Geologic Education in Some Wisconsin State Parks.

The Lake Michigan District of the Wisconsin state park system has recently initiated a long-term program of geologic education. Under the joint direction of the District Naturalist and a part-time geologist, the program involves a wide variety of activities that includes geology hikes, evening lectures, naturalist training sessions, educational workshops, collection of rock and fossil specimens, preparation of brochures and interpretive displays, and upgrading the accuracy of existing sources of public information such as trail markers, park newspapers, and nature center exhibits. Beach hikes along the Lake Michigan shoreline offer several interpretive possibilities and have been highly successful. The Great Hall at the Thordarson boathouse on Rock Island will become a nature center/museum, with the large fireplace forming the focus of several geologic exhibits.