Sparking Action!

Free Community Wildfire Education Day

Saturday, May 2

Learn Together. Prepare with Confidence. Community care through science and connection.

Sparking action

Sparking Action! 2026

A Free Community Wildfire Education Day

Saturday, May 2

Free Admission

10 AM to 2 PM Activities, Demonstrations, and Community Info

2:30 to 4 PM screening of Embers of Awakening

4 to 6 PM Reception for Teen Artists

Sparking Action! invites all ages to explore the science of fire, wildfire prevention, and how Rogue Valley communities are working together for a healthier, more resilient future.

Presented by the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC) and partners, this free event features live fire science demonstrations in the ScienceWorks Dome and hands-on preparedness activities. Learn how slope, fuel density, moisture, and wind impact flame height and severity.

Meet Smokey Bear and tour a fire truck with Ashland Fire & Rescue. Learn about Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Lomakatsi Restoration Project educators.

Build your own DIY air cleaner for smoke season (supplies provided), start a go-kit, explore games and crafts, and connect with area agencies and nonprofits sharing practical wildfire preparedness tools.

Enjoy a performance by Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre.

Stay for a special 2:30 to 4 PM screening of Embers of Awakening: From Firestorms to Climate Healing with guest speakers. Please be advised that the first 15 minutes of this film include depictions of wildfires, including people evacuating and the aftermath of burned homes and neighborhoods. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of the 2017 Tubbs Fire in California, including descriptions of fear, smoke, high winds, and extreme fire conditions, accompanied by first responder vehicles with lights and sirens. We recognize that many members of our community are survivors of urban wildfires, including the 2020 Almeda Fire, and this content may be distressing. Viewer discretion is advised. The filmmakers suggest the film is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Experience “For Love of Nature,” a moving teen art showcase created by Rogue Valley youth who lived through the 2020 Almeda Fire. Produced by Anima Mundi Productions and Rogue Climate under the mentorship of artist and educator Adrian Chavez, this year-long project features powerful works calling for climate stewardship and collective care. Meet the teen artists and explore art that inspires conversation, compassion, and action.

Learn together. Prepare with confidence. Be part of the solution.

A day full of fun and learning adventures!

Time	Activity	Location
10 AM to 2 PM	Info & Activities	Outdoor Plaza
10 AM - 12 PM	Fire Truck Exploration	Outdoor Plaza
10 AM - 2 PM	Arts and Crafts	Life Science Lab
10 AM - 2 PM	Hardened Home Lego Activity	Tinkering Studio
10:30 - 11 AM	Fire Science Demonstration	Dome
12 - 12:30 PM	Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre	Outdoor Plaza
12:30 - 1:30 PM	DIY Air Filter Workshop	Classroom TBD
1:30 - 2 PM	Fire Science Demonstration	Dome
2:30 - 4 PM	Film and Q&A: Embers of Awakening	Science Theater
4 - 6 PM	Teen Artist Reception "For Love of Nature"	Art in STEAM Gallery