Celebrate Earth Science Week 2007

Date: October 2, 2007
Contact: Marge Post, [phone] ext. 264

Petrified Forest National Park Celebrates Earth Science Week, October 14-20, 2007

Petrified Forest, AZ – Earth Science Week is a yearly event sponsored by the American Geological Institute to help the public better understand and appreciate earth sciences and encourage stewardship of the earth. This year’s Earth Science Week is from October 14-20 and celebrates the theme The Pulse of Earth Science. “Petrified Forest National Park is marking this event with special programs featuring the park’s fascinating geology,” said acting Superintendent Brad Traver.

RANGER PROGRAMS
Triassic Park -- 10:00 a.m. every day. Join a ranger at Rainbow Forest Museum to learn about petrified wood and the Triassic environment.

Special Programs – 2:00 p.m. every day. Check at the park visitor centers or at the Guided Tours page for more information. 

JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
Become a Junior Ranger during Earth Science Week and earn a special award! Ask for a Junior Ranger activity booklet at any of the park visitor centers.

DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS
Hands-on exhibits at Painted Desert Visitor Center allow you to touch rocks and fossils found at Petrified Forest National Park.

Exhibits at the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center include plant and animal fossils, skeletons of Triassic animals, and images of the environment over 200 million years ago.

HIKING TRAILS THAT HIGHLIGHT EARTH SCIENCE
Painted Desert Rim – 1 mile round trip – Walk along the edge of a geological wonderland.

Blue Mesa – 1 mile loop – Drop down into the clay hills and see geology in action.

Crystal Forest – 0.75 mile loop – Browse through a forest of colorful petrified trees.

Long Logs and Agate House – 2.5 miles round trip – See exposed logs over 100 feet long and visit a unique ancestral Puebloan home made of petrified wood.

Giant Logs – 0.4 mile loop – Visit one of the largest logs in the park, “Old Faithful.”

For more information call [phone] weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; or write to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028; or e-mail the park.