Oregon State University-Cascades will host Science Pubs on campus starting with an event Thursday on Central Oregon fungi and the role they play in forest health.

The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall. For the 14 previous years,  Science Pub talks were held at various Central Oregon venues.

Ariel Cowan, an assistant professor of practice with the OSU Extension Service in Deschutes County, will lead the talk. She has experience as a researcher, wildland firefighter, biologist and forester. She is a regional fire specialist with the OSU Extension Service.

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Her presentation will include an explanation of fungal communication networks and how fungi can help forests recover from fires, among other topics.

The event includes a light dinner before the 6 p.m. presentation, and costs $22 to attend. The no-host bar will have wine, beer, cider and soft drinks. It is limited to 100 people and registration is at www.OSUcascades.edu/event-registration. On-campus parking is free.