Sam Dunaway | News Editor
From crusading through Death Valley, whitewater rafting on the Deschutes and exploring the wonders of Oregon — the Natural Science Club gives students the opportunity to experience the natural world outside of a classroom.
“It provides these opportunities that aren’t available to students in any other way,” explained Natural Science Club president Karisa Merrill.
The Natural Science Club is an organization that encourages students to meet new people, learn about various scientific topics and become informed about career options in the field of science.
The club holds various information sessions that are open to all students, including “When Good Cats Go Wild,” which discussed feral cats, and “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s a Raptor!” which educated students on predatory birds. Both presentations were given by Western professor Jim Dawson during winter term. The club also brings in guest speakers from around the area to discuss topics relating to the natural world.
The club’s most anticipated events are their three annual field trips: during fall term, club members have the opportunity to hike in various parts of the Willamette Valley, as in the 2017 trip to Silver Falls; during Memorial Day weekend, the club takes nearly 20 members to the Deschutes River in Central Oregon to go white water rafting and camping; and, for spring break, students pack up their gear and prepare to spend a week hiking and camping at a national park or campground. This spring break, the Natural Science Club took 16 students to explore Death Valley in California and Nevada.
Each trip is catered to the interests of the club members and what they want to explore. The spring break and Memorial Day weekend excursions have limited space and cost close to $100 per person which covers transportation, food and all additional fees.
In her two years as president, Merrill has seen the impact that these trips have had on the participants. Some individuals go into the trips without any camping or hiking experience whatsoever and come out with excitement for future excursions.
“That just kind of shows you the experience, the fun, the things that we’re able to provide for students that you wouldn’t really have otherwise, and I think that’s really wonderful,” said Merrill.
Merrill emphasized that all students can attend monthly club meetings and sign up for the excursions. She explained, “We’re not specific to science majors. We are open to any major.”
For club updates and meeting times, visit the Natural Science Club OrgSync page.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
Photo by: Paul F. Davis
