GEOSCIENCE INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION IN THE FOREST SERVICE AT THE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS VISITOR CENTER

Despite comprising nearly four million acres of public land, The National Grasslands—managed by the US Forest Service—remain America’s least known public land system. Around the world, the prairie ecosystem easily disappears due to its limited economic resources and ease of commercial development. The National Grasslands Visitor Center serves the public with information about the National Grasslands: their history, recreation, administration, ecology, and geology. During a GeoCorps America term of service, participants work in the visitor center to fulfill that mission with a specialization in geology. Duties performed involve on-site interpretation at the visitor center, in the field in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and Badlands National Park, as well as developing and delivering interpretive programs at Badlands National Park, and representing the National Grasslands in local events such as the Badlands Astronomy Festival and Wall Celebration Parade. Geoscience interpretation on public lands in this way results in greater interest in the field among prospective geoscientists and rangers, boosting engagement and preservation of natural resources, and further professional development for GeoCorps participants looking to work in the federal government and Earth sciences.