BUILDING GRASSROOTS FOR A KEWEENAW GEOPARK

Geoparks are nationally or globally significant geologic areas which have identities similar to national heritage areas. They are defined by spectacular geologic features and processes in tandem with rich culture and history. They transcend boundaries of protected areas and operate as a partnership of people and land managers to promote earth heritage through education and sustainable tourism. Geoparks are numerous in Europe and Asia, but largely unknown in the USA. In Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, with geology defined by Middle Protoerozoic Rifting of Rodinia and Pleistocene to Anthropocene climate change, geology has influenced human settlement and history in profound ways which makes the place ideal for a Geopark.

Geopark development in the USA addresses an under appreciation (and perhaps ignorance) of earth science which leaves America struggling to compete with the rest of the world in issues such as energy resources, sustainability and global warming. These shortcomings in earth science literacy have been addressed through an active NSF sponsored Math Science Partnership focused on earth science education. University faculty, graduate students, middle and high school teachers and students have made connections with national and state parks, municipalities and citizen groups to develop geologic interpretations in order to engage the public. These initial efforts include: 1. EarthCaches in our hometowns, 2. self-guided and android Geowalks sponsored by local municipalities, 3.internships for Earth Science teachers in Midwest national parks and 4. special recognition and educational applications for spots which capture “sense of place”. Each of these activities has built local commitment to geological education which resonates with communities where geology has historically driven and shaped culture. It is our hope that these grassroots efforts will build a strong foundation for America’s first geopark.

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~raman/Geopark http://mitep.mtu.edu/earthcache.php http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~raman/SilverI/HoughtonEC