WAYNESBORO, Pa. – Geologist Jeri Jones will lead a field trip, “Your Backyard Geology” on Saturday, May 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center in partnership with the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club, the trip is open to those age 8 and up.
The trip is an opportunity to explore the area’s long-ago past as we discover “Your Backyard Geology” in Adams and Franklin counties.
Planned stops include the Biglerville area, where we will examine the dinosaur-aged sandstone and shale that occurred during the breakup of the supercontinent, Pangaea.
The group will also stop in Bendersville to collect basalt, a result of ancient volcanic activity at the end of the Pangaean rifting.
The excursion will move into South Mountain to visit a private property with a wonderful exposure of the ancient volcanic rocks that erupted 600 million years ago.
Next the group will travel into the Great Valley to Shippensburg, to discuss how limestone forms and what this area was like some 500 million years ago.
The final stop will be the Black-Coffey Caverns near Greencastle. The group will tour this dramatic underground attraction. Discovered in the 19th century, and closed for nearly 70 years, the caverns feature limestone formations, stalactites and historical 1930s concrete walkways.
A geologist for more than 45 years, Jones has conducted extensive research on Pennsylvania mining practices, authored several publications, and narrated a three-part video series on regional geology known as “TimeWalk.” He has been on the faculties of several regional colleges.
Transportation will be via bus, provided, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $65 for members of Buttonwood, and $70 for the general public. The fee covers transportation, caverns admission and a tour guidebook. The trip will run rain or shine; meeting point provided upon registration.
Sturdy shoes are recommended (no sandals or flip-flops). Participants should also bring a small hammer, paper for wrapping specimens, and a bag or box to hold them. The temperature in the caverns is about 50–55 degrees, so a light jacket is suggested. Cameras welcome.
Readers may register online at ButtonwoodNatureCenter.org, or call 717-762-0373 or email to: Jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.
This program is underwritten in part by Marge Kiersz, Lucinda D. Potter, CPA, and SEK CPAs & Advisors. Additional support provided by Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Mary Marshall Buckey in memory of her parents, the late George and Marty Buckey; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; APX Enclosures; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.
The post Geology field trip: ‘Your Backyard Geology’ set for May 16 appeared first on LocalNews1.org.
