ANNOUNCEMENTS:
February 21 Meeting Program:
America's First Energy Crisis: The lost history of peat mining in Iowa
by David Brenzel,former curator at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, and his wife Lynette Brenzel, a research assistant.
David's Abstract:
Iowan's were the first to face vast expanses of grasslands and the prospect of settling there without wood for fuel. Several, including an enterprising group of Linn County Quakers turned to peat for the answer in the middle of the 19th century. The enterprise created both scoundrels and heros, fortunes were won and lost, and the lessons learned had national implications.
Since the office of editor is vacant, a postcard is being sent in lieu of the newsletter. If you would like to take on the position of Newsletter Editor, please contact a board member.
Dues are Due
Check your postcard label to see when your dues expire. If they expired on Dec-11, you can pay at a meeting or send $15 per family to Dale Stout - address at left.
March 20 Meeting Program:
Stalagmite Records of Extreme Rainfall Events over the Last 1000 Years in Northern Australia
by Two Cornell students, Dan Cleary and Mike Barthelmes
Description:
Mud layers in stalagmites formed in caves in northern Australia when extreme rainfall events flooded the cave, mobilizing sediment which coated the tops of stalagmites. Extremely high-precision dating of these stalagmites allows us to determine the age of the mud layers and thus the age of the flooding. This talk will discuss the field work in remote northern Australia during the summer of 2011 (including a python encounter deep in one cave), the dating of these samples at the University of New Mexico, and the implications for our understanding of climate and extreme weather events over the past 1000 years.
Rock, Mineral & Fossil Show is Mar 17-18
Hawkeye Downs
Sat 8:30-6:00; Sun 9:30-5:00
"Geodes, Nature's Grab Bags," also featuring Stegodon & Cave Bear skeletons,
courtesy of Michael & Barbara Sincak from Treasures
of the EarthLast year's show drew nearly 4,500 visitors. We expect this show to be equally attractive. Sign-up sheets for committee help and exhibits will be at the January meeting. Flyers are available for passing out. Programs are being finalized. Check the "Show" menu tab at the top for further information.
Click here for Flyer
Safety Training Scheduled for Mar 15
Mine Safety & Health Administration-certified training for field trips is scheduled for Mar. 15. Choose from 2:00 or 6:00 classes.
Check the December newsletter and let Marv Houg know if you are interested. Cost will be $20 for first-time participants; $10 for those who have the book and are renewing certification.
Phil Currie to Speak in Iowa City February 10 & 11
Renowned paleontologist Phil Currie will present programs as part of the Darwin Days at the University of Iowa on Friday, Feb 10, at 4:30 in the Biology Building East and Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11:15 at the Museum of Natural History in Mcbride Hall
Check the Darwin Days Website for schedule. Program is free and open to the public.
Hosts/Hostesses Needed for Several Meetings
Several of the monthly meetings are in need of 1 or 2 hosts or hostesses. Check out the list and email Dell to let her know when you can bring refreshments.
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