The “Rural” Half of Bringing Earth Sciences to

the Community via Outreach Opportunities

Ron MetzgerSouthwestern Oregon Community College

Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay:Definitely On The Leading EdgeCommunity Outreach:Hopefully On the Cutting Edge

Southwestern Oregon Community College:Community is in the Name

How do you make the Connections?

What is Available Locally?Oregon Institute of Marine BiologySouth Slough National Estuarine Research ReserveBureau of Land ManagementMethane Energy Corporation (previously)Oregon Resources CorporationJordan Cove EnergyOregon State Parks

Southwestern Oregon Community College:Community is in the Name

How do you make the Connections?

What is Available Regionally?University of Oregon (2 ½ hours)Hatfield Marine Science Institute (2 hours)Oregon Department of Geology & Mineral

Industries (DOGAMI) Newport Office (2 hours)Oregon State University (3 hours)NOAA (Newport-2 hours?)

Overcoming Obstacles…For most of us: Time

Find local geologists in the area and utilize their expertise:

Coos Bay District BLM geologist Tim Barnes Tim taking strike & dip on October 10, 2009

field trip class

The Geology Lecture SeriesA variety of speakers and topics, keeps you, students

and community engaged.

Making Connections…Going outside your discipline

Working with Don Ivy-Cultural Resource Program Coordinator for the Coquille Indian Tribe on Elderhostel. Also as a student on the Lava Beds field class, bringing different Perspectives.

Workshops and Trainings

Docent Training-Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA).

Trainings covering local geology-BLM, Park Staff .

Hosting events-Tsunami Workshops

Community Presence

Lectures at State Park CampgroundsTalks On campus-Earth Science WeekInterviews with local media-TV, printLocal lectures-library seriesSchool groups

Field Trip courses-a non-credit option for community involvement

Local stops-wave at Shore Acres State Park, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Key:

Find a passion and reach out!!  It benefits the community, your employer and yourself!