Outreach and Education
The Louisiana Geological Survey’s (LGS) Outreach and Educational program has been an integral part of the LGS Mission since 1934. Educational activities and interest have provided individual assistance by telephone, FAX, mail, e-mail, or in person. The LGS is the state’s number one source of educational and technical information about Louisiana’s natural resources.
Educational materials LGS provides to the citizens and those interested in Louisiana geological history are in the form of brochures, field-trip guides, booklets, maps, post cards, and posters. Many available free to the general public and other materials available to teachers by written request on their school letterhead. The LGS Public Information Series includes booklets about rocks and minerals, water resources, folios, bulletins, maps, CD ROMs and free pamphlets and fact sheets.
The survey staff historically has answered hundreds of requests for information and assistance, judged science fairs, helped students conduct scientific research, visited K-12 schools, lectured to civic groups, and made presentations to educational and professional conferences.
The LGS also maintains a well core repository of over 30,000 feet of core samples, and a oil and gas geophysical log library. This repository and library are available to the general public and professionals that are interested in the natural resources and geologic history of Louisiana. These assets may be viewed during regular working hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Please contact the LGS at [email protected] or call 225-578-5320.
The natural resources of the state of Louisiana are a very important economic source of revenue, and it is important that the citizens of Louisiana understand and have knowledge of these valuable assets to better manage the state’s natural resources. This knowledge of the earth processes and natural systems are interconnected and that sustainable development in a healthy environment depends on a basic knowledge of the earth’s processes and resources.
Rock’n In The Swamp
LGS participated in the event titled “Rock’n in the Swamp” organized by the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation and is a one day educational outreach for schools. The LGS exhibit booth displayed rocks and minerals found in Louisiana and other places and thin sections. Fossil specimens were also displayed. The LGS booth proved to be one of the star attractions for the hundreds of school students and other adults attending the event.
Earth Science Week
Earth Science Week is an annual one-week themed event sponsored nationwide by the American Geosciences Institute to raise awareness of Earth sciences and provide educational materials and information on trends in research related to Earth systems and their importance to society. Through this event, and in conjunction with the Office of the Public Information Director, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, LGS makes available a limited number of free educational kits with posters, pamphlets, and demonstration supplies for K-12 Earth Science programs.
Louisiana Water Conference
The Louisiana Water Resources Research Institute (LWRRI), the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), and the Baton Rouge Geological Society (BFGS) are pleased to announce the co-hosting of the 14th Annual Louisiana Water Conference (LAWater 2023), taking place on August 2-3, 2023 at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We extend a warm invitation for you to submit abstract(s) to the water conference. Registration fee is waived for presenting authors (oral or poster). There is a limit for only one free registration for each accepted presentation.
The Water Conference presents an excellent opportunity for Professional Geologists (PG) and Professional Engineers (PE) to earn 1 PDH Ethics Lecture credit. Additionally, certificates of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided for participants.
Conference website (including registration information): https://easychair.org/cfp/LAWater2023
Abstract submission site: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=lawater2023
Louisiana Coastal Geology Framework Symposium
For information on outreach please contact Dr. Clare Falcon, [email protected].
Geologic Map Day
On October 14, 2016 LGS and the Baton Rouge Geological Society hosted a meeting at the Baton Rouge Bluebonnet Library celebrating "Geologic Map Day". The Louisiana Geological Survey put on a display of their published 30x60 Minute Geologic Quadrangle maps. The meeting included a presentation by the LGS staff responsible for the development of each map from field development to a finished cartographic product. The public was invited to the presentation. The maps were on display for the entire week of Earth Science Week.
The LGS also has, along with some of the 30x60 Minute maps, won International and National awards for their map development and cartographic expertise. One of those won Best Special Purpose Map: Geologic Map of the West-Central Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa was on display. Cartography by John Snead and Robert Paulsell. Geology by Donald R. Lowe, Gary R. Byerly, & Christoph Heubeck http://www.geosociety.org
Louisiana Geofacts quiz
Test your knowledge on Louisiana's geology by taking this quiz. Download by clicking the purple text below and share with your colleagues and friends.