A Think Wild wildlife technician will talk about their path building a career working with wildlife.

Check out these informative talks, discussions and classes in Central Oregon this week.

Learn about the Deschutes River basin, insects of the High Desert, the immigration system and homelessness. Or try a sound bath class at a cat cafe.

Raising the Deschutes — Challenges and Solutions for Our Rivers

The Deschutes River Conservancy’s (DRC) team of water experts will discuss the Deschutes River basin’s rivers, the issues they face and the work being done to protect them. The basin provides habitat for fish and wildlife, irrigation for agriculture and recreational opportunities for our communities. DRC representatives will share the transformative work being done through its collaborative approach to restore streamflows, enhance water quality and build a sustainable water future. Beverages will be available to purchase.

Thursday 6-8 p.m.; free with donation option; Worthy Brewing Company, 495 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend; lp.constantcontactpages.com or 541-639-4776.

Tiny Titans — Insects of the High Desert

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series continues with Tara Cornelisse, invertebrate zoologist, as she provides insights into the butterflies, moths and beetles residing in eastern Oregon. Cornelisse will examine the current state of insect populations, share facts and stories about key species in the High Desert, and highlight why conserving the High Desert is vital for the future of insect populations and the entire ecosystem.

Thursday 7-8 p.m.; free; Virtual; onda.org or 541-330-2638.

Purrrfect Harmony — A Cat Cafe Sound Bath

Enjoy soothing vibrations from bowls, gongs and chimes blend with the calming purrs of Playful Paws Cat Cafe’s cats to reduce stress and boost mood. Bring a yoga mat and eye mask. Space is limited, so reserve a spot online.

Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m.; $35; Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave., Bend; playfulpawscatcafe.com or 541-728-3871.

Borders & Boundaries — Immigration, Enforcement & Business

This community discussion will explore how the U.S. immigration system works from legal, enforcement and business perspectives. Learn about current immigration laws and processes, local law enforcement’s role and the impact on our community’s workforce and economy. Light supper provided.

Community Conversations brings neighbors together to connect, share experiences and listen with open minds. Through thoughtfully facilitated events, the group provides opportunities for individuals with diverse beliefs to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore different perspectives and discover common ground on the issues that shape our community. Its goal is to foster deeper understanding, stronger relationships and collaborative solutions to local civic challenges.

Monday 5-7 p.m.; free; Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; dpl.libnet.info or 541-617-7050.

How Forests Grow Their Own Pot

Representatives of Central Oregon Geoscience Society (COGS) will present on how changes in climate and forest structure may influence tree-driven physical weathering and the rates at which trees grow their own soil pots. Learn about the significant role trees play in converting rock into mobile sediment via physical weathering, with models centered on wind-driven tree throw.

COGS is a nonprofit organization promoting a greater awareness and understanding of the geological sciences through technical presentations, outreach and field trips.

Tuesday 5:30-8 p.m.; free; Worthy Brewing Company, 495 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend; cogeosoc.org or 541-639-4776.

Understanding Homelessness in Central Oregon

This is a community-wide event to learn more about the causes of homelessness as well as the solutions being offered. Representatives from different agencies working on this issue will be available to share information about the work they do and answer questions that you may have. A schedule is as follows: opportunity to visit agency booths, Mosiac Community Health, COIC/WorkSource Mobile Employment, and Shepherd’s House vans from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; presentation from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Q&A 6:54 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and more visiting time from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, Bend Church Open Door Ministries, Westside Church, and Mountain View Community Development.

Tuesday 5:30-8:30 p.m.; free, questions may be submitted via website registration; Westside Church, 2051 NW Shevlin Park Road, Bend; cohomelessforum.org or 808-385-6606.

Working with Wildlife — A Journey Through Rehab, Sanctuaries and Zoos

A lecture in which one of Think Wild’s wildlife technicians Karla Garcia shares her path building a career working directly with wildlife. Garcia will discuss wildlife rehab and husbandry, and also offer advice on how to begin or continue your journey no matter where or how you’ve started.

Tuesday 5:30-6:30 p.m.; free, reserve a spot; Deschutes County Public Library (Downtown) — Meeting Room 2 (Meyer), 601 NW Wall St., Bend; tockify.com.