Contributed by Kendra Zamzow
March For Science
4/22/2017 – 2PM
March for Science
Palmer Library
655 S Valley Way, Palmer
FREE Event
Why march for science? Because we care. We care that our children are grounded in good science education. We care that people have access to good information through cooperative extensions. We care that policy makers have subject matter experts who can inform them. Whether it’s soils, hydrology, fisheries, electronics or medicine, science is connected to our daily lives.
Science and scientific research is an historical legacy, not a partisan issue.
The Dena’ina and Ahtna Athabascan people were the first scientists in this area. They observed natural phenomena, experimented, determined results, repeated their method and communicated results, handing down information and wisdom through an oral tradition.
More recently, Palmer has been a significant site of research for 100 years with the founding of the Matanuska Experiment Station. This led to the Matanuska Colony and the city of Palmer itself. The Palmer Seismological Observatory, founded 50 years ago, is now one of only two national tsunami warning centers. The Valley is home to scientists, engineers, citizen science conservation projects, Mat-Su College, an arboretum and a seed vault, to mention a few. We can even claim a Nobel laureate, Physicist George Smoot, who attended school in Palmer. His work on cosmic radiation supports the Big Bang Theory.
Science serves society.
Bridges that span our rivers and provide safe passage across Alaskan rivers and gorges such as Hurricane Gulch in Denali, are designed and planned using science. The Recycling Center sends out our sorted trash to businesses who use methods developed from science to create new uses for it rather than consuming space in landfills. Landfills themselves are designed and managed using techniques and methods from science. Every day we and even our beloved pets, benefit from scientific research leading to better care.
Celebrate science on Earth Day!
On Earth Day - Saturday, April 22, 2017 - individuals in the community will join and march for science to highlight the importance of science and research in our daily lives and the life of our community. Science stations in downtown Palmer and at the Annex will provided opportunities to meet the people and organizations in our community who use science in their work to benefit our lives and community.
If you want to get involved and have a science station, contact Kendra at kzamzow@gmail.com by April 18th. No charge to set up a station!
Join us in one or all of these community events:
When: Earth Day, Saturday April 22, 2017
Where: Town Square – grassy area between the Palmer Library and the Borough Building.
(Parking available at both.)
Events:
2 PM: Speakers and march from the grassy area through downtown Palmer.
3 PM: Visit science stations around town and in the Annex on Alaska Way to meet scientists and organizations using science in our community. Maps will be provided.
5 PM: Socialize in the banquet room at Turkey Red. Appetizers will be provided.
The March for Science is a celebration of our enthusiasm for science and our support for the scientific community. State budget cuts and recent national policy changes are impacting science and caused heightened concern regarding the place of science in society. An outpouring of support has made clear that these concerns are shared by people around the world. The March for Science is an international movement by people who realize that staying silent about the positive impacts science makes on our daily lives and communities is not an option. Please join us and show your support.
