Sharing the Fascinating Ice Age Floods Story Since 1995

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Introducing IAFI’s K-12 Education Grant Program

Empowering Teachers and Students to Share the Ice Age Floods Story Micro-grants of up to $500 now available for K-12 educators Application Period Opens January 5, 2026  The Ice Age Floods Institute is proud and excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative to bring one of Earth’s most dramatic geological stories into classrooms across the Pacific Northwest. Our new K-12 Education Grant Program provides targeted funding to help teachers and students explore, understand, and share the remarkable Ice Age Floods narrative with their communities. The Challenge We’re Addressing The Ice Age Floods story may seem straightforward to those who’ve studied it, but explaining these catastrophic events to newcomers can be surprisingly complex. Teachers need effective guidance and quality materials to bring this geological phenomenon to life in their classrooms. Students who become fascinated by the floods can inspire others. IAFI recognizes that reaching K-12 students is one of the most effective ways to educate young people, and through them to share this incredible story with their families and communities. Our Solution: Micro-Grants up to $500 That Make a Difference These carefully designed micro-grants help defray the costs of materials, field experiences, and project development for classroom instruction throughout Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. By providing this crucial support, we’re creating a ripple effect of interest and knowledge that extends from students to their families and friends. How Grants Can Be Used We’ve designed this program with flexibility in mind, understanding that teachers and students have diverse needs and creative approaches to sharing the Ice Age Floods story. These grants are meant to support classroom activities including curriculum materials, educational supplies, guest speaker fees, and field trip expenses to Ice Age Floods sites throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Power of Student Engagement When students develop genuine interest and excitement about the Ice Age Floods, they become natural ambassadors for the story. They share their enthusiasm with family members over dinner, explain geological concepts to friends, and carry this knowledge forward throughout their lives. This program doesn’t just fund classroom teachers—it creates a generation of informed advocates for geological education, research and preservation. What Makes This Program Special Our grant program initially focuses on 4th grade educators in support of the IAFI 4th Grade Curriculum Project. This strategic approach allows us to build a strong foundation before expanding to all K-12 teachers and students in future years. It’s For Educators Teachers can apply for funding to enhance their Ice Age Floods curriculum through: Classroom materials and educational resources  Field trip expenses to visit actual flood-carved landscapes Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities Professional development opportunities 2026 Grant Cycle December 2025 – Application details and forms posted to IAFI.org website January 2026 – Application window opens, applications accepted on an ongoing basis Grant awards will be approved and announced within 2 months of application, 90% of grant will be awarded 12 Months – Period for using awarded grant funds and sharing a final report with IAFI, then the final 10% of of the grant will be awarded Simple Application Process We’ve designed our process to be straightforward and educator-friendly. Applications are accepted year-round starting January 2026, with a two-month review period. Once approved, recipients have one year to complete their projects, followed by a six-month window to share their results with the IAFI community. Click here to apply. $5,000 Annual IAFI Program Funding Commitment and Growth The program is initially funded with a $5,000 annual commitment by the Ice Age Floods Institute and our 11 local chapters, to support multiple projects each year. We’re committed to growing this program through donations from IAFI members, businesses, educational grants, and other philanthropic sources. We anticipate significant interest from current members and believe that a successful grant program will help attract new supporters to IAFI’s mission. Your support can directly impact the next generation of geological enthusiasts. Whether you’re an individual member, a local business, or an organization committed to education, your contribution helps ensure that more students and teachers can access the resources they need to share the Ice Age Floods story effectively. Donate fee-free through IAFI Gorge Chapter’s PayPal Giving Fund connection Join Us in Making History Come Alive This Scholar Support Grant Program represents more than just funding—it’s an investment in geological literacy, scientific curiosity, and the preservation of our region’s remarkable natural heritage. By supporting teachers and students as they explore the Ice Age Floods, we’re ensuring that this incredible story continues to inspire wonder and understanding for generations to come. Get Involved Whether you’re an educator ready to apply, a potential donor, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to be part of this exciting initiative. An IAFI team is completing the details, application information and donation links that will be available on IAFI.org in December 2025. Questions? Email us at IAFIgrants@gmail.com

