13-9 Perspectives on Geoheritage: from local landscapes and meaningful outcrops to Geoparks and Geotourism

Session: Building Connections Between Educators and Geoscientists to Foster the Future Workforce

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Geoheritage is a broadly defined concept with an array of meanings for different geoscience communities.  As a field geologist with local, regional, and international research sites I’ve worked to make the story behind the geology of intriguing landscapes and exceptional outcrops accessible to a broader audience. Over the past decade, with a cadre of student researchers, we’ve created field guides, story maps, and videos of significant geosites in Virginia, Utah, and Oman. Additionally, we've led numerous field experiences for the public.  However, from an objective perspective, our success at bringing geology to the public has been mixed – some projects have gained traction with the a broader audience whereas others have missed the mark and languished.

At the national level, the Geological Society of America has brought focused attention to the Geoheritage of the United States in its partnership with the U.S. Advisory Board on Geoheritage.  Ultimately, the goal is to bring the significance of geology to the public at special geosites such as national and state parks but also to grow a broader understanding at theocal and regional scale related to geology, topography, and hydrology.  Challenges include creating viable Geoparks that are coupled to and with sustained and sustainable Geotourism.

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