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!