“Geology! Rocks” this summer at West Virginia state parks and forests with special programs presented at ten areas by the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.

A state since 1863, 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,” says survey geologist Ken Ashton.

“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,” says 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.

He says, “Whether you are a landowner or engineer, professional or student, private citizen or company representative or a vacationing guest, ‘Geology! Rocks’ is open to anyone interested in learning about the geology of West Virginia: rocks, minerals, oil, gas, coal and even fossils.”

"If you don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel there are two activities to attend,” says Sissie Summers, state parks programming administrator. “The evening program that Ken offers explains and explores the mysteries of ‘rock.’ The next morning, attendees ‘roll’ out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. This earth science program format is hands-on activity for scout and 4-H groups, families and our future geologists.”

“Geology! Rocks” summer programs are scheduled at these parks. The presentations are informal, open to parks guests and the general public, and offered at no charge.

Geology! Rocks Presentation areas in 2008

- June 27 - Cedar Creek State Park (Gilmer County)
- July 15-16 - Lost River State Park (Hardy County)
- July 16-17 - Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County)
- July 18-19 - Beech Fork State Park (Cabell/Wayne County)
- July 23 - Hawks Nest State Park, 7:30 p.m. Lodge Conference Room (Fayette County)
- July 24 - Hawks Nest State Park, 10 a.m. Cliffside Trail (Fayette County)
- July 25-26 - Watoga State Park (Pocahontas County)
- July 29-30 - Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker County)
- July 30-31 - Canaan Valley (Tucker County)
- August 7-8 - Pipestem Resort State Park (Mercer/Summers County)

For more information about special summer programs you can visit the West Virginia State Parks and Forests Special Summer Programs website at a link below 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 WV Geological and Economic Survey & Museum of Geology

Established in 1897, the purpose of The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey 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 hopefully 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, West Virginia and open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, visit the website at the link below or you can call (304) 594-2331.

Information about West Virginia’s state parks and forests is online or by calling (800) CALL-WVA (2255-982) and asking for the park by name. For general information about parks, you may call (304) 558-2764.