The Dreyfus Center. (Courtesy UWSP)

UW-Stevens Point to host Wisconsin Science Festival events

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT – The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will host a series of events as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, held statewide from Oct. 14-20.

The annual celebration invites people of all ages to explore science, the arts, and agriculture, the featured theme of this year’s festival.

The week will begin with a lecture on food sovereignty by author Misty Cook at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St. Cook, author of Medicine Generations: Natural Native American Medicines Traditional to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tribe, will discuss medicinal knowledge passed down through her family.

Additional events will take place throughout the week at the Olson Museum of Natural History and the Blocher Planetarium, both located in the Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave. The university’s office of Diversity and College Access, along with the Native American Center, will also sponsor events.

Here is a list of events open to the public:

  • Monday, Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m. – “Food Sovereignty Talk,” DUC Laird Room: Misty Cook will share insights on Native American medicines and food sovereignty.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. – “Junior Science Bison Night,” Olson Museum: Museum staff will lead a program on the history and current status of bison, featuring a close-up look at a bison specimen.
  • Thursday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – “Bison Story Time,” Olson Museum: A hands-on story time event for families, with songs and crafts about the American bison.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. – “Bring Them Home: Aiskótáhkapiyaaya,” DUC Theater: This documentary film chronicles efforts by the Blackfoot Confederacy to restore wild buffalo to the Blackfeet Reservation.
  • Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-6 p.m. – “Hinkigowi, We Feast Together,” Central Wisconsin Environmental Station: A meal sourced from Native food producers and harvesters, bringing together native and non-native communities. This event requires paid registration.
  • Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. – “The Sun, Our Living Star,” Blocher Planetarium: A planetarium show exploring the power and impact of the Sun on Earth’s climate and life.

Throughout the week, Bound to Happen Books, 1008 N. Main St., Stevens Point, will showcase books on Native American agriculture, food sovereignty, and more.

For more information or to search for events by zip code, visit www.uwsp.edu/wi-science-festival or www.wisconsinsciencefest.org/events.