2025 IAFICS Student Research Grant Guidelines

Introduction  The primary role of the Cheney-Spokane Chapter, Ice Age Floods Institute (IAFICS) student research grants program is to provide partial support of undergraduate senior thesis and graduate student thesis research on Ice Age floods in the Pacific Northwest at universities in the United States and Canada, by offering $500 grants to help defray field expenses. Students may receive a total of two IAFICS graduate student grants in their entire academic career, regardless of what program they are currently enrolled in.  In addition, graduate student research theses/dissertations focusing on Ice Age floods in the Pacific Northwest may also request partial support for lab fees for surface exposure or other dating techniques, not to exceed $27,000.  Eligibility  To be eligible to apply for the IAFICS Chapter’s Student Research Grant, you must: Be a IAFI Student Member, student fee of $10 online at iafi.org, which must be renewed or active through the end of the award year, which is the same calendar year in which the application deadline occurs.  Be currently enrolled as a senior undergraduate engaged in a senior thesis or in a graduate program working toward a Master’s or Doctoral degree.  Agree that if you are selected to receive a grant, and if you have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or U.S. Tax Identification Number (TIN), you will provide it to cheneyspokane@iafi.org to facilitate payment of the funds.  Must apply as an individual; institutions, societies, and universities are not eligible for grants. Application Submittal  Only electronic applications submitted online to the IAFICS Student Research Grants Program Manager (cheneyspokane@iafi.org) will be accepted. Proposals are due by April 15 and must focus on aspects of Quaternary flood geology in the Pacific NW. The application should be concise and should define a research problem of geologic significance. It should detail a research strategy to solve a problem in the field and/or the laboratory. Graduate students may request funds to partially cover lab costs for any essential rock or sediment dating aimed at constraining the timing of Quaternary flooding in the Pacific NW. Details about who and where the preparation and analyses are to be done must be fully addressed, as the IAFICS grant money would be paid directly to the providers as payment for a service. These payments can be made to the providers incrementally as batches of analyses are completed. There is no submittal deadline for those graduates who request only funds for lab dating analysis.  Advisor Confirmation/Appraisal of Student’s Academic Status  The student applicant is obligated to see that a confidential confirmation of student status from the applicant’s advisor is verbally or electronically sent to IAFICS Student Research Grants Program Manager (cheneyspokane@iafi.org) on or before the April 15 deadline. Advisor appraisal is mandatory or the application will not be accepted.  Time Schedule  The recipient must commence the project as stated in their proposal and continue it diligently throughout the stated duration of the investigation. If the recipient is unable to complete the work within the timeframe stated in the proposal, the Cheney Spokane IAFICS Research Grants Program Manager should be notified in writing.  Progress Report  A progress report and photos are due to the IAFICS Student Research Grants Program Manager (cheneyspokane@iafi.org) by March 1 of the year following the award. Publication of Results  The committee encourages publication of results in a scientific journal and presentation of results at a professional meeting. The IAFI Cheney Spokane Chapter should be acknowledged for its support in thesis/dissertation and publication. We encourage the reporting of the thesis and PDF copy of publications back to the IAFICS Research Grants Program Manager.  Return of Funding  If the recipient is unable to undertake or complete the project, the recipient must return any unused portion of the grant to the Ice Age Floods Institute Cheney Spokane Chapter immediately. If the recipient receives substantial funding from another source for specific items budgeted in their IAFICS student research grant proposal, the IAFICS Research Grants Program Manager should be notified immediately. Funds returned to the Institute will be re-awarded promptly to alternate recipients who have been selected by the Committee on Student Research Grants.  Taxation  For field work grants, all individuals with a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or U.S. Tax Identification Number (TIN) must provide it to IAFICS in order to receive a grant payment. This includes all U.S. Citizens, all U.S. Resident Aliens, and some other individuals. This requirement is in accordance with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS); failure to comply will result in no grant being awarded to the individual. If awarded a grant, this money may be taxable by the IRS. The IAFICS Chapter is required to issue 1099 forms at the end of each calendar year according to rules set by the IRS. Issuance of a 1099 does not necessarily mean the income is taxable to the recipient–the recipient must make that determination, which may require the services of a professional tax accountant. The IAFI cannot offer tax advice. (Please note that an SSN or TIN is not required to apply; but everyone who is selected to receive a grant and who has an SSN or TIN must provide it to the IAFICS.) Application Evaluation  The student submitted applications for $500 grants to help defray field expenses are received by the IAFICS Student Research Grants Program Manager and are forwarded to the board members on the Committee for reviewing Student Research Grants and they are responsible for evaluating and ranking the proposals on the basis of their scientific merits, the practicability of each project, the qualifications of the applicant for the proposed investigation, the reasonableness of the budget, and other pertinent data. There is no policy favoring small or large projects. The scientific merit of the research is weighed against the cost, in competition with other requests.  Evaluation of each Student Research Grant proposal is based on the following:  A clearly defined statement of scientific significance.  Description of fieldwork or lab work expenses including budget justification.  Advisor confirmation/appraisal of the student applicant.  Committee Actions

