard. According to the International Passive House Association, “the Passivhaus standard’s strengths lie in the simplicity of its approach: build a house that has an excellent thermal performance, exceptional air tightness with mechanical ventilation.” While the house took 10 months to build, 34 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

it was in the design stage for over a year. The lot and building location were chosen to provide significant solar gains through its south/southeast orientation, as well as the majority of windows being located on the south facing wall. The house itself is airtight and well insulated. The thick walls allow for an R63 insulation value. The roof is fully insulated and unventilated, resulting in an R70 insulation value. The concrete slab construction moderates the fluctuating temperatures within the home. It sits on 10 inches of high-density insulation, plus an additional five inches of insulation around the perimeter. Another important feature of the house are the windows, which are fiberglass framed, triple pane and triple glazed with a “U” value of 0.18 solar heat gain co-efficient. The home is also fitted with low-flow shower heads and an on-demand water

“This is the fourth house we have designed and built for ourselves. With each one, I push the energy efficiency envelope a little more.” for the past several decades, has served as president of the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and Oregon Homebuilders Association and is currently on the board of COBA’s Building Green Council. All of SolAire’s homes are built to Earth Advantage and/or Energy Star certifications. The company has built four homes to the standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), including one in NorthWest Crossing. They are also proud of two net-zero homes — homes that produce as much or more energy as they consume — completed over the past two years. On Thursday, October 10, Lorenzen will share his green building knowledge at the Northwest Green Building Industry Summit (NWGreenBIS), organized by COBA (see page 13). His lecture, titled, “Passivhaus in Central Oregon: Passively Sustainable Homes,” will be centered around the newly completed NorthWest Crossing home. The NWGreenBIS conference, which allows experts to share the latest design and building ideas for sustainable and energy-efficient home building, is held annually in Bend. For more information on the building of the Usonian house, please visit www.solairehomebuilders.com. To learn more about the NW Green Building Industry Summit event, please visit www.coba.org.

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Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 35

SIMPLY

HOMEMADE Photos and story by Kari Mauser, The Bulletin Special Projects

D.I.Y. cleaning solutions provide a clean sweep without harmful toxins and less waste.

36 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

In today’s world, recycling isn’t even something we think about, it’s simply what we do. When a container is empty, we rinse it and toss it in the recycle bin. While keeping all that plastic out of the landfills is certainly a way to be green, the mass consumption of products packaged in plastic in the first place is a practice that many of us are starting to rethink. “I absolutely hate all the plastic bottles we go through,” said Kristina Smith. “Laundry soap and every other cleaning product we use, it’s so much wasted plastic.” In an effort to lessen her family’s carbon footprint, Smith has begun exploring the idea of making her own cleaners. Not only is she compelled to greatly reduce the plastics that go through her household, but also to create a healthier home, free of hazardous chemicals. People of all backgrounds have begun questioning the possible effects of household chemical exposure, particularly in their children who are still developing physically and neurologically. Many of the cleaners we have in our kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans, pets and the environment. Labels with words such as “caution,” “warning,” and “danger,” indicate a product containing some sort of potentially toxic and environmentally detrimental ingredient. And according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the average person in the U.S. uses 40.6 pounds of household cleaners each year. Not only does that add up in terms of plastic use and chemical exposure, but store-bought cleaners can also be quite pricey. Being able to save money is just one more reason many people are experimenting with green, homemade cleaners. “Making your own green cleaners saves you money, reduces your exposure to chemicals and cuts down on wasteful packaging,” emphasized Denise Rowcraft, The Environmental Center’s sustainability advocate. “When you walk down any store’s cleaning aisle, you start to feel like you need a specialized cleaner for every task, when in reality your homemade household general cleaner can go from your kitchen counters to your bathroom tub and to everything in between.” From all purpose cleaners to laundry and dishwasher soap, recipes for household cleaning products abound. Utilizing simple, natural ingredients such as castile soap (which is made from plant material), and vinegar (which is made by fermenting fruit or other sugars), as well as essential oils which have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (particularly tea tree and lavender), people everywhere are discovering the eco-friendly way of keeping a clean home. While finding the best mixtures may seem daunting at first, the list of possible ingredients will barely fill a cloth grocery bag and can be found at mainstream stores. Therefore, trying a few different combinations until you get the ones that work best for you shouldn’t be any more perplexing than staring at the endless options crowding the store shelves. Here are a few recipes discovered, adapted and recommended by various families around Central Oregon: Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 37

