EFFECTIVE STAFF DEVELOPMENT THAT'S FUN - A KAYAK FIELD TRIP ON THE HOUSATONIC RIVER

A conversation between the authors at the NE/SE GSA meeting in the spring of 2004 revolved around recent mapping of the geology of an area in the vicinity of New Milford, CT in western CT (http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-487). That discussion led to the development of a staff development field trip along Cameron's Line (a signifcant Ordovician thrust fault formed as the Iapetus Ocean closed during the Taconic Orogeny). South of New Milford the Housatonic River flows toward, along, and then across the fault, so the trip was conducted via kayak! Field trip guides were prepared (http://www.bedford.k12.ny.us/flhs/science/stevek/omni/cameronsline/cameronslinetrip.pdf), and arrangements for rentals were made with a local outfitter. Stops included various bedrock types and structures, waterfalls, and glacial landforms. Seventeen students and teachers participated in the 4 hour field experience on the river, and the group had dinner and discussion afterwards. Come learn how a collaboration between an high school teacher and a professional geologist led to a successful and enjoyable staff development experience that left the participants enthusiastically waiting for more.