Inspire New Generations

Inspire New Generations with the Ice Age Floods Story Help bring one of North America’s most dramatic geological events into Pacific Northwest classrooms Join Us in Making an ImpactHelp students discover the powerful forces that shaped our region’s landscape Donate to IAFI K-12 Education Grant Program Our fiscal sponsor, IAFI Columbia Gorge Chapter, is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Your donation may be tax deductible The Ice Age Floods StoryThe Ice Age Floods carved spectacular landscapes across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana—creating the dramatic geology we see around us today. The landscape of the Pacific Northwest tells a powerful story of earth-shaking forces—but does our next generation know how to read it? The IAFI K-12 Education Grant Program The Ice Age Floods Institute is launching a new K-12 Education Grant Program empowering teachers to take students beyond the textbook to explore the science in the classroom and field. Grants of up to $500 will give educators the resources they need to spark curiosity about the landscape before their eyes and beneath their feet. Now, through the IAFI K-12 Education Grant Program, you can help students experience this incredible story firsthand. $500 Maximum Grant per Teacher 100% of Your Gift Goes to Help Students Your Gift Powers DiscoveryEvery dollar you donate directly supports hands-on learning experiences. Our team donates grant administration, and through our partnership with PayPal Giving Fund there are zero processing fees, so your entire donation will go to work to fund classroom materials, interactive activities and field trips that bring the Ice Age Floods and science to life. Why This Program Stands OutOur K-12 Education Grant Program and your donations will help empower teachers to enhance Ice Age Floods curriculum with: Field trips to flood-carved landscapes where students can read the story written in the rocks Classroom materials and educational resources that make complex geology accessible Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities that spark curiosity Professional development opportunities for educators  Building for the FutureOur pilot program launches with $5,000 in seed funding from IAFI and our 11 local chapters. The program will initially focus on 4th grade classrooms in support of with our new IAFI 4th Grade Curriculum Project. With your support, we can expand the program to serve students throughout K-12 grades across the region—creating a lasting educational legacy. Geographic ReachPriority is given to schools in the core Ice Age Floods impact zones across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. We also welcome applications from the broader region for educational initiatives related to the Ice Age Floods. How Your Support Makes a DifferenceDonated administration by our all-volunteer team and our partnership with PayPal Giving Fund to eliminate fees, ensures maximum impact, so your full donation directly fuels student discovery. Together, we’re not just teaching the Ice Age Floods story—we’re inspiring young people to share this remarkable story with their families and communities. Questions? Email us at IAFIgrants@gmail.com Donate fee-free through IAFI Gorge Chapter’s PayPal Giving Fund connection to help expand the program

IAFI K-12 Grant Program Donation Successful

Congratulations! Your IAFI K-12 Grant Program donation completed successfully You will receive an email confirmation from PayPal Giving Fund Thank you for your generosity in helping K-12 students learn and share the remarkable story of the ICE AGE FLOODS with others

