Author: Cyndy Broughton, Minerals Engineering Technologist
The APGO Education Foundation is pleased to support the Geologist-in-Residence program at Pukaskwa National Park.
Gazing out over the calm waters of Hattie Cove near the visitor centre at Pukaskwa National Park, I realized the allure of the park. Many of the people that I had recently met during my walks around the park were repeat visitors, coming back year after year to experience the wonders of nature. Some visitors travelled thousands of kilometers each year to experience the solitude and beauty that the park has to offer. Some came to relax and enjoy family time; others came to paddle the waters of Lake Superior or hike the many trails in the park. My goal that day was to help park visitors view the vistas of Pukaskwa through the lens of geology.
In August 2024, I had the opportunity of being the Geologist-in-Residence at this beautiful national park located on the shores of Lake Superior near the community of Marathon, Ontario. My last visit to Pukaskwa National Park was in 1984 as a young geological technologist enjoying a day off from work and taking the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of Lake Superior. Now I was returning at the invitation of the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences and Parks Canada near the end of a career spent mostly in geological education. The role of the Geologist-in-Residence (GIR) program is to highlight the significant geological evidence and history on display within the park and increase public awareness and appreciation of geoscience.
The mandate of Parks Canada is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural heritage. Parks Canada’s goal, written in its vision statement, is to make Canada’s treasured natural and historic places a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada. Two of the guiding principles that govern the system of national parks are Education and Presentation and Human-Environment Relationship. Successful natural interpretive programs allow park visitors to discover and learn about ecosystems. Sharing knowledge about sustainability and the connections between people and our environment are important tools in ensuring that our efforts to protect our natural heritage are successful.
When we provide the opportunity to experience nature and we share knowledge of ecosystems, we can foster the desire in citizens to protect and appreciate the world around us. To understand the very essence of Canada, we need to share geoscience knowledge, as well as knowledge of wildlife and botany. The geology of our country is literally the ground beneath our feet. Knowledge of geology can help make connections to soil formation, biodiversity, water quality, mineral resources, energy resources, and so much more.
The Geologist-in-Residence program is an important program that helps to develop interpretive geology hikes and drop-in sessions where visitors to the park are invited to engage in interactive, hands-on programs. Programming is developed by geoscience educators to help park staff share the geological wonders of the park. This year’s guided hike to Pukaskwa National Parks North Beach helped visitors travel back through geological time to explore the formation of the 2.7-billion-year-old rocks. We discussed the formation of the Lake Superior basin through mid-continent rifting 1 billion years ago and ended our hike examining the impact that glaciation had on the rocks and sand deposits along the coast. During drop-in sessions, we tested the chemistry of Lake Superior waters and connected our results to the geology of the Canadian Shield. Children had the chance to learn basic rock and mineral identification skills and were able to apply those skills when they explored the rocks on the hike.
With the assistance of Parks Canada Interpretation Officer and Coordinator Carly Robillard, the support of the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES), and the financial support of the APGO Education Foundation, my time spent at Pukaskwa National Park was a rewarding experience that offered me the opportunity to showcase the geological wonders of the park and help visitors make those important connections between geology and world around us.
Cyndy Broughton is a Minerals Engineering Technologist and a Professor with 36 years of experience teaching geology and environmental science at Fleming College. She encourages everyone, young and old, to head outside and discover the connections between geology and the living world.