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For the past five summers, MPNRIC, in partnership with Science Education partnerships the Philomath School District and the Community  School Partnerships, sponsored “Science Music and Marshmallows”, a community evening campfire series promoting and understanding of the role that science plays in the management of our forest, stream, wetland, wildlife and agricultural resources.

Each Wednesday in August visitors meet behind the historic Clemen’s Veneer Mill. They are greeted each week by a different band that provides background music as they visit with neighbors and participate in activities.

The “Live Reptile Table” allows visitors to see and handle live snakes and lizards.  The “Davy Crocket Challenge Table” provides an opportunity to attest their knowledge of nature by identifying or answering questions about ten items on the table.  The “Information Table” provides schedules for future events, a sign-up sheet for volunteers and evaluation forms. Other community natural resource organizations also set up information tables.

At dusk, donated prizes are awarded to the top three “Davy Crockett Challenge” Contestants.  The winner is crowned with a coon skin cap.  Prizes are donated from the community and include: fresh fruit and veggie baskets, homemade wine, honey, eggs and gift certificates for organic meat from Bald Hill Farm.

Each week a new speaker provides insights into their world of research using a slide projector or PowerPoint presentation.  Presentations are 35-40 minutes and are followed by a question and answer session.

Sample speakers have included:

Jeff Picton, Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation: “Live Raptors”;  

Dr. David Hulse, University of Oregon: “Mapping the Future of the Willamette Valley”;

Dr. Bernard Bormann, OSU Forest Science Lab: “Anatomy of the Biscuit Fire”;

Dr. Bill Ripple, OSU College of Forestry: “Wolves, Elk and the Yellowstone River”;

Joseph Postman and Dr. Kim Hummer, USDA Clonal Germplasm Repository: “Stalking the Wild Fruit of the World;

Karen Hans, ODF&W: “Are There Fish In That Creek?”

Dr. Sujaya Rao, OSU Dept. of Entomology: “Insect Getaways”

After the talk, attendees can linger by the campfire and roast marshmallows.  Student volunteers build and supervise the fire activity.   This offers visitors an opportunity to dialogue about their shared program experience.