IAFI Store – Winter Inventory Reduction Sale

The IAFI Store is having a special Winter Inventory Reduction Sale to make room available to add new items and updated items as they become available. This is a great opportunity to get Floods-related presents for family, friends, and maybe yourself at (often) steeply reduced prices. And every order will include a free IAFI window decal you can use to let others know you’re passionate about the  features and the science behind the cataclysmic Ice Age Floods story. Share the Ice Age Floods story this Christmas! The IAFI Store’s Winter Inventory Reduction Sale is here – and it’s your chance to dive deep and share the story of these spectacular events. We’re making room for exciting new items, which means steep discounts of 10% to over 40% on a selection of Ice Age Floods merchandise. Whether you’re shopping for the Floods enthusiast in your life, a curious student, or treating yourself to something extraordinary, now’s the perfect time to explore the fascinating world of the cataclysmic floods that carved the Pacific Northwest. What Makes This Sale Special? From educational materials that bring ancient catastrophes to life, to unique gifts that celebrate the power of water and ice, our collection offers something for every curious mind. These aren’t just presents – they’re gateways to understanding the massive forces that shaped our landscape thousands of years ago. As an added gift for you, every order comes with a free IAFI window decal – your badge of honor showing you’re passionate about the incredible science behind the Ice Age Floods story. It’s more than just merchandise; it’s a conversation starter about one of the world’s most dramatic chapters. Limited time only. Shop now while inventory lasts and discover why the Ice Age Floods continue to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike. Ready to explore? Visit the IAFI Store today and turn this Christmas into a journey through deep time.

Proposal for an IAFI Grant/Scholarship/Support Program

IAFICS recently instituted a Student Research Grant Program to encourage undergraduate and graduate-level research into Quaternary flood geology. This is an excellent effort to encourage research that fits extremely well and is consistent with the IAFI Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.  Recognizing the vision and leadership of the IAFICS program and its consistency with our stated goals, I propose that the larger IAFI organization adopt an expanded program to additionally encourage education, scholarship and research throughout our larger four state area of interest. There are numerous advantages to the organization that can result from this program, such as: Providing much needed support to K-12 teachers for Floods-related curriculum supplies and materials. Encouraging interest and dedication in students and researchers to advance the Ice Age Floods story, and to become an integral part of our organization itself. Providing tangible programs and results that encourage and recognize contributions from our donors while garnering pride and admiration for our organization and our entire membership. Providing a pipeline of speakers, presentations and field trips led by grant recipients. As a practical guide to doing this I contacted the board of the (presumed smaller) Central Oregon Geoscience  Society, which has an existing program of educational, scholarship and research grants. Their response: Most of our funds for our educational outreach come from members that make donations.  Members can donate to our general fund,  or specifically to either our K-12 educational program,  or to the student research program.  Our members have been quite generous to the K-12 program and student research program and we have received a few $1000 each year in donations.  The specified donation funds are then restricted to the specified program.   In addition, our general fund budget (that is funded by dues and some unrestricted donations)  includes:  A)  $400 to the K-12 program –  presentations, field trips, demonstrations, materials, as requested from schools, and other organizations in the area that support K-12 events. We have 12  volunteers  that assist. B) $200 scholarship (for K-12 teachers if they need some training money). We have not yet awarded any teaching scholarships. C)  $1500 to the student research grant program   Our student research program funds student projects focussed on Oregon, including undergraduate, masters, and phd. Typically sample analysis and field work expenses that is not already funded by other grants.  In some cases, if justified,  we will consider expenses for presentation of results.  We encourage students to share results with our organization, with a talk, field trip, poster session.  We send out notices to various organizations with a deadline to apply (March-Early April).  This involves submitting a brief proposal (a couple of pages) project objectives with supporting citations and a budget with timeline, a resume, and they must have their advisor to send a letter of recommendation.  We set up an ad hoc review committee of 4-5 people to review (typically Education committee and board members) and approve the grant. Sometimes we go back to the student with additional questions.    Typically we make grants in the $500-$1000 but there is no set limit and it depends on the scope of the project and quality. We have been approving in the range of 3-6 projects each year.  Some PhD projects have submitted and been funded for a second year.  I firmly believe that our generous membership similarly can, and will, fully fund such a program completely through their donations. In addition, IAFI and some of our chapters have accumulated sufficient resources to independently contribute for specific grants and scholarships. I suggest we start by appointing 3 committed board members at the September board meeting to design the program, establish the application and review procedures, and offer their proposals to the board at our October meeting.That will give us time to create a website presence and make an announcement to the membership through our mid-October newsletter.. We can then recruit a 3-5 member committee familiar with research and/or teaching needs to review, evaluate and recommend proposals and recipients. I suggest we use our website, newsletter, email blasts, radio and press releases to introduce, advertise and accept proposal applications. If possible, we should try to offer our first assistance grants early in 2026. I suggest we launch with a first year pilot program of $3000-$5000 initially funded by IAFI, to establish our commitment to the program in the eyes of our members. If successful, we might allocate 10% (~$2000) of the IAFI portion of membership dues on an ongoing basis, and actively encourage grant-targeted donations to maintain a similar commitment level. We should review the commitment of funds each year to align with other IAFI expenses and with membership and donor income so we don’t risk bankrupting the organization. I suggest we offer assistance for K-12 education materials in the $100-$500 range, and high school, undergrad and graduate research grants in the $500-$2500 range. The assistance and grants should be spread as widely and equitably throughout our 4-state region as applications and projects warrant. I suggest we track the program effectiveness through measurable outcomes such as applications received, projects funded, donor participation rates, presentations and field trips given for at least two different chapters as part of the requirements for research grants. This program may also help recruit new research and field trip leaders into the organization and IAFI/Chapter boards. Proposed in August, 2025 by Lloyd DeKay, President – Columbia River Gorge Chapter

