Geology! Rocks at West Virginia’s State Parks in 2010

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “Geology underlies it all.” That’s the theme of a summer program at West Virginia State Parks that invites visitors to learn about some very, very old geologic formations that are a big part of what makes West Virginia unique. Visiting geologists will present talks and lead exploratory walks as part of the popular “Geology! Rocks” series, according to Blackwater Falls State Park Naturalist Paulita Cousin.

            “Ken Ashton and other geologists from the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, located at Mont Chateau Research Center, are guest geologists making presentations at 11 parks in 2010,” says Cousin.  “Blackwater Falls and the nearby area have a very interesting geologic history.  In addition to the program, we use the booklet ‘Geology of Blackwater and Canaan Valley’ to help guests understand our area.” The program format is an evening presentation and a walk the following morning.

            The lively and informative evening slide show focuses on how the land now known as West Virginia originally formed. Slides taken around the state illustrate the importance of West Virginia's hundreds of millions of years of geologic history to the present mineral wealth, economy, breathtaking scenery, and the geology of the particular park.

            The presentation answers questions such as: How did the mountains form? Can dinosaur remains be found in West Virginia? Can I find gold in West Virginia? Did glaciers ever cover the state?  On display will be maps, geologic articles, and general information about West Virginia's rocks and fossils.

            A morning activity takes a closer look at the area's rocks, fossils, and terrain on a guided geologic walk in one to two hours.  The visiting geologist will point out how the history of the ancient rocks can be deciphered from the clues the rocks themselves reveal.

            The remaining programs for Geology! Rocks series are scheduled at these parks and dates. Please call the park for specific times and meeting sites.

• Blackwater Falls – evening;  July 26; morning walk, July 27 – 304-259-5216
• Lost River – evening, July 27; morning walk, July 28 – 304-897-5372
• Cacapon – evening, July 28; morning walk, July 29 –– 304-258-1022
• Tygart Lake – evening, August 2; morning walk, August 3 – 304-294-4000
• Beech Fork State Park – evening, August 5; morning walk, August 6 – 304-528-5794
• North Bend – evening, August 6; morning walk, August 7 – 304-643-2931
• Pipestem – evening, August 12; morning walk, August 13 – 304-466-1800

            Geology! Rocks programs are open to the public to attend the evening program and/or the morning walks.  There is no fee.  Groups as well as individuals are welcome.

            For information about WV State Parks and Forests, visit www.wvstateparks.com.  For information about West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey, visit www.wvgs.wvnet.edu.