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!
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.
September 19th, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: PAROC
Join PAROC and the Grassland Heritage Foundation on Saturday, September 19th for a morning learning about grassland bird conservation! Whether you are an avid bird watcher, a prairie enthusiast, or simply wanting to learn more, this event is perfect for you!
Starting at 10am, Bob Gress will be sharing “A Changing World for Kansas Birds”, a presentation featuring grassland bird conservation in Kansas. Bob Gress is a biologist, naturalist, and world-renowned wildlife photographer. Notably, he is one of the avian photographers for Birds In Focus. Bob graduated with his M.S. in environmental biology from Emporia State University and is a past director of the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita, KS. He has published many of his professional photos in nature magazines and over 60 books. We are very thrilled to have Mr. Gress at PAROC for this event!
Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to go birdwatching in Campus Prairie and Campus Woods with ornithologists, Dr. William Jensen and ESU graduate student, Sarah Beismeier. The event will also feature many bird-themed activities such as birdhouse and birdfeeder crafting.
Come and learn about how you can make an impact on Kansas grassland bird conservation!
Please register here.
This event is free and open to the public.
