Gifts of natural wonder: Missouri's geologic curiosities
December 6, 2008
Rolla, MO
Holiday shopping can be time consuming and stressful, but shoppers can avoid some of the traditional holiday stress by shopping at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey in Rolla.
Geology and Land Survey, you say? Yes, that’s right, especially if you are looking for a special gift for your rock enthusiast, fossil hunter, outdoors person, naturalist or historian.
Books make great gifts, and a number of very popular titles are available for those on your shopping list who enjoy the outdoors. One of the division’s best selling books is “Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri” by Thomas R. Beveridge, Second Edition, revised by Jerry D. Vineyard.
This beautiful 392-page book locates and describes more than 400 interesting geologic features, including mountains, hills, knobs, mounds, shut-ins, waterfalls, rapids, bluffs and other amazing features throughout Missouri.
Another favorite for Missourians and visitors to our great state is “Springs of Missouri” by Jerry D. Vineyard and Gerald L. Feder, with sections on fauna and flora by William L. Pflieger and Robert G. Lipscomb.
This 267-page book describes and locates large springs of Missouri. The book also provides information on what makes springs work, pollution potential and historical use of springs. Many other interesting and educational publications are available including “Missouri Ice Age Animals, The Common Fossils of Missouri, Exploring the Legacy of Missouri—State Parks and Historic Sites” and more!
Geologic and topographic maps of Missouri are also extremely good choices for people on your list who love to explore. Four sets of educational trading cards are available for purchase. These cards cover a variety of general interest topics including land surveying, caves, dams, fossils, geology, geologic wonders, ice age animals, rivers, publications, springs, rocks, minerals, wells and past state geologists.
Learn about Missouri’s outstanding natural resources, state parks, conservation areas, scenic river towns and sites of interest as well as breath-taking river scenes and murals within the State Capitol.
The educational trading cards are suitable for children and adults of all ages. They come with instructions, or you can make up your own games.
So, before you set out on a holiday shopping expedition, avoid the stress by checking into these and other items. Orders can be placed online; by calling the publications desk at 800-361-4827 or drop by the Rolla office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Allow time to tour the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology.
Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town