Guest Blog: “Bee” a Scientist with Smokey Bear This Summer

I’m at my local library in Nebraska today, helping out with an event for the Forest Service. Toddlers play on an alphabet rug as I tell them what Forest Service scientists do. “They ask questions about the forest when they go hiking or camping,” I tell them. “You can do that, too — especially by reading and using goodies from the Natural Inquirer!”

Across the nation, libraries like mine are hosting Smokey Bear reading challenges to celebrate the icon’s 80th birthday.

Libraries in 45 states — including Nebraska, where I live — are providing participants with Smokey Bear book logs. Readers of all ages can complete their logs for stickers, bookmarks, and prizes from the Natural Inquirer like “Bee a Fire Scientist” coloring sheets or fire career collector cards.

In my hometown library, readers of all ages — toddlers to adults — grabbed copies of NSI: Nature Science Investigator. They can take this booklet to the nearby national forest in Nebraska and practice scientific skills: counting visitors, sketching insects, searching for animal prints. Other readers snagged a copy of Smokey Bear’s trading card. While Smokey’s stats are fictional, the Natural Inquirer also prints cards for very real fire scientists and specialists.

Even if your local library isn’t participating, you can download the digital toolkit and join on your own! You can also order free Natural Inquirer swag to celebrate completing the challenge. So grab a book, head outdoors, and “bee” a scientist!