Volunteer Profile – Sue Billings

How would you like to have on your team a volunteer who embodies the following qualities: Enthusiasm – Support – Upbeat Attitude – Availability to help – Creative Ideas – Encouragement  The Ellensburg chapter has such a member in Sue Billings.  She has been involved in several meetings and projects over the last years. And she is almost always available to help out when called upon.  She and her husband, Tom Ring, live in the town of Selah—reflecting the wide spread area from which our members come. And she is able to do all this in addition to having a rich lifestyle in which they travel and stay involved in other projects.   Thanks so much for your involvement and contributions, Sue. We really appreciate it. Mike Doran, President Ellensburg Chapter Ice Age Floods Institute

Gorge-ous Gathering – 2025 IAFI Membership Meeting

2025 IAFI Membership MeetingGorge-ous Gathering  Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Ice Age Floods Institute The annual IAFI Membership Meeting is coming to the Columbia Gorge this May 2-4, 2025, and both members and the public are cordially invited to come enjoy some of the best and most interesting nature experiences the Gorge has to offer. Several of the events are already full but there are still opportunities to explore geology and winery field trips and enjoy an entertaining presentation by Nick Zenter of YouTube fame. Gorge-ous Gathering Event check-ins begin each day at 8:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Registrations are now closed to give us time for preparations Friday, May 2nd, Spring Wildflower Walk Prepare to be captivated as Barbara Robinson, a renowned native plants expert, leads you on a spectacular Wildflower Walk through Tom McCall Preserve on the Rowena Plateau. Located in the transition zone between the moist, heavily-forested west side of the Cascades and the drier bunch grass prairies of the east, the easy Plateau Trail immerses you in a vibrant tapestry of springtime wildflowers that cover grasslands full of arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, bachelor’s button, and other spectacular wildflowers blooming at your feet. You’ll  meander through breathtaking panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge unfolding before you, imagining the raw power of nature that created the enigmatic mound-and-swale topography and kolk pond landforms sculpted by ancient forces of volcanic eruptions and Ice Age floods that flowed 200 feet above your head. You’ll meet Barbara at 9:30AM at the Discovery Center and follow her to Rowena Crest parking circle at 10:00 AM, Friday. May 2nd (Google Maps link) for an unforgettable magical adventure on the Rowena Plateau. Remember to stay on marked trails, dress for probable strong winds, avoid poison oak, and that dogs are not permitted. Friday, May 2nd, Embark on a Vineyard/Winery “Journey Through Terroir” Experience the magic of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region with renowned soil scientist and vineyard consultant, Alan Busacca. This exclusive bus tour takes you deep into the heart of this unique region, where dramatic landscapes and diverse microclimates create wines of extraordinary character. You’ll visit stunning vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and uncover the fascinating science behind their unique flavors. Learn how terroir – diverse soils, extreme rainfall gradients, temperature, elevation and aspect – all contribute to the distinctive taste of each wine. From lush, forested hillsides to sun-drenched high-desert slopes, this is your chance to experience the incredible diversity of this “World of Wine in Forty Miles.” and