THE USE OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON MOUNT MONADNOCK: FROM PUBLIC EDUCATION TO MOUNTAIN RESCUE OPERATIONS

Mount Monadnock, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is one of the most commonly hiked mountains in the world and is a well-known landmark. The mountain is also the inspiration for the geology term “monadnock.” Its Mountain Patrol rangers work with the public each day, educating hikers about the natural, cultural, and geologic history of the area as well as coordinating mountain search and rescue operations. Monadnock State Park visitors hail from across the world. They exhibit dramatically different degrees of background knowledge about science and, in particular, New Hampshire’s geologic and natural history. Visitors also have widely varied levels of hiking preparedness and outdoor confidence. Therefore, it is essential for rangers to effectively interface with all members of the public, whether in a science communication role or during a mountain rescue situation.

Bud Wobus is a highly skilled geology professor with fifty-five years of teaching experience, and many of his instructional techniques translate exceptionally well to Mount Monadnock's busy outdoor setting with a non-student and non-scientist audience. His geology-based education strategies - particularly the use of narrative, relating to listeners' personal experiences, and acknowledging remaining questions - are valuable far beyond a mineralogy lab and have proven to be crucial in communicating with Monadnock hikers. Several of these specific pedagogic principles can be used to illustrate geologic features of Monadnock in a way that is easy to comprehend and interesting to members of the public from many backgrounds, helping them build a connection to multiple scientific and historical aspects of the area. Additionally, many geoscience education techniques, including those involving close observation, are highly effective in both preventing and coordinating mountain rescues.