Geology! Rocks at West Virginia State Parks this summer 

“If you’ve skipped a stone across a pond, played in sand, or let out ‘how in the world did that happen’ when you spy rock layers tilted or on edge, this program identifies those geologic wonders,” said Sissie Summers, state parks programming administrator. The evening program explains and explores the mysteries of “rock.” The next morning, attendees “roll” out for a mid-morning hike to learn about geology, topography and more.

This earth science program format is hands-on activity for scout and 4-H groups, families and future geologists. There is no charge to attend.

“The staff at the West Virginia Geological Survey are experts at presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both,” said Summers.           

The area now known as 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,” said survey geologist Ken Ashton.  Ashton is the guest geologist for this series.

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,” said 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 park visitor, ‘Geology! Rocks’ is open to anyone interested in learning about the geology of West Virginia: rocks, minerals, oil, gas, coal and even fossils,” Ashton said.

Geology! Rocks is scheduled at the parks on the following list. If additional programs are scheduled, those areas and dates will be posted to the state park Web site at www.wvstateparks.com. The presentations are informal, open to parks guests and the general public, and offered at no charge.

Geology! Rocks.  Presentation areas in 2009

• June 11-12 – Holly River State Park (Webster County)
• June 18-19 – Twin Falls State Park (Wyoming County)
• June 22-23- Blackwater Falls State Park (TuckerCounty)
• June 25-26 – Bluestone State Park (Summers County)
• June 26-27 – Stonewall Resort  (Lewis County)
• July 14-15 – Lost River State Park (Hardy County)
• July 15-16 – Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County)
• July 17 – Cedar Creek State Park (Gilmer County)
• July 27-28 - Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker County)
• July 30-31 – Greenbrier State Forest (Greenbrier County)
• July 31 – August 1 – Watoga State Park  (Pocahontas County)
• August 4-5 ­– Canaan Valley Resort State Park (Tucker County)
• August 6-7 – Beech Fork State Park (Cabell/Wayne County)
• August 7-8 – North Bend State Park (Ritchie County)
• August 13-14 – Hawks Nest State Park (Fayette County)
• August 20-21 – Pipestem Resort (Summers County)

For more information about special summer programs you may visit www.wvstateparks.com and click on Park 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.

History of The WV Geological and Economic Survey & The Museum of Geology

Established in 1897, the purpose of The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey  (WVGES) is to investigate the State's geological and physical resources, make the results of these investigations available to the public, and provide topographic, geologic, and other maps of the state.

Showcasing the rich and varied story of West Virginia's geology is the mission of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's Museum of Geology and Natural History. Housed in the lobby of the Survey's headquarters on Cheat Lake, near Morgantown, the museum displays rock, mineral, and fossil specimens and offers an opportunity for visitors to sample the scope of West Virginia's vast natural heritage.

The Museum of Geology and Natural History was established for the collection, preparation, preservation, and exhibition of rock, mineral, and fossil specimens from all ages of West Virginia's geologic history. In addition to being a repository for all types of geologic specimens, the museum's ongoing collections also include historic books, maps, manuscripts, and artifacts.

The museum's main goal is to provide West Virginians and other visitors an opportunity to examine geologic specimens and explore the geologic processes responsible for West Virginia's outstanding scenery and great mineral wealth. The museum aims to give visitors an understanding of how its geology makes the Mountain State unique, and to inspire visits to West Virginia's scenic treasures time and time again.

WVGES offices and museum is located at Mont Chateau Research Center at 1 Mont Chateau Road, Morgantown, W.Va. and open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The Web site is www.wvgs.wvnet.edu and phone number (304) 594-2331.

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