Tune In and Explore
So far, much of 2020 has been, and in many ways remains unique and uncertain. It’s not easy to make sense of it all and to remain calm and hopeful in light of news and restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. However, as you’ve likely experienced in your own life, heard about from friends, read in the pages of Rock & Gem and other publications, and witnessed through various media outlets, there are many ways people are striving to ‘make the most of today.’ We thought we would share a few ideas readers and contributors have mentioned, and we’ve discovered and shared with the Rock & Gem community online, through our website www.rockngem.com and social media. These recommendations center on rockhounding and geology-related information and experiences to explore virtually and directly from the comfort of home. Even though, as rockhounds and lapidary artists, many in the community are skilled at social distancing and being safe, and can enjoy outings and their favorite activities without much trouble, we thought you may still enjoy some options for free time you may have. In case you are worried our suggestions might include recording your family conducting a quarantine dance-off or systematically cleaning the various junk drawers in your house or garage, please know, while those are interesting ideas, we’ll stick with what we know best.
AIMING FOR VIRTUAL ADVENTURES
If you’ve read this magazine for a few years, at least, you’ve undoubtedly read a couple of articles about Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, Colorado, and related fossil discoveries within the region. Your list of “must-visit destinations” may include Dinosaur Ridge. However, with a variety of restrictions remaining in place, and in many places, a phased return to business and the like, your desire to check out Dinosaur Ridge, among other locations, could be on hold awhile longer. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a virtual experience at this popular paleontological destination.
We are selecting and hosting short geology and history-based videos through a partnership with Esteem Interactive Learning (explorermultimedia.org/). One of the first videos features an exploration of Dinosaur Ridge. The videos are the work of the incredibly talented, intelligent, and passionate team within this non-profit organization. The group’s mission involves creating awareness and interest in earth sciences, particularly geology, geophysics, meteorology, geography, archaeology, and related fields.
Another of the Aiming for Virtual Adventures posts we’ve shared recently involves a virtual journey along the El Camino Real (Royal Road), beginning in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Throughout the virtual video excursion, geologist Devin Dennis, one of the founders of Esteem Interactive Learning and the tour guide, explains the various geological changes that had taken place along the El Camino Real over time.
Check out the Rock & Gem website, www.rockngem.com, and look for Aiming for Virtual Adventures posts to see more videos as we add new posts regularly.
VIRTUAL FLY OVER
Have you ever wondered what the Appalachia
Mountains look like from the sky? What about Alaska’s various “shifting crevasses”? Or, perhaps it’s the aerial view of greenery, mountain ranges, lakes, and diverse geology of the Green Mountain State of Vermont that you know would take your breath away? What would you say if you could enjoy an aerial tour of all 50 states, from the comfort of your couch, at no cost to you — unless you want popcorn? The Smithsonian Channel has made such an experience available to all.
The folks at the Smithsonian have opened the archives of the “Aerial America” series for free viewing, without a login. As you may know, the series includes a “birds-eye view” of all 50 states, along with 18 extra videos of specific highlights of various regions. Each “Aerial America” episode is 45-50 minutes in length and presents in amazing clarity and perspective. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique view of the landscape, geology, and commercial and structural identity of the U.S., without having to purchase an airline ticket.
Enter the link listed at the end of this article, into the search bar of your computer or click on the link if you have digital access to the magazine and settle back to be amazed: https://bit.ly/3e1XlQP.
As is reported by the media often lately, there are various examples of the above statement occurring in our society. The idea of helping one another and sharing information, resources, guidance, and sweat equity are commonplace within the rockhounding community. Additionally, these gestures are not taken for granted by the members of the community.
Routinely, the month of May attracts people from across New England and neighboring states to gather for the annual New England Mineral Conference (NEMC) hosted by the New England Mineral Association (NEMA). However, quarantine and lockdown measures — in response to the coronavirus pandemic — still in place to varying degrees, prompted the cancelation of NEMC, like most - if not all - shows and events the past few months.
Now for a good bit of news. To inspire rockhounds to keep fueling their love for mineralogy, and hopefully entice people with a passing interest to dig in and learn more, the NEMA group has constructed the Maine Geoscience Portal as part of its website (www.nemineral.org), according to recently released information. The group continues to add new information to the portal regularly and aims to create a few dozen sections within the portal.
Within the currently active sections of the portal, the Maine Mineral Mines certainly provides inspiration and fodder for learning more about Maine’s mineralogy. While the mines listed are privately owned and closed to the general public, in many cases, a link to each mine’s Facebook page is provided, where one can communicate with mine owners and purchase stones. Plus, as suggested on the home page of the portal, there is also the option of booking a visit to some of the mine destinations through renowned dig guide companies, Poland Mining Camps and Dig Maine Gems.
Construction of the portal, as explained in the communication, is the result of extensive work by a group of people, specifically project coordinator NEMA President Jeff Morrison. The impetus of this valuable resource, which is coming to fruition during this unusual time in world history, was the result of Morrison’s desire to “spark creativity for this and future generations in discovering the mineralogy, geology, mining, and gemology worlds.”
To learn more about NEMA and its Maine Geoscience Portal, one example of a potentially life-changing gesture, visit www.nemineral.org.
“Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture, you can change a person’s life.” ~Jane Wagner, writer, director, and producer.