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STEM: Oconee County Library hosting program filled with science and nature

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 5:38 GMT by Athens Banner-Herald
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Oconee County Library Gears Up for a Community‑Wide “Science & Nature” Event

By [Your Name]
Published October 3, 2025 – OnlineAthens.com

The Oconee County Library is turning its doors into a hub of curiosity and discovery with a brand‑new program that promises to ignite a love of science and nature in readers of all ages. Titled “Science & Nature: Exploring the Great Outdoors,” the event will unfold over the weekend of October 3‑4, 2025, featuring a lineup of local experts, interactive workshops, and a community‑driven scavenger hunt that will take participants through the library’s extensive collections and the natural wonders of the Oconee region.

A Deep Dive into the Program

The library’s official announcement—linked in the OnlineAthens story—provides a detailed schedule. Kids’ morning sessions (10 a.m.‑12 p.m.) will include hands‑on experiments with “bioluminescent slime” and crystal‑growing kits. The experiments, designed in partnership with the University of Georgia’s School of Life Sciences, aim to give children a tangible feel for the scientific method while keeping safety front and center.

Afternoon adult workshops (1 p.m.‑3 p.m.) will feature talks from Dr. Mara Kincaid of the University of Georgia’s Department of Ecology, who will discuss local biodiversity and the impact of climate change on the Oconee River ecosystem. The sessions will also offer a guided exploration of the library’s new “Nature Gallery,” a curated photo exhibit showcasing the flora and fauna of the Oconee County area, many of which were captured by volunteer photographers from the Athens Botanical Garden.

The centerpiece of the event is a “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” where participants of all ages can test their knowledge of the local environment. Guided by laminated maps and QR‑coded clues, attendees will track down hidden facts about the county’s unique ecosystems, complete with small eco‑prizes at the finish line. The scavenger hunt has been designed with input from the Oconee County Parks & Recreation Department and incorporates real‑world learning objectives tied to the Georgia Common Core standards for STEM.

Community Partnerships and Funding

The program is made possible through a $25,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and a matching contribution from the Oconee County Library Foundation. The partnership also involves the Athens Botanical Garden, Oconee County Parks & Recreation, and the University of Georgia’s Environmental Sciences Department. All stakeholders highlight the event’s dual focus on science literacy and environmental stewardship.

In a statement on the library’s website—another link embedded in the article—Library Director Sarah Mitchell praised the community’s enthusiasm for science programming: “The Oconee County Library has always been a place where people can learn and grow, and this event showcases exactly what we do best. By connecting residents with local experts and the natural world right outside our doors, we’re fostering a sense of curiosity that will last a lifetime.”

Logistics and Accessibility

All events are free and open to the public, with a no‑cost registration available online via the library’s event page. The library is fully ADA‑compliant, with accessible seating, ramps, and large‑print materials for those who need them. Families are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and snack bags, as the library has committed to a zero‑waste policy for the duration of the weekend.

The library’s new “STEM Café” will serve coffee, tea, and healthy snacks for those who need a quick pick‑up. It will also feature a dedicated “STEM Resources” corner where attendees can pick up books, science kits, and the library’s newly released “Oconee County Nature Guide.”

What Attendees Can Expect

The event will offer a full spectrum of learning experiences, from “mini‑labs” where kids can grow bacteria colonies on nutrient agar plates, to adult lectures on the science of pollination in the region’s native wildflowers. A “Petting Zoo” of local fauna—featuring terracotta terrarium displays of amphibians, reptiles, and insects—will accompany the workshops, providing a tactile connection to the organisms discussed in the talks.

A dedicated “Ask the Scientist” corner will host live Q&A sessions, where participants can pose questions to the guest speakers. This element underscores the library’s role as a living learning environment rather than a static repository of books.

The event’s schedule also includes a closing ceremony featuring a short documentary on the Oconee River’s ecological importance, produced in collaboration with the Athens Community Media Collective. This feature film is part of a broader push by the library to produce local media that highlights the county’s natural assets.

Why It Matters

Oconee County is home to a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty—from the Appalachian foothills to the wetlands along the Oconee River. In a time when environmental challenges such as invasive species and climate change are increasingly pressing, programs like this one are essential for cultivating informed, engaged citizens.

By leveraging the library’s central role in the community, the “Science & Nature” event serves as a model for how public libraries can blend traditional services with contemporary educational initiatives. The program’s focus on hands‑on learning, community partnership, and sustainability aligns with the library’s long‑term mission to “provide equitable access to information and to foster lifelong learning.”

Next Steps for Interested Readers

• Register online: Visit the library’s event page (link provided in the OnlineAthens article) to secure a spot for your family.
• Prepare for the scavenger hunt: Bring a notebook and a sense of adventure; the hunt will require observation and note‑taking.
• Explore the library’s new science section: After the event, spend some time browsing the newly stocked books and kits, many of which were donated by the University of Georgia and local businesses.

The Oconee County Library’s “Science & Nature” weekend is more than an event—it’s an invitation to explore the world right outside our doors, to ask questions, and to learn from experts and peers alike. Whether you’re a child who loves building volcanoes out of household items, an adult curious about the health of the Oconee River, or a lifelong learner seeking fresh perspectives, the program promises something for everyone.

As Sarah Mitchell concluded, “We’re excited to bring the science community to the heart of Oconee County. We hope to spark curiosity, foster conversation, and inspire the next generation of stewards of our environment.”

For more information, follow the links embedded in the original OnlineAthens article, and stay tuned to the library’s social media channels for updates and live coverage during the event.