News Release 481

GEOLOGIC TREASURES FROM MISSOURI ON DISPLAY
AT ROLLA HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY
Library is recipient of popular book—Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri

Volume 35-481

Contact: Hylan Beydler

(For immediate release)

573-368-2118

ROLLA, MO, OCT. 26, 2007 – Some of Missouri’s geologic treasures are on display at the Rolla High School library through the end of October, thanks to Rolla High School Library media specialist Jennifer Elmore and the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey (DGLS).

The exhibit at the library includes maps and educational posters about the geologic characteristics of Missouri and why it is important to understand our state’s geology, along with a large, panoramic photo of the sinkhole collapse that occurred in Nixa late last year. Rocks, minerals and fossils, all of which were either, found, unearthed or mined in Missouri, are part of the exhibit, prepared in part to celebrate Earth Science Week on Oct. 14-20. The impressive display is from the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology located at DGLS on 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. The museum is open to the public, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the Division of Geology and Land Survey presented Elmore a copy of the popular book, Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri. The book was published by DGLS. “Part of our goal is to increase awareness of the importance of the geosciences,” Garstang said. “We hope to encourage our nation’s youth to pursue careers in this area.”

According to Ms. Elmore, many students are interested in the strange wonders found in the region. "I appreciate the donation of Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri to our high school library so students can satisfy their curiosity. The poster of the Nixa sinkhole has students searching through the book for other geologic anomalies,” said Elmore. “The beauty of the natural stones reminds us of the incredible beauty so readily available to us as residents of Missouri. This display has sparked lots of student interest in the intriguing geology of our state. The amazing size and quality of the specimens is fascinating.”

In conjunction with the department display, the library is sponsoring a reading incentive activity where student readers can win strings of beads made from natural stones like amethyst, citrine, onyx, agate, jasper and rose quartz. “Sometimes it just takes a little spark of interest and a little conversation to encourage a reluctant reader to try something new,” said Elmore.”

DGLS offers educational posters, maps, trading cards and a wide variety of publications on topics such as rocks, minerals, fossils and land surveying. The division's publications desk in Rolla can be reached by calling 573-368-2125 or 800-361-4827. More information on division publications is also available on the Web by visiting www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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Editor: Photo is available at /newsrel/esweekrhslib.jpg.
Cutline: Geologic treasures on display in the Rolla High School Library through the end of October.