Science Saturdays
Every month, PAROC hosts a FREE event where the community can come spend an hour learning about science and doing hands-on activities. Each month is a new theme so there is something for everyone! ALL ages are welcome, caregivers must attend with children. Sign up for our Science Saturdays below!
June 27th, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: PAROC
PAROC is 5 years old!
Join us as we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center! Over the past five years, the PAROC has served as a hub for environmental education, community outreach, hands-on learning, and aquatic research, connecting people of all ages with the importance of our natural world.
This special event will celebrate the growth, partnerships, educational programs, and community support that have helped PAROC grow in the past 5 years. During the event, we will celebrate the special ground-breaking of the PAROC expansion and a ribbon-cutting of the recently updated Dale Greiner Nature Trail. Additionally, guests can enjoy classic PAROC activities, animal encounters, facility tours, and take part in a nature-themed chalk-art competition!
We are grateful to everyone who has supported PAROC along the way and look forward to celebrating this milestone together!
No registration required.
July 18th, 8:00PM-10:00PM
Location: PAROC
When the rest of the world is sleeping, nocturnal animals are on the move! These specialized animals use key adaptations to survive and thrive when it’s dark outside.
Join PAROC on July 18th from 8pm-10pm for an evening learning about these creatures of the night!
We will have lots of fun activities including a telescope, a nighttime hike, an insect observation tent, a reading bat cave, lots of crafts, and S’MORES! We will also have nocturnal animal specimens that can be viewed, such as bats and owls. The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, Emporia Public Library, Peterson Planetarium, and ESU Art Outreach will all be joining us and providing activities for this exciting evening!
Join in on the fun! Free for all ages. No registration required.
August 29th, 9:00AM-1:00PM
Location: PAROC
Come celebrate the outdoors and spend the day learning and exploring with us at Vamos a Pescar!
Join us at the Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center (PAROC) on Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Vamos a Pescar, a free, family-friendly event all about fishing, outdoor fun, and conservation! This year is the 10th anniversary of VAP!
Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, this event offers something for everyone.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn fishing techniques, understand rules and regulations, explore water safety, learn archery and other hunting practices, enjoy nature crafts and hiking, and participate in many more hands-on educational activities.
New this year to the event is a fishing competition, with prizes!
The Homegrown Coffey truck will also be present all morning, selling coffees, teas, and boba.
A collaborative effort between the Emporia Public Schools- Migrant Education Program, What’s In Outdoors, Hispanics of Today & Tomorrow, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, and PAROC, this event also features giveaways, free resources, and fun prizes for participants.
To wrap up the day, a free fish fry lunch will be served at noon on the PAROC deck.
