Community Science Project

Fall 2025 Community Science Project

Help us track porcupines

We invite you— adult caregivers with children ages 10-17 — living in Crook County to join our community science project and help the High Desert Museum and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife learn more about porcupine populations across Central Oregon.

Working with wildlife professionals from the museum and ODFW in three workshops, you will discover why porcupines are amazing animals and why scientists are worried about a potential decline in their populations. Learn how to identify potential porcupine habitat and use tools to help scientists track them. The fun, family-oriented project will equip your family with the tools to become community scientists. 

Space is limited! Priority will be given to applications received by Sunday, August 31. Families will be notified by September 5 at 5:00 pm. Other applications will be accepted on a space-available basis.  

Become a community scientist! Apply today!

The Community Science Project is FREE for participating families.

Families will receive $150 stipend for participating in the entire project, $75 in gas cards, free lunch on workshop days and the opportunity to help ODFW scientists.  

What to know

The Community Science Project takes place at various locations in Central Oregon, with ODFW and Museum scientists and experts. Families participate in three scheduled Saturday workshops, listed below. You must be able to attend all three.  

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Saturday, October 4

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Prineville, Oregon

porcupine close encounters high desert museum visit bend oregon

Saturday, October 18

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

High Desert Museum

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Saturday, November 8

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Prineville, Oregon

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