“Geology! Rocks” this summer at West Virginia state parks and forests with special programs presented at 10 areas by the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.

 A state since 1863, West Virginia was actually millions of years in the making. The mineral wealth and natural beauty of West Virginia owe much to geologic processes that began eons ago. Without geologic processes, there would be no rocks, rivers, coal, oil or gas, minerals, or scenic beauty.” Indeed, there would be no mountains in the Mountain State,” says survey geologist Ken Ashton.

“Geology! Rocks” and similar programs are some of  the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey’s missions, according to Ashton. “The opportunity to answer questions about West Virginia geology-related and earth science is something I enjoy,” says Ashton.  Ashton has worked with WVGES since 1982 and has frequently conducted presentations, talks and walks at West Virginia’s state parks and forests as a summer program guest. “Whether you are a landowner or engineer, professional or student, private citizen or company representative or a vacationing guest, ‘Geology! Rocks’ is open to anyone interested in learning about the geology of West Virginia: rocks, minerals, oil, gas, coal and even fossils.”

“If you don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel there are two activities to attend,” says Sissie Summers, state parks programming administrator. “The evening program that Ken offers explains and explores the mysteries of ‘rock.’ The next morning, attendees ‘roll’ out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. This earth science program format is hands-on activity for scout and 4-H groups, families and our future geologists.”

 “Geology! Rocks”summer programs are scheduled at these parks.  The presentations are informal, open to parks guests and the general public, and offered at no charge.

Geology! Rocks.  Presentation areas in 2008
June 27 - Cedar Creek State Park (Gilmer County)
July 15-16 - Lost River State Park (Hardy County)
July 16-17 - Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County)
July 18-19 - Beech Fork State Park (Cabell/Wayne County)

July 23 – Hawks Nest State Park, 7:30 p.m. Lodge Conference Room (Fayette County)
July 24 – Hawks Nest State Park, 10 a.m.– Cliffside Trail (Fayette County)
July 25-26 – Watoga State Park (Pocahontas County)
July 29-30 - Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker County)
July 30-31 - Canaan Valley  (Tucker County)
August 7-8 - Pipestem Resort State Park (Mercer/Summers County)

For more information about special summer programs you may visit www.wvstateparks.com and click on Special Summer Programs or contact the specific park directly for times and locations.  Presentations are added as scheduled. Come as you are.  Summer programs are informal and offered at no charge.