taste the sensory adventure of the Columbia Gorge firsthand. May 2nd, 9:30AM-4:00PM, bus loads 9:30AM at the Discovery Center. Click here for the itinerary and route map details IAFI Membership Meeting: 5:00-5:30 – Discovery Center Auditorium – Everyone Welcome Pasta buffet dinner: 5:30-6:45 – Discovery Center Basalt Rock Cafe – Pre-registration required Friday, May 2nd, Unveiling the Gorge field trip The walls of the Columbia Gorge expose layer upon layer of similar appearing Columbia River Basalt. But exposed within those walls are features that tell unusual stories of geologic events, cultural history and inspire imaginative tales. On this field trip geologist Lloyd DeKay will lead you to several stops to explore and discuss those features and their stories as we do a 50-mile bus loop through some of the most spectacular scenic vistas the Gorge has to offer. Maars, lahars, pillows, petroglyphs, even an exotic side trip, plus much more will expand your vision and tickle your imagination. Lunch at a scenic overlook May 2nd, 9:30AM-4:00PM, bus loads 9:30AM at the Discovery Center. Click here for the route map details Friday Evening, May 2nd, Nick Zentner Presents – “Bretz, Pardee, and the Ice Age Floods” Prepare to be enthralled and captivated as Nick Zentner (of YouTube fame!) brings to life the epic tale of J Harlen Bretz and Joseph Pardee, the visionary geologists who deciphered the colossal Ice Age Floods. Their story is one of scientific rebellion and groundbreaking discovery, and Nick’s dynamic presentation of his recent collaboration to document and share the field notes and journal revelations of Bretz and Pardee will leave you awestruck. May 2, 7:00 PM.  Saturday, May 3rd, Ice Age Floods Gorge Geology field trip Ice Age Floods Gorge Geology Field Trip – Explore evidence of the Ice Age Floods in the Columbia Gorge with guidance from USGS geologists Jim O’Connor and Richard Waitt. This  field trip will examine the geology of the Columbia River Gorge, especially the effects of the Ice Age Missoula floods, examining key sites and discussing the latest research. The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held path through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. Here, the myriad routes of the dozens of scabland floods were confined to a single path, forced by gorge constrictions to flow depths as great as 300 m. The intense flood hydraulics left large, coarse boulder bars in the valley bottom and bedded slackwater deposits far up tributary valleys. Taking advantage of the simpler situation of single route, O’Connor and Waitt have been examining the stratigraphy, chronology, and hydrodynamics of Missoula flood features in the gorge for decades to gain a ‘beyond the scablands’ perspective on ice-age floods in the Columbia River basin. Learn more about the Missoula Floods, explore dramatic flood landforms, and enjoy beautiful vistas, lunch at the Deschutes River Park, and a no-host afternoon recap at Maryhill Winery. May 3rd, 9:00AM – 4:00PM, buses load 9:00AM at the Discovery Center. Click here for the route map details Sunday, May 4th, Unveiling the Gorge repeat field trip. The walls of the Columbia Gorge expose layer upon layer of similar appearing Columbia River Basalt. But exposed within those walls are features that tell unusual stories of geologic events, cultural history and inspire imaginative tales.  On this field trip, geologist Lloyd DeKay will lead you to several stops to explore and discuss many of those features and their stories as we do a 50-mile bus loop through some of the most spectacular scenic vistas the Gorge has to offer. Maars, lahars, pillows, petroglyphs, even an exotic side trip, plus