Watch out for “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” on PBS starting September 27th

Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea DVD & Book - Bonus CD Soundtrack FREE! - shopPBS.orgFilmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales — from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska — THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background — rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration – set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

More information and preview at:  http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

Appalachian Geology: First EES May-Term Field Trip

Appalachia Travel Route P5250236

Dr. Garihan and Dr. Ranson lead a group of 8 students on a field trip to study the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Geology starting from Virginia and ending at the Adirondacks in Upstate New York.  Their trip highlights include among other things, a study of mountain top removal and its impacts, geology and geomorphology of American civil war sites in Gettysburg and a visit to the Yuengling Brewery, the oldest brewery in America.