Geology, 'Natural Communities' to be explored Jan. 8 at Elachee

GAINESVILLE - Two authors will team up on January 8 during an appearance at <br /> Elachee Nature Center to reveal the geology of north Georgia and how it influences plants and animals. <br /> <br /> Geologist Dr. Bill Witherspoon, co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia and bio-geographer Dr. Leslie Edwards, co-author of Natural Communities of Georgia, will present a slide talk, "Geology and Nature of North Georgia" followed by a book signing. <br /> <br /> Both Roadside Geology of Georgia (Mountain Press Publishing) and Natural Communities of Georgia (University of Georgia Press) "take the general reader to Georgia's natural wonders and explain the science that lies behind the scenery," according to Witherspoon.<br /> <br /> Witherspoon, who taught geology to K-12 teachers and their students for 17 years at DeKalb County Schools' Fernbank Science Center, says Roadside Geology of Georgia appeals to families who travel in Georgia. "If you've tubed the Chattahoochee in Helen, left tracks in the sand on Tybee Island, or glided up the Summit Skyride at Stone Mountain, you've had a rock adventure. This book lets you spice those adventures up with a little science, by understanding the geology behind the landmarks we encounter whenever we go outside in Georgia."<br /> <br /> Natural Communities of Georgia teaches the public to recognize and protect Georgia's many treasures of the natural world. "You will be amazed to learn of Georgia's diversity, from high mountain peaks that host species that are typically found much farther north, to the incomparable Okefenokee Swamp, where alligators and plants combine to form a lush, tropical feel," according to Edwards, of Georgia State University. <br /> <br /> The event, from 12:30 to 2:00, is part of a monthly "Naturversity" Brown-Bag Lunch & Lecture Series at Elachee. A suggested $10 donation to support the work of the Center is appreciated. Information on Elachee events is at http://www.elachee.org//news_events/calendar.html.<br />