Events
EUROPEAN
GEOPARKS WEEK:
AN EXAMPLE OF TRANSNATIONAL EUROPEAN COOPERATION
Programme of the Events
Lesvos Geopark - GREECE
Commencing
in 2004, the
he nine partners of the operation
have
organised a series of coordinated events across the network under the title of
“European Geoparks Week.”
Occurring at the end of May / start of June, European Geoparks Week consists of events aimed at raising public awareness of the European Geoparks Network as well as events aimed at informing the wide public about the rich geological heritage of our shared continent.
Events are varied and include public talks, activity days for schools, guided walks, workshops and more directed marketing activities such as enhanced media contacts. While these activities may well be normal geopark activities, for this one week the activities are coordinated in the same week across the whole network.
Each member will know what all other members are doing on that one day which contributes to the building of a sense of strong transnational cooperation and mutual assistance. It provides the network with the opportunity to demonstrate to our communities that they are part of a wider European network, that other areas face similar challenges and difficulties and that, together, we are trying to overcome them.
It gives the network a focussed opportunity to demonstrate that the sustainable
use of our geological heritage can bring the economic benefit that is central to
the aims of the European Geoparks Network.
In 2005, the nine partners of the operation were followed by other 9 geoparks who were participated in European Geoparks Week.
In
2006, European Geoparks Week will run from May 29 – June 4.
1. LESVOS GEOPARK GREECE
Saturday 28 May:
o Bird – watching at the Petrified
Forest of Lesvos. The visitors of the Petrified Forest Park had the
opportunity to participate in organized guided bird-watching walks in the
Geopark and to see the rare and protected bird species of the area as well as fossils and
volcanic geotopes
o Presentation of the European
Geopark Network, its members and INTERREG IIIC project to all visitors of the
Geopark via multimedia presentation and videos, photos etc.
Visitors had the chance to collect
information about remarkable geological sites in Europe through the European
Geoparks Information Corner
o Presentation of the summer Festival
in Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark – and other geopark activities.
Sunday 29 May:
o Bird – watching at the Petrified
Forest of Lesvos. The visitors of the Petrified Forest Park had the
opportunity to participate in organized guided bird-watching walks in the
Geopark and to see the rare and protected bird species of the area as well as
fossils and volcanic geotopes
o Presentation of the voluntary
activities held during summer 2005 under the title “Voluntarism and the
Petrified Forest of Lesvos” and also the series of activities supported by the
association “The Friends of the Lesvos Petrified Forest”
o Lecture entitled “Petrified
Forest Geopark: results of the new excavation works during 2004”
Monday 30 May: 
o Educational program: “The little
paleontologists” You could join the Museum geologists, excavate a buried
petrified tree trunk and participate in the purification procedure of a
petrified tree coming from the sea area of Sigri
o Presentation entitled “Petrified
Forest -The Pompeii of plants”. The presentation comprised of
information about the history and the creation processes of the Petrified Forest
Tuesday 31 June:
o Educational program “The
adventures of Dinouli in the Sequoia Forest”. The children through a play
learned about the creation of the Petrified Forest. Dinoulis (the little
Dinothere) was inspired by the Dinothere – ancestor of the modern elephant-
petrified parts of which have been revealed at the area of the Petrified Forest
o Multimedia Presentation entitled
“The lava trails: from the volcanic centers to the petrified forest”.
A virtual tour along the trekking trails that go through the unique landscapes
of Western Lesvos linking the most important and interesting sites of geo-morthological
and natural value
Wednesday 1 June:
o Educational program: Guided tours
to the Temporary exhibition “The animals of the Petrified forest”
o Educational program entitled
“Travelling across Europe”, a game with cards-photos presenting landscapes
of European Geoparks for the children to learn both geography and geology of
Europe. The game took place around the EG corner
o Documentary presentation entitled:
“Volcanoes”, (Museum presentation room, 13:00).
Thursday 2 June:
o Educational program: Guided tours
to the Temporary exhibition “The animals of the Petrified forest”
o Presentation of the educational
tools in the European Geopark Network. Children of all ages developed their
creativity and felt like young geologists as they used the Museum-kits and other
educational material of the Geoparks
Friday 3 June:
o Educational program: Guided tours
to the Temporary exhibition “The animals of the Petrified forest”
o Presentation entitled
“Museum-kits a modern educational tool”. The two museum-kits
“Georama- Discovering the plants of the petrified forest” and
“Theofrastos: Volcanoes and volcanic rocks” that the Petrified Forest of
Lesvos has created were presented to teachers
o Knowledge games: Learning via games
such as crossword puzzle, painting, experiments etc.
Saturday 4 June:
o Trekking from the Petrified
Forest Park to the Plaka and Sigri Geopark. The participants had the
opportunity to be guided in the Geoparks, to geologically important formations
and at the same time learned more about the natural importance of the area of
western Lesvos (birds, lizards, plants)
o Lecture. titled “The birds of the
Petrified forest” Eleni Galinou NHMLPF (Museum presentation room, 12:00).
o Documentary presentation entitled
“Biodiversity of the North Aegean Islands”
Sunday 5 June“World Environment day” : 
o “Phrygana (garrigue) vegetation:
living in extreme conditions ». The visitors of the Petrified Forest
Park had the opportunity to participate in guided walks in the Geopark, to meet
the special vegetation found there and understand the stresses the plants
undergo and also the adaptations against lack of water resources during summer,
grazing and the use of fire
o Multimedia Presentation entitled
“Natura 2000 sites of Lesvos Island”
For further
information please contact the Museum Information Center: Kountouriotou 47a,
Mitilini, tel/fax: 22510-47033
e-mail: lesvospf@otenet.gr
2.
Réserve Géologique de Haute Provence – FRANCE
- An exhibition according to European
Geoparks will be presented during the all week and during the summer in la Palud
sur Verdon, a village situated near the Gorges du Verdon in the heart of the
Natural Reserve Géologique de Haute-Provence.
- In the Musee Promenade in Digne,
the European Geaparks Network will be presented at the front desk with a
television and CDROM borought by the partners.
- During the European Geoparks Week,
will be presented the exhibition “Olive trees during the ages, from the miocene
to mythology” which comes from Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest
- Greece
- Educational programm with children .
Wednesday 1 June.
Children for seven to twelve.
The animation will be around the volcanism.
3. Copper Coast
Geopark– IRELAND
Geologist and artist Martina Keating
will introduce you to the different families of rocks and their origins on
Kilfarrasey Beach. Then help her to use the beach material to create a giant
Mosaic. Bring packed lunch, warm clothes and sun protection depending on the
weather. Children must be 8 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult.
Participation Fee €7 per child, accompanied adults go free!
Funded by Waterford County Council
“Introduction to the archeological finds and conservation work at Tankardstown Engine House”.
The afternoon will be spent exploring the Copper Coast by kayak. It is an opportunity to view the landscape from another perspective. No experience necessary. The trip will be led by Mike O’Meara of sea.paddling.com and Sophie Préteseille geologist with Copper Coast Geopark. All equipment supplied.. Over 17’s only