Geology of the Northwoods with Mike Porter

Join us for our newest Sense of Place Series.  Tonight we will be joined by geologist and WI Master Naturalist Volunteer, Mike Porter.  

The geologic history recorded in the rocks and sediments of the Northwoods spans almost three-quarters of Earth’s history.  The oldest crustal rocks, 2-3 billion years old, consist mostly of metamorphic and igneous varieties; these rocks record the early assembly of the North American continent and profound tectonic events that nearly tore Wisconsin apart.

Later, a billion years of shallow warm seas over the state recorded changes in oceanic chemistry driven by simple lifeforms developing the ability to photosynthesize food and emit oxygen into the atmosphere.  Rising oxygen levels promoted an explosion of more complex life  about 600 million years ago, and set a path of increasing complexity and diversity of life that continues to the present day.

The final geologic chapter in the Northwoods occurred 25,000 to 10,000 years ago.  Our present landscape is formed from the deposits of this last major glacial advance and retreat. Many large land mammals roamed along the ice margins until their sharp decline and extinction with the arrival of nomadic hunter-gatherers from the north.

Registration required by 1/17/23.  Thursday 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.  Cash bar and light snacks at 5:30 pm, program starts at 6:00 pm.   Program is held at the North Lakeland Discovery Center Main Lodge.  $12/Non-Member, $8/Member. 

Please read our program and event registration and cancellation policy here.