SUNDAY AT THE QUARRY: AN EARTH SCIENCE WEEK ACTIVITY FOR THE COMMUNITY

In conjunctiion with the Earth Science Department of the University of Northern, Iowa, the Iowa Geological Survey, the Black Hawk Gem and Miineral Club, and several City and County agencies along with the Black Hawk County Soil and Water District, each year, BMC Aggregates sponsors a program, "Sunday at the Quarry," the first Sunday in October. This event includes a proclamation for Earth Science Week by the local City Councils and the County Board of Supervisors followed by an invitation to School Groups, Scout Groups, Community Groups, with newspaper articles and direct mailings inviting the Community to visit a specific BMC Quarry Site, for a day long program with presenters and programs for youth and adults from the various agencies. Activities incude presentations regarding the geology of the site by UNI Earth Science Staff, special programs by all of the agencies and rock/mineral/fossil collecting for young and old. Last year, over 800 visitors attended the program, very similar in attendance to the last 15 years. This Community outreach and education effort combines Industry, Governmental Agencies, Educational Agencies and Hobby groups in a presentation focusing on the Earth Sciences. These programs help to bring the importance of the Geosciences to the public; this effort requires a time involvement by the stakeholders however, the returns have been very rewarding.