Liquid Laundry Detergent

All Purpose General Cleaner

(ideal for cold water washing) 1 bar of plain soap, grated and then heated in 6 cups of water to dissolve. Pour into a 5 gallon bucket and let cool. Then add 3 cups of washing soda and 3 cups of borax. Fill the bucket the rest of the way with water and add 10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender. Let sit overnight and then stir to dissolve remaining chunks.

3 tablespoons white vinegar ½ teaspoon washing soda ½ teaspoon castile soap 2 cups hot water 3 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil Mix ingredients in a spray bottle, wait for bubbling to subside before sealing container.

Powder Laundry Detergent (best for warm/hot water washing) 1 bar of plain soap, grated (This can be Fels Naptha or Ivory or even a bar of castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s which comes in scents such as lavender and almond) 1 cup of borax 1 cup of washing soda Pulse in a food processor until a blended powder. Store in a large jar. Use 2 tablespoons per load.

Tub Sink and Tile Scrub Powder Dishwasher Detergent 2 cups washing soda 2 cups borax ½ cup salt Store in a jar and shake to mix before each use.

Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

½ cup liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s is the most common) ½ cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice ¼ cup white vinegar 3 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil Mix water and soap, then add other ingredients. Use 2 tablespoons per load. 38 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

2/3 cup aluminum-free baking soda 1/2 cup castile soap 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/2 cup water 3-5 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil Mix ingredients in a squirt bottle rather than a spray bottle, wait for bubbling to subside before sealing container. For more ideas and recipes visit the Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project website at http:// rethinkwasteproject.org/hazardous-waste and click on “alternatives to hazardous products”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making your own green cleaners saves you money, reduces your exposure to chemicals and cuts down on wasteful packaging,â&#x20AC;?

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 39

40 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

TOP

GREEN ROOFS

IT OFF

by Hannah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary, for The Bulletin Special Projects Photos by Nicole Werner and Kari Mauser

Eco roofs are popping up on homes and businesses in Central Oregon adding beauty to sustainability. Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 41

The sedums’ new growth reached into the air, stretching, savoring the sunlight. The leaves flitted back and forth in the breeze. A bumble bee danced from flower to flower, and then sped toward its hive. There isn’t anything special or particularly unique about this garden scene, other than the fact that it’s twelve feet off the ground. The garden has taken the place of traditional rooftop shingles to contribute to the efficiency of heating and cooling systems as well as water filtration. In Central Oregon, these roofs popping up in public spaces such as the Bend Park and Recreation Administration Building near the Old Mill District, and on private homes in Tumalo, Shevlin Commons, and Brasada Ranch, just to highlight a few. These green roofs, also known as ecoroofs, are roofs topped with living plants growing in a soil-like medium. They’re a modern take on an ancient tradition. Take for instance the rooftop gardens of Babylon, or the sod roofs of northern Europe. We can see that the idea of a green roof isn’t novel, but this type of architecture, which combines art and science, could contribute to a positive environmental impact. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, there are two types of green roofs: intensive and extensive. Intensive roofs mimic their rooftop garden predecessors, and often serve as an additional park or green space. They can support a growing medium of up to three feet in depth, which allows trees, shrubs and larger plants to be used in the design. Extensive roofs are more commonly utilized in Central Oregon. They consist of a thinner layer of growing medium with smaller plants that are accessed only for maintenance purposes. Regardless of particular type, the basics of green roofing systems remain the same. The system include a waterproof membrane, a drainage layer, a growing medium or soil, and a layer of carefully selected plants. The soil-like growing medium is a special blend of ingredients. Dr. John Lambrinos, an associate professor in horticulture at Oregon State University, 42 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

