The Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail/Sentier International des Appalaches (IAT/SIA) was present this week at the recent Northeast Section of the Geological Society of America. The Maine Chapter participated on three levels: Sponsor, Exhibitor and a Poster Session, entitled; “ The International Appalachian Trail/ Sentier International des Appalaches: Thinking Beyond Borders” presented by IAT/SIA authors, David B. Jones and Walter A. Anderson.
A record number of professional geologists, educators, students, ecologists from North Carolina to Newfoundland/Labrador were in attendance and enjoyed a broad spectrum of geological presentations and issues. There were 1100 registered attendees and several hundred "walk ons".
As a sponsor, the IAT/SIA trail blaze logo was displayed on a large poster of sponsors at all functions.
Our half day Poster Session, staffed by Dave Jones, attracted and gained the attention of a variety of numerous interested young and old(?) potential hikers-many of whom were not aware of our geologically connected international trails.
It was impossible to keep track of the flood of visits to our three- day exhibit booth. All our handouts, maps, etc. were rapidly depleted, and our undaunted staff was able to keep up by utilizing our mounted posters, maps and website bookmarks to describe and promote the IAT/SIA.
Maritime geologists Sandy Barr, of Acadia College, Nova Scotia, and Les Fyffe of New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources expressed future support and assistance. We were delighted when internationally renowned geologist Cees van Staal arrived at our booth. Cees (pronounced Case) is noted for identifying Appalachian terranes in nations surrounding the Atlantic basin. IAT/SIA has used his regional map in our brochures, maps, etc. and he is impressed with our activity and delighted to support our mission.
Finally, we were surprised and honored at the timely arrival of two geologists with the British Geological Survey, Jeremy Davies of Wales and David Schofield of Scotland. Both are colleagues of Hugh Baron who will host our approaching meeting in Scotland where we anticipate IAT/SIA extensions of Appalachian Trails.
They were aware of our mutual interests and emphatically plan to meet and support IAT/SIA at our Scotland meeting.
Thanks to Dick Anderson, Will Richard, David Jones and Walter Anderson for staffing the very successful and fruitful IAT/SIA activities at the Northeast Geological Society of America meeting in Portland Maine, March 22-24.
Dave Jones - Poster Session
Dave Jones - Talking with one of the many attendees
Dick Anderson, Walter Anderson and Dave Jones
Will Richard staffing the IAT/SIA booth
Internationally renowned geologist, Cees van Staal
Jeremy Davies of Wales and David Schofield of Scotland
Sponsors
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