Tuesday, April 23, 2024
SEEP IN NATURE: Geologic, soil, water, and climate processes, with a touch of biologic activity thrown in, work together in the development of landscape features such as this seep at Acton Nature Center. Seeps are areas in which groundwater slowly emerges on the surface and supports Texas species with a preference for moist soils, such as Seep Muhly and Bushy Bluestem.
A free and educational event about earth science will soon be coming to the Acton Nature Center.
The Rio Brazos Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program is presenting a come-and-go interactive earth science event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at ANC, 6900 Smokey Hill Ct., on Saturday, Oct. 15.
The event, Discover Earth Science, will teach adults and children alike about geology, soils, water and atmosphere.
“This event is still in its infancy, as we offered it for two years and then COVID came,” local geologist Melody Holm stated in an email to the HCN. “I’m excited about having it back, and this time in the ANC pavilion area to keep our water-focused exhibits together with all the other exhibits and activities.”
Texas AgriLife Extension Stream Trailer is one of the featured exhibits, which demonstrates stream processes and best management practices to protect and restore streams and rivers. It shows how stream channels form, how vegetation contributes to stream-bank stability and how proper stewardship can help prevent erosion.
“Exhibits about geology, soils, water and atmosphere will reveal a world that’s generally not obvious, hidden beneath our feet — a world that’s critical to life,” Holm stated.
The event will have educational activities for children of all ages, including Discover and Recover a Fossil, Edible Sedimentary Rocks and Pictures with Pebbles.
“Children can find and recover their own fossil while learning about the scientific significance of fossils and fossil collecting etiquette,” Holm noted. “They can learn how sedimentary rocks form by making their own ‘rock’ — and then eating it. They also can use their imagination in creating Pictures with Pebbles while learning about the origin and composition of pebbles.”
At 11:30 a.m., Holm will lead a Watershed Walk around Acton Nature Center, pointing out watersheds, geology, soils and plant communities, along with the physical factors that influence plant community characteristics. Guests are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes.
“I’m excited about leading a Watershed Walk, on which all ages can see ANC in a new and different way,” she said. “Walkers will have an opportunity to discover and learn about the geology and soils that are determining factors in water distribution and differences in plant communities. It’s a bigger picture way to experience the wonders and complexities of Texas landscapes and natural areas.”
Discover Earth Science is presented in recognition of Earth Science Week, organized yearly by the American Geosciences Institute. ESW is recognized nationally and internationally to help the public gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.
ESW has a different theme each year. This year’s theme is “Earth Science for a Sustainable World,” emphasizing the essential role of Earth science in helping people make decisions that maintain and strengthen the planet’s ability to support thriving life.
“For a small area, ANC has amazing diversity in geology and soils, and in turn, topography and vegetation. That such an area can be so diverse is one of the many reasons why it’s important to conserve and maintain natural areas, no matter how small, wherever possible,” Holm added.
Partners and sponsors of the Texas Master Naturalist program and this event are Acton Nature Center, Hood County Development District 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
For more information about the Discover Earth Science event, visit actonnaturecenter.org.
