OAMS Calendar of Events

Society Meetings:
1st and 3rd Fridays of each Month (except July and Dec)
Doors open at 6:30 PM Meeting starts at 7:00PM

Upcoming Events

Jul
26
to Jul 27
OAMS Field Trips

Field Trip: Yachats

Join OAMS members for a beachcombing expedition at Nelscott Beach—a top coastal spot for collecting agate and jasper on the Central Oregon Coast. Even in midsummer, gravel bars along the beach hold treasures uncovered by tides and storms.

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Aug
1
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Business Meeting

OAMS Business Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month and are open to all members and guests. These meetings cover important club updates, event planning, and other society business. We often feature guest speakers, educational presentations, or member show-and-tells focused on rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. It’s a great way to stay involved and informed about what’s happening at OAMS.

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Aug
15
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Activities Night

OAMS Activities Nights take place on the third Friday of every month and offer a relaxed, hands-on way to connect with fellow rockhounds. These meetings feature interactive projects, educational demos, and opportunities to explore topics like lapidary techniques, fossil prep, mineral ID, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Activities Night is a fun and welcoming space to learn and share. Guests are always welcome!

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Sep
5
to Sep 7
NFMS Shows

87th Anniversary Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies Show & Convention 2025

Join the excitement this September in Walla Walla for the NFMS Convention, held alongside the Annual Gem Show. It’s the perfect time to visit, with the city buzzing from multiple events, including a classic Car Show, an Aviation Show, and the Fall Wine Release. Make your travel plans early, as this is one of the most vibrant weeks of the year!

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Sep
5
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Business Meeting

OAMS Business Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month and are open to all members and guests. These meetings cover important club updates, event planning, and other society business. We often feature guest speakers, educational presentations, or member show-and-tells focused on rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. It’s a great way to stay involved and informed about what’s happening at OAMS.

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Sep
19
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Activities Night

OAMS Activities Nights take place on the third Friday of every month and offer a relaxed, hands-on way to connect with fellow rockhounds. These meetings feature interactive projects, educational demos, and opportunities to explore topics like lapidary techniques, fossil prep, mineral ID, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Activities Night is a fun and welcoming space to learn and share. Guests are always welcome!

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Oct
3
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Business Meeting

OAMS Business Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month and are open to all members and guests. These meetings cover important club updates, event planning, and other society business. We often feature guest speakers, educational presentations, or member show-and-tells focused on rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. It’s a great way to stay involved and informed about what’s happening at OAMS.

View Event →
Oct
17
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Activities Night

OAMS Activities Nights take place on the third Friday of every month and offer a relaxed, hands-on way to connect with fellow rockhounds. These meetings feature interactive projects, educational demos, and opportunities to explore topics like lapidary techniques, fossil prep, mineral ID, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Activities Night is a fun and welcoming space to learn and share. Guests are always welcome!

View Event →
Nov
7
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Business Meeting

OAMS Business Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month and are open to all members and guests. These meetings cover important club updates, event planning, and other society business. We often feature guest speakers, educational presentations, or member show-and-tells focused on rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. It’s a great way to stay involved and informed about what’s happening at OAMS.

View Event →
Nov
21
OAMS Meetings

OAMS Activities Night

OAMS Activities Nights take place on the third Friday of every month and offer a relaxed, hands-on way to connect with fellow rockhounds. These meetings feature interactive projects, educational demos, and opportunities to explore topics like lapidary techniques, fossil prep, mineral ID, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Activities Night is a fun and welcoming space to learn and share. Guests are always welcome!

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Jul
19

OAMS Summer Picnic

Join us for a summer celebration exclusively for OAMS members! We’ll be gathering at the beautiful Rice Museum grounds for a catered BBQ feast, live music, and good company.

Menu highlights: ribs, brisket, burnt ends, cornbread, coleslaw, and more. Feel free to bring a favorite side dish to share!

Schedule:

  • 11:00 AM – Set-up

  • 4:00 PM – Clean-up complete

Important: This event is open to paid dues OAMS members only. No guests, please.