Sedums are a good choice for plants atop green roofs in Central Oregon because they are drought resistant. Bottom right; Gary Jacobe applies a fertilizer to provide nutrients to the plants atop the Bend Park and Recreation administrative building.

explained that the typical soil medium is primarily composed of pumice with a small amount of organic matter. “For the dry climate in Central Oregon, mediums that have more fines, or organic matter would hold water longer,” Lambrinos said. In addition to proper planning and design, proper plant selection is vital, according to Jason Offutt, an intern architect/building designer with The

Shelter Studio in Bend. “On this side of the hill, people need to be conscious and aware of what plants will work and last,” Offutt said. “Droughttolerant plants are key.” Bill Berry, a native plant and restoration specialist agreed. “Natives are always a great choice and serve as a good reference to what would survive in a harsh, dry environment,” said Berry. “Look to what is growing on

the rock bluffs naturally to get an idea.” Berry also explained, although they are not native, sedums are a popular choice in plant material for green roofs in Central Oregon. “They have kind of a summer dormancy that is built into them, and they tend to bounce back as soon as natural moisture returns,” said Berry. Opsis Architecture, of Portland, Oregon took these plant choices to heart when designing the Bend Park and Recreation building. Although the original design called for wildflowers to cascade over the edges in an orange riot of color, sedums were selected, and are well established today. Splashes of California poppies and lupine also dot the landscape of the roof. Proper watering is critical to establish the root system of the plants and to ensure longevity of a green roof. “Getting [the plants] established that first year is really helped by having some irrigation,” stated Berry. Drip irrigation systems are oftentimes recommended to help the plants establish their roots in the first few dry seasons. “Following the first few years after planting, the plants should have developed an extensive root system that will allow them to survive without irrigation,” said Offutt. When considering green roofs as a roofing system, individuals should weigh out the pros and cons associated with installation and maintenance. Green roofs help to insulate the home or building and can even extend the roof’s life. “As the actual roofing materials, [the water proof membrane and drainage system] aren’t directly exposed to the sun, they don’t get broken down as quickly,” explains Offutt. Although a greater depth of knowledge and technology has evolved surrounding the addition of green roofs into architectural design, some concerns about maintenance of green roofs still exists, especially where water drainage is concerned. “It’s not like you’re building a big bathtub on top of your roof,” said Offutt. “[Green roofs] are precisely engineered to drain excess storm water.” Berry addressed drainage concerns

The green roof atop this home in Brasada Ranch, designed by Jason Offutt, resembles the appearance of the surrounding high desert landscape.

as well as general maintenance requirements of green roofs. “Assuming that there aren’t any leaks, which would be technical and worrisome, the primary maintenance for a green roof will center around plant care,” said Berry. “Weed populations might sprout in your roof as the seeds are flying through the air. It would not be unlikely to find tumbleweeds starting up on the green roof.” Working collaboratively, architects and horticulturalists are blending their chosen crafts, and the environmental benefits could be substantial. “Green roofs offer a variety of quantifiable ecosystem service benefits including heating, cooling and storm water mitigation,” explained Lambrinos. “There is also the other aspect of their services though, the biophilia aspect — creating an urban area that people want to interact with, or are proud of.” “In the beginning of our green roof research, we monitored the green roof on the Portland building,” said Lambrinos. “What struck me most about

that experience was, that it seemed like everyone in the building knew that they had a green roof overhead. They had pride in their green roof. Most of the time you don’t see people getting jazzed about a part of their building.” The top down approach in architecture — starting with green roofs — provides some interesting solutions to a ground level predicament. “I think that there is a general increase in people’s knowledge and desire to decrease their environmental impact,” said Lambrinos. “We can see this now extending from buying organic or bringing their own bags to the grocery store to include things relating to their homes and landscapes. There is a heightened interest and knowledge in doing things like installing a green roof.” From the ancient gardens of Babylon, to your neighbors right down the street, the budding developments in green roof technology have taken root and are here to stay.

Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 43

GARDEN CALENDAR

by Amy Jo Detweiler / Special to The Bulletin

OCTOBER

care publication at: http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/ bitstream/handle/1957/19854/ec1624-e.pdf

! Are you seeing webbing in your trees this fall? It may be fall webworm. For a small population prune out larvae and webbing. For larger population use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) when larvae first appear.

! Pull up all dead plant materials, rake diseased leaves and remove all fallen branches. This will prevent insects and disease from overwintering in your landscape.

! Continue to water and mow your lawn minimally. ! At the end of October into November, blow out your automatic irrigation system for the winter.

! Leave your ornamental grasses up in winter to provide winter texture in the landscape, cut them back to the ground in early spring. ! Prune your evergreen and conifers.

! At the end of the month put down a “winterizer” fertilizer on your lawn at a rate of two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet using a soluble or mixed soluble slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. A common winter fertilizer has an N-P-K of 10-5-14. You would need 10 pounds of product per 1,000 square feet with this ratio.

! Pick you green tomatoes before a heavy frost hits them. Only mature green tomatoes can be ripened off the vine. Mature tomatoes are light green in color with a reddish tinge on the blossom end. The pulp inside of a mature tomato should be jelly-like, not firm. To ripen, wrap them individually in newspaper, and place them in a box so they are not touching one another in a room at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Check them every three to four days for rotten ones. They will ripen over a three- to four- week period.

! Select a live Christmas tree for the holidays. ! Force bulbs indoors to bring some color into your home during the winter months. The most commonly forced bulbs include crocus, hyacinths, paper whites, amaryllis, tulips, daffodils, miniature iris, and scilla. ! Clean, oil, and sharpen garden tools. You can clean your tools with a bleach solution, 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately to prevent corrosion.

! Save seeds from the vegetable and flower garden, dry and store. ! Time to go and pick out your pumpkins from the local growers for all of your fall festivities.

! Regular roses need special winter care including winter mulch. For more information check out the following rose 44 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2013

! Now is a good time to remove and discard paper wasp nests from the eaves of your home. At this time of year, the nests may be empty. Wasps only occupy their nests for one season. Remove at dusk when wasp activity slows down.

! Don’t forget to water your landscape plants during the winter, every six to eight weeks when the ground is warm enough to accept water. This will prevent your plants from drying out through the winter months especially during dry spells with minimal snow cover.

! Harvest and store apples. Keep at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate humidity.

! Cut back your perennials to one-and-a-half inches above the ground, and with pine needles or wood bark, mulch to protect the roots through the winter. Some perennials that prefer additional mulch for winter protection include pincushion flower (Scabiosa), lavender (Lavendula), and veronica.

! Wrap the trunks of young, thick barked trees (maples, aspen, ash) in November, with paper tree wrap to prevent sunscald. Remove it in spring (April). Do not leave the tree wrap on throughout the summer because it may harbor unwanted insects. Wrap your new trees 2-3 years in a row until the outer bark has thickened.

DECEMBER

! Spread 2 to 4 inches of compost or mulch on top of your vegetable garden.

! Harvest sunflower heads; use seed for birdseed by hanging the flowerheads upside from a structure or tree. The birds will get a tasty treat and you will get surprise sunflowers popping up next year. You can also toast the sunflower seeds and treat yourself.

! Start your compost pile for next fall. Do not use grass clippings or plant debris that may have pesticide residues, disease or insects in your compost pile.