Photos by Isabelle Fleuraud

Scientists from the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center taught participants in the Summer Reading program about “super seeds” and the “power of plants” at the Harney County Library on June 22.

As part of the ongoing Summer Reading Program, the Harney County Library hosted scientists from the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) on June 22.

The scientists set up a wonderful “science fair” in the library’s Monarch Butterfly garden, where 83 participants in the Summer Reading program got to learn about “super seeds” and the “power of plants.” In addition to learning about seed dispersal and photosynthesis, young readers were treated to nature-themed face painting. They also went home with a take-and-make bag containing everything they need to conduct a bean-growing experiment at home — including soil, a variety of beans, a metric ruler, printed materials from the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and data sheets created by EOARC’s Dr. Stella Copeland.

The June 29 program promoted poetry appreciation with local cowboy poet, Randi Johnson. 

Today’s program (Wednesday, July 6) will be the library’s water day. Come play with water and bubbles and learn about the science of water. Karen Moon from the Harney County Watershed District will be present to teach young readers how our community can work together to conserve water. 

During the tween/teen program on June 24, local poets and authors Kate Marsh, Marjorie Thelen, and Peg Wallis shared the magic of poetry.

July 8 will be a bird-themed game night, and July 22 will feature leatherworking with Doug Furr and crocheted baskets with Isabelle Fleuraud. 

“As the youth services coordinator, I am so very grateful for the enthusiasm our entire community has shown for the Summer Reading program,” Fleuraud said.