11:00am – 12:00pm
Dave Ellingson, Woodburn High School

Willamette Valley Pleistocene Project
Volunteers, and high school students have been looking at an ancient ecosystem beneath the surface, finding small rodents like muskrat, voles, and shrew; larger mammals like bison, beaver, deer, and elk; birds like cranes and cinnamon teal; turtle shell fragments; plant remains, including seeds of bog bean and Oregon grape; wood and leaves from willows; and cones from spruce trees.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Hans Neukomm, Jr., Neukomm Rock & Gem Shop

Oregon’s State Gemstone
Come hear Hans’ talk about the Oregon state gemstone: sunstones. Hans will share his knowledge of where to find them, how to mine them, and the variety of sunstone colors and cuts.

11:00am – 12:00pm
Laura Joki

What’s in a Name
Dive deeper into the art and science of rock examination and identification. Learn how names encapsulate a rock’s history and characteristics. Laura will offer insights into the techniques used for rock analysis and the criteria for their evaluation. This engaging session not only enriches our understanding of rocks but also celebrates the stories they hold, making it a must-attend for enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Willamette Valley Miners

Gold Panning 101
The Willamette Valley Miners’ purpose is to keep alive the spirit and preserve the rights and privileges of all miners and prospectors, by educating and encouraging small-scale mining and helping establish a positive image of today’s mineral prospectors and miners.