Would you like to learn more about the geology of the Klamath and Oregon Coast Ranges and learn about our seismic risks, see coastal erosion in action, or learn how sea stacks are formed? Join us at one or more of the three geology workshops being offered during August at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Each session, taught by geologist Maggie McHugh, has one lecture on Thursday evening, 6-8 pm, with an all-day field trip on the following Saturday. During the first session on August 7 at Port Orford City Council Chambers you will learn about the rocks of the Klamath Mountains that are exposed in Curry County. On the field trip on August 9 you will see examples of those rock types, as well as some of the beautiful scenery along the Elk River in the Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forest. We will explore the younger rock formations of the Oregon Coast Range in the other two classes as well as learn about the hazards of living near active faults during a time of climate change. The August 14 lecture will be held at Southwestern’s Gold Beach Center with a field trip on August 16 to Hubbard’s Creek south of Port Orford, then two sites at Cape Blanco. The August 21 lecture will take place at Driftwood School in Port Orford and the August 23 field trip will start with a stop in Bandon at the south jetty, followed by a stop at the South Slough National Research Reserve with a presentation by John Bragg on the slough, then on to Sunset Bay. Class size is limited and preregistration is required. The cost is $35 for each lecture/field trip. To register or for more information please call the Gold Beach Center at 541-247-2741.