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Jun
20

Society Meeting (Activities Night)

OAMS Activities Nights take place on the third Friday of every month and offer a relaxed, hands-on way to connect with fellow rockhounds. These meetings feature interactive projects, educational demos, and opportunities to explore topics like lapidary techniques, fossil prep, mineral ID, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Activities Night is a fun and welcoming space to learn and share. Guests are always welcome!

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Jun
14
to Jun 15

Field Trip - Plush, Oregon Sunstone Hunting

Event Title: OAMS Field Trip – Plush, Oregon Sunstone Hunting

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 14–15, 2025

Location: Plush, Oregon (Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area)

Description:

OAMS members are invited to join a weekend expedition to the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area near Plush, Oregon. This high-desert site is home to Oregon’s official state gemstone and offers free public collecting.

  • Hunt for beautiful Oregon sunstones, known for their copper sparkle and range of colors

  • Explore both surface collecting and optional nearby fee-dig sites for higher-quality material

  • Learn collecting tips, tool use, and how to spot sunstones in the wild

What to Bring:

  • Rock hammer, chisels, gloves, safety glasses

  • Water, food, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing

  • Buckets or collecting bags; optional screens or digging tools

  • GPS or printed maps (cell service is limited)

Notes:

  • Remote location with rough roads—high-clearance vehicles recommended

  • Basic facilities (pit toilet and picnic tables); no water on site

  • Camping allowed in the public area; nearby fee sites may offer lodging or additional services

  • This trip is open to OAMS members only

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Jun
6

Society Meeting (Business Meeting)

OAMS Business Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month and are open to all members and guests. These meetings cover important club updates, event planning, and other society business. We often feature guest speakers, educational presentations, or member show-and-tells focused on rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. It’s a great way to stay involved and informed about what’s happening at OAMS.

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May
30
to May 31

Field Trip - OAMS & WAMS Joint Field Trip: Hampton Butte Green Petrified Wood

Event Title: OAMS & WAMS Joint Field Trip – Hampton Butte Green Petrified Wood

Dates: Friday & Saturday, May 30–31, 2025

Location: Hampton Butte, Central Oregon

Description:

OAMS members are invited to join the Willamette Agate and Mineral Society (WAMS) for a joint field trip to Hampton Butte, a classic Central Oregon site known for its vibrant green petrified wood. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow rockhounds from across the region and explore a historic collecting site.

  • Search for colorful, agatized wood in shades of green, blue, and brown

  • Learn about the geology and history of the Hampton Butte area

  • Enjoy a fun, collaborative outing with members from both clubs

What to Bring:

  • Rock hammer, chisels, collecting gear

  • Gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear

  • Water, food, and weather-appropriate clothing

  • Optional: digging tools and buckets

Notes:

  • Site access includes rough roads and moderate hiking over uneven ground

  • No facilities on site—plan accordingly

  • This trip is open to OAMS members only

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May
17
to May 18

Field Trip: Maury Mountain

Event Title: OAMS Field Trip – Maury Mountain Moss Agate & Morel Mushroom Hunting

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 17–18, 2025

Location: Maury Mountains, Central Oregon

Description:

Join OAMS members for a spring field trip to the scenic Maury Mountains, a well-known destination for moss agate collecting and seasonal morel mushroom hunting. This unique trip offers a chance to explore the high desert and forested terrain while searching for beautiful agate specimens and edible wild mushrooms.

  • Hunt for colorful moss agates, often found with vibrant inclusions and excellent polish potential.

  • Search for morel mushrooms, typically abundant in the area during mid to late May (depending on weather).

  • Enjoy a relaxing weekend with fellow rockhounds and nature enthusiasts in a stunning, remote landscape.

What to Bring:

  • Rock hammer, collecting bags, gloves

  • Mushroom foraging basket or mesh bag

  • Water, food, layers for changing weather

  • Optional: mushroom field guide and GPS or compass

Notes:

  • Terrain includes forest roads and uneven ground—hiking may be required.

  • Be sure of proper mushroom identification; OAMS does not provide certified foraging instruction.

  • This trip is open to OAMS members only.

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