For Immediate Release: Oct. 9, 2011
DEP'S FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CELEBRATES
EARTH SCIENCE WEEK
~Week dedicated to exploration of the natural world and geosciences~
 As you enjoy an afternoon hike through the Leon Sinks Geological Area trail, be sure to take notice of Florida's beautiful Longleaf Pine.
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Geological Survey kicks off a week-long celebration of the importance of Earth- and geosciences today. Governor Rick Scott declared Oct. 9-15, 2011 as Earth Science Week in recognition of the important role the earth sciences play in protecting Florida’s natural resources.
Sponsored by the American Geological Institute (AGI), Earth Science Week encourages people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences. This year’s theme, “Our Ever-Changing Earth,” will engage Florida residents, visitors and students in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time.
“Earth Science Week is an opportunity for us to teach the public about the science of geology and how it contributes to society,” said Assistant State Geologist, Guy H. “Harley” Means, P.G. “The Florida Geological Survey looks forward to showing citizens more about our research and how this branch of science makes their lives better.”
Tours of the Gunter Building and the Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility will be conducted during the Florida Geological Survey’s Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Wednesday and Thursday evening at 6, Webelos Scouts surrounding Leon County will attend Scout Nights to receive an activity badge, as they learn more in depth about Earth Science. In addition, DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives will show the scouts how to make a waste-free lunch.
To wrap up the week-long celebration of Earth Science Week, on Saturday, Oct. 15, FGS geologists will lead a tour of Leon Sinks Geological Area where the community can get out in nature and learn more about the natural processes that shape our planet.
Earth scientists around the world monitor natural systems from earth and space to capture the effects of natural disasters such as hurricanes, coastal erosion, flooding and sinkholes. Having the community understand the importance of earth sciences and water conservation in our communities ensures a safe, healthy and prosperous Florida.
Events include:
Florida Geological Survey Open House
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gunter Building, Florida State University
903 W. Tennessee St
Tallahassee, FL 32304-7700
Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility Tour
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Florida State University
108 Carraway Building
Tallahassee, FL 323016-3026
(Space limited to 20 participants)
Florida Geological Survey Scout Nights
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 12 and 13, 6 p.m.
Gunter Building, Florida State University
(Space limited to 48 participants)
Florida Geological Survey Tour of Leon Sinks Geological Area
Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m.
Apalachicola National Forest
Leon Sinks Geological Area Tour participants should be at the parking area on US 319 (Crawfordville Hwy) just north of the Leon-Wakulla County boundary to begin assembling by 8:45 a.m. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
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