On the afternoon of Saturday, 22 April 2017, we invite all interested community members to join us as we celebrate scientists and all that the pursuit of science has given and has yet to give us.

Scientists are our neighbors and co-workers; we'd like to showcase some of our community's hard-working scientists. Beginning at 1:00 PM, we will hold a rally gathering at Caras Park in downtown Missoula, Montana. During this rally, we will hear short presentations from local scientists and public servants with backgrounds in science; these speakers will acknowledge some specific examples of the substantial benefits which research and its informed policy applications have given to our western Montana community.

Following this rally, we will then leave Caras Park and march across the Clark Fork River, finally gathering along the riparian parkland of Clark Fork Natural Area on the south bank of the river.

This event is child-friendly, and is accessible to wheelchairs and baby stollers. We encourage anyone to join us, regardless of your ideological perspective and regardless of whether or not you consider yourself to be a scientist. Of course, you are welcome to bring thought-provoking signs and clever apparel.

- List of Speakers who Will be Addressing the Rally -

Peter Nielsen -
Missoula County Environmental Health Supervisor

Chris Brick -
Science Director - Clark Fork Coalition

David Strohmaier -
Missoula County Commissioner

Vicki Watson -
Professor of Environmental Studies - University of Montana

Bryan von Lossberg -
Missoula City Council - Alderman, Ward 1

- Purpose of the Event -

We will acknowledge how local engineers work tirelessly to protect and improve public health in Missoula. We will thank the scientists who played a direct role in reversing the degradation of a Clark Fork River basin ravaged by heavy metal contamination. We will consider how scientific research continues to provide us with knowledge and new technology. And we will celebrate the educators who nurture ingenuity, inspiring students to be healthier, smarter, and more innovative.

We wish to advocate for: efforts which promote science education and scientific literacy; open and easy public access to objective, peer-reviewed research; continued government funding of research and educational organizations; and the establishment of intelligent, evidence-based public policy which adheres to the best scientific consensus.

This Missoula event is held in solidarity with the March for Science which will occur in Washington, D.C., on this same date. Our Missoula event will adhere to the inclusive, non-partisan nature of the D.C. event's mission. Hundreds of communities worldwide will also be hosting sister marches on this date.