Academic-Nonprofit Collaboration in Public Geoscience Education

Leader: Elizabeth (Beth) Laliberte (URI) and Thomas Hoagland (Friends of Canonchet Farm)

Overview: 

From roche moutonnees to rock walls public geoscience education connects the community with its surroundings.  In this session we will describe the partnership between the University of Rhode Island Department of Earth Sciences, Planning, and Design and the Friends of Canonchet Farm in Narragansett, Rhode Island which enhances public scientific literacy and fosters environmental stewardship.  After a brief introduction in the Metz Building at the South County Museum to the geology and history of the area there will be a guided walk along the Canonchet Farm Geology Trail to observe how local geologic features are explained for public education. Other initiatives, such as invasive plant removal, trail signage and maintenance, and development of a three sisters garden will be described.

Note: Easy walking on cleared, unpaved woodland trails.  Sturdy footwear is recommended.  Be prepared for mosquitoes and…