Oct. 21, 2009—Ohioans of all ages recently took part in the 2009 Earth Science Day at Highbanks Park in Lewis Center, Ohio, and the Division of Geological Survey was there to answer their questions about Ohio’s geology.

Hosted by the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District, or Metro Parks, the Earth Science Day event at Highbanks gives visitors an opportunity to engage with park staff, naturalists, scientists, and volunteers to learn more about the role Earth sciences play in Ohio’s history, today, and in the future.

Several Division staff members volunteered their time to enlighten visitors about Ohio’s glacial and bedrock geology, geohazards, energy resources, minerals, fossils, and mapping. The Division also gave away copies of free publications, maps, and the ever-popular rock and mineral kits to parents, children, and educators.

“Earth Science Week provides a national venue to promote the importance of geology in our everyday lives,” said Assistant Division Chief Mac Swinford, who informed guests about Ohio’s minerals.

Division Chief Larry Wickstrom spoke to visitors about the state’s economic geology. Other staff members who volunteered included geologists Mike Angle and Mark Jones, intern Claire Westervelt, and Madge Fitak, customer service specialist in the Division’s Geologic Records Center.

The Division has taken part in the Highbanks Park Earth Science Day since 1998 and uses the opportunity to stress that Ohio has a fascinating geological history and, in the words of Assistant Chief Swinford, “a career in the earth sciences can be rich and rewarding.”