The third in our “Sundays in the Park” series of natural history walks for 2019 is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, at 11am. Led by Port Townsend geologist Michael Machette, the date was chosen to coincide with a minus tide that exposes more beach, including remnants of a “drowned forest.”

Michael has BA and MS degrees in Geology and was a research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from 1972 to 2008. His career included geologic mapping, as well as studies of arid land soils, geochronology, active and prehistoric faulting, and seismic hazards analysis. He is the author of about 150 research papers and geologic maps and held positions in many National and International Geoscience groups. He has a one-man consulting firm that works on seismic hazards at critical facilities throughout the World. Since retiring, Michael has turned to Citizen Science.

He is a Board member of the Jefferson Land Trust and, since 2012, has led their geoscience education group, which was recently renamed the Quimper Geological Society (quimpergeology.org).

During our walk, Michael will explain the how, why, and when of the beach exposures at Fort Worden. Handouts developed on previous trips led by colleague Kitty Reed will help clarify and expand on observed features. Some of the features we will point out may have formed during our lifetimes, while others resulted from events that might have taken place more than 150,000 years ago. Although Michael is reluctant to draw definite conclusions about the geologic history of the park, he can speculate and point to examples of the various processes that have occurred over many millennia.

The walk, beginning at 11 am and lasting approximately 2-3 hours, will cover about two miles up and back on an uneven, rocky beach. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, have a current Discover Pass (for parking. The walk is free for members of the Friends of Fort Worden State Park. Non-members are asked for a $5 donation to benefit the park. Group size is limited to 15.

For more information or to register contact nhc@fwfriends.org. Details about the meeting location will be provided after registering.