Release Date:
To celebrate Earth Science Week and Geologic Map Day, the USGS, in collaboration with the American Geosciences Institute, is pleased to announce a “Geologic Open House” on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Great Falls Park, near McLean, Va.
The event will be open to the public (RSVP here) and will offer an exciting opportunity to discover the geologic history of the Great Falls area. Great Falls Park (GFP) is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Attendees will learn about the natural forces that have shaped this landscape over billions of years, explore the park’s rocky terrain, waterfalls, and more in a guided tour led by an expert geoscientist. Two sessions have been planned in an effort to accommodate all schedules:
Morning Session / Thursday, October 12, 2017:
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Science Talk led by USGS Research Geologist Scott Southworth
“Geology of Great Falls Park” – GFP Visitor Center Lecture Hall
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Guided Geologic Walking Tour of GFP led by USGS Research
Geologist Daniel Doctor – outside of Visitor Center (near concession stand on lower level)
Afternoon Session / Thursday, October 12, 2017:
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Science Talk led by USGS Research Geologist Scott Southworth
“Geology of Great Falls Park” – GFP Visitor Center Lecture Hall
2:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Guided Geologic Walking Tour of GFP led by USGS Research
Geologist Daniel Doctor – please gather outside of Visitor Center (near concession stand on lower level)
Although the event is open to the public, there is a park entrance fee of $10.00 per single vehicle and all passengers (excluding organized groups) and $5.00 per individual entering the park on foot or bicycle. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge. Organizers ask that you RSVP as soon as possible if you are interested in attending.
Space is limited both in the GFP Visitor Center Lecture Hall and on the walking tour path, so admission is first come, first serve. If maximum capacity is reached in either the Lecture Hall or on the walking tour, we welcome you to explore the Visitor Center and park grounds at your leisure. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
In the event of severe inclement weather, the Geologic Open House will be cancelled. For any weather-related updates, call GFP Visitor Information at 703-757-3101. Great Falls Park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102.
If you have any additional questions, contact Mike Marketti, U.S. Geological Survey: 703-648-6976.
A special thanks to the National Park Service and Great Falls Park personnel for making this opportunity possible.
