Geoheritage of Eastern Ontario

Friday September 27, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. at the Almonte United Church Social Hall

Speaker: Allan Donaldson 

Topic: Geoheritage of Eastern Ontario

Synopsis:

The Ottawa-Gatineau Geoheritage Project continues to work with other natural science organizations to promote scientific literacy. Collaboration with Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization has resulted in new museum displays in Perth and Eganville, as well as the production of descriptive brochures for associated outdoor displays of rock specimens. Geoheritage posters continue to draw attention at annual events in Ottawa such as Heritage Day at City Hall in February, and the Gem and Mineral Show in the Nepean Sportsplex in September. Lectures and field excursions are still in demand, and Geoheritage Day on October 20 will include two new locations, bringing the total to eight field sites in Ottawa and Gatineau where a geoscientist will be present from 10 am to 3 pm to explain the geological features at each site. In Almonte, although Metcalfe Geoheritage Park was dealt a setback two years ago due to failure of a storm-sewer beneath the original site, the outdoor display of rock specimens will soon be restored and upgraded, thereby enhancing the expanding network of geoscience attractions in Eastern Ontario.

Speaker’s Profile:

Allan Donaldson (B.Sc., Queen’s University ’56; Ph.D., Johns Hopkins ’60) spent 10 years studying areas north of the tree line as a Research Scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada, followed by 30 years as a Professor of Geoscience at Carleton University. He has presented 125 papers at conferences and published 130 articles in scientific journals. In 2002 he initiated the Ottawa-Gatineau Geoheritage Project, collaborating since then with other geoscientists to develop programs to encourage public awareness and respect for significant elements of natural landscapes. For his part in this outreach initiative he has given 40 talks, presented four mini-courses and led 24 field trips for both geoscientists and the general public.