This is a hands-on adventure that explores the fascinating geology of Door County and the Niagara Escarpment. The class begins in the “today,” and over the course of the week, explores what it was like in Door County through geologic time. You will learn basic geologic concepts, delve into the layers of time and discover the rich layers of Door County’s ancient geology and ecosystems. You will walk through glacial deposits and discover what it was like during the time of mammoths.

Were there dinosaurs in Door County? You’ll find out. Under the veneer of glacial deposits is an incredible story in the dolomite bedrock: ancient coral reefs, amazing fossils and the story of the Silurian ecology in the ocean that formed Door County’s limestone rocks. You’ll look at caves and other features that have formed in the dolomite.

Finally, the class will step 100 years into the future, to take a peek at what it might look like as we use the land and resources and balance our understanding of sustainable communities. This is a week of discovery, and you’ll hike some of Door County’s most beautiful places. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat, a notebook, a hand lens and, most importantly, a sense of wonder. Feel free to contact Roger through The Clearing if you have questions. Carpooling is needed for this class.

Roger Kuhns is a geologist, writer, filmmaker, naturalist and sustainologist. He has lived and worked around the world practicing his geology, writing and music, including eight years in Africa, and has discovered gold deposits and dinosaur bones. For decades, he has worked on the geology of eastern Wisconsin, especially Door County, between adventures overseas. He has written four non-fiction and fiction books, two workbooks, including Sustainable Urban Agriculture and A Writer’s Companion, completed one feature-length film entitled Escarpment, released two music albums of his original songs, and published a graphic story e-book on Yosemite Valley with his professional photographer son. He also writes for newspapers and radio on geology, climate change, music and topical features. Roger performs true-story comedic-dramatic monologues across the country from the Acorn Theatre in New York City to fringe festivals and community theaters in the Midwest. He continues to conduct his science through his sustainable practices company, SustainAudit, LLC and teaches at the University of Wisconsin Cedarburg Bog Field Station and The Clearing. He loves to write, and he loves to laugh. Roger and his wife Anne live in Connecticut and have a cottage in Door County.

Level: Intermediate