INCORPORATING GEOHERITAGE OF THE HUDSON VALLEY REGION OF NEW YORK INTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE GEOSCIENCE COURSES

Geoheritage refers to geological features that hold significant scientific, educational, cultural, and/or aesthetic value. The Hudson Valley region in southeastern New York contains numerous rock outcrops and locations that fit this description. While many two-year community colleges have one or more introductory geoscience courses, they may have few or no geoscience majors and students are taking these courses as electives to satisfy their natural science general education requirement. Incorporating geoheritage principles into course lectures and field trips increases interest in the material, promotes place-based learning, and deepens understanding of their home environs as most community college students are local to their campus. In examining geological landscapes and outcrops while learning about the geology and geologic history of the Hudson Valley region and beyond, students are also introduced to once-important geologic resources, how the landscape of the Hudson Valley affected the strategies and outcome of the Revolutionary War, how geology affected the early settlement and economic development of the region, the influence of the landscape on the Hudson River School of Art, how bedrock affects the flora and fauna of the region, and how Hudson River environmental issues led to the beginnings of the modern-day environmental movement. By connecting geological information with other disciplines, students develop a broader appreciation for geology and its interdisciplinary nature which enhances their overall educational experience. This teaching method has also led to the development of a Hudson Valley geology blog, popular book, and lectures reaching out to educate a wider audience on the importance of our geoheritage.