ODNR to Celebrate Earth Science Week Oct. 13–19

The week will highlight how geoscience connects us to our environments and endeavors

Information provided 
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey is celebrating Earth Science Week Sunday, Oct. 13 through Saturday, Oct. 19. There will be a series of special programing held across Ohio which will coincide with the annual national celebration.
 
   “This week is all about connection and education,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We invite every Ohioan to take part in the wonderful events taking place across the state in honor of Earth Science Week. We want to see people of all ages enjoying geology hikes and fossil tours.”

 
   The theme for Earth Science Week 2024 is “Earth Science Everywhere” and emphasizes the innumerable ways that geoscience influences STEM disciplines and the humanities, connecting individuals to their interests, communities, and future pursuits.
 
ODNR geologists will lead a variety of events throughout the week. This year’s events include:

• Tuesday, Oct. 15, Geology Hike, Lobdell Reserve, Alexandria

• Wednesday, Oct. 16, Fossil Tour, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus

• Thursday, Oct. 17, Geology Hike, Blendon Woods Metro Park, Columbus

• Friday, Oct. 18, Anniversary Celebration & Open House, H. R. Collins Laboratory, Delaware

• Sunday, Oct. 20, Guided Fossil Collecting, Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville

“The Ohio Geological Survey is excited once again to celebrate Earth Science Week and help Ohioans understand how our destiny is tied to Earth’s natural resources,” said Mark Jones, Division Chief and State Geologist of Ohio.
 
   This year, Earth Science Week will be highlighted by a special open house event at the newly renovated Horace R. Collins Laboratory in Alum Creek State Park. As part of ODNR’s 75th anniversary, the open house will offer visitors an inside look at this unique scientific facility that is also celebrating its own 25th anniversary. Tours of the core repository and labs and special activities will be offered for all who attend.
 
   Complete program information for all Earth Science Week is available at ohiodnr.gov.
 
   In addition to the events, a limited number of Earth Science Week teacher toolkits are available for Ohio educators. The toolkits include experiment instructions, calendar, posters, activity sheets and more materials for teachers to use in the classroom. Toolkits are free (but require $5 shipping) for any Ohio teacher, including home-school teachers, while supplies last. Teacher toolkits, maps, and other publications can be ordered by contacting the Geologic Records Center at (614) 265-6576 or geo.survey@dnr.ohio.gov.
 
   If you can't make one of the events, Ohio’s cities and rural areas offer many activities you can enjoy on your own. Educators, students, and the public are encouraged to explore Ohio's natural history at a location near them. Resources for those outings can be found here.