Los Alamos Geological Society
Box 762
Los Alamos, NM 87544-0762
Purpose: To study and promote an interest in
the earth sciences and related fields - geology, paleontology, mineralogy,
archaeology, and the lapidary arts.
Dues: $20/family/year
The Los Alamos Geological Society is a non-profit organization devoted to
studying and promoting interest in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and
related subjects. The members meet on the second Tuesday of each month to hear
speakers knowledgeable in these or related fields. On the weekend following the
meeting, members take a field trip to study geology in the field, collect rock,
mineral, and fossil specimens, tour a museum exhibit or geologic site, or
attend a workshop. In those months with a three-day weekend due to a holiday,
the trip is sometimes re-scheduled to permit travel to a more-distant location.
Field trips may be strenuous with the required hiking, climbing, digging,
carrying, and breaking of rocks at high altitudes. Specialized equipment is
sometimes needed for these activities and for excursions into underground
mines. Travel sometimes requires four-wheel-drive vehicles. Outdoor camping is
sometimes required and often convenient.
Cooperation and sharing of resources, finds and ideas are an important part of
the organization. No one is ever left at home for want of transportation. To
promote the interest of young people in the earth sciences, members of the
Society review and award prizes to projects entered by Los Alamos school
students in the annual county science fair. In addition, an auction is held at
the annual Earth Treasure Show to benefit a scholarship fund that supports the
attendance of undergraduate students from leading New Mexico universities at
the fall field conference of the New Mexico Geological Society.
The Society is a sponsor of the annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium that is
held each fall in Socorro. The purpose of the Symposium is to bring together
for an exchange of ideas both professionals and amateurs interested in
mineralogy.
The Los Alamos Geological Society's Earth Treasure Show is a
free community service held each year on the first weekend of December. Members
exhibit from their collections, demonstrate techniques of working with stone
(e.g., cutting, carving, & polishing) and of preparing mineral & fossil
specimens, and show free movies. Dealers offer minerals, geologic specimens,
gems, jewelry, and fossils for sale. Special exhibits are invited from
universities, museums, and scientific institutions. For the benefit of the
scholarship fund, members cut geodes and provide an auction of geology-related
materials. Since many visitors spend considerable time at the show, a snack bar
is available. Attendance is usually near 1500 persons. Door prizes are awarded
at intervals during the two-day show.
Membership in the Los Alamos Geological Society is available to interested
persons. The annual dues of $20 per family cover the publication of the Obsidian
Observer and part of the expenses of the
Society. Contact any member of the Society for additional information. Visitors
are always welcome with the hope that they may find the Society a desirable
addition to their educational and recreational activities.
Newsletter: Obsidian Observer Newsletter Archives
Other New Mexico Rock Clubs
Officers: Directory of Officers
WORD version of the By Laws: http://pw1.netcom.com/~hoffmans/ByLaws
Earth Treasure Show: Annual Free Show
Scholarship: Annual Awards to attend NMGS Fall Field Conference
Contacts: Activities: Meetings Field Trips Earth Treasure Show Calendar:
Awards: Awards received Award wining articles Photos: Area Geology: Area Map
Local Geology Features Mining in NM: Rocks & Mineral of Los Alamos County:
Links: NMBMMR Natural History Museum RMFMS AFMS USGS
Information Email address: hoffmans@ix.netcom.com
Return to: Hoffman's Home Page
Page created by: hoffmans@ix.netcom.com
Changes last made on: January 4, 2002
This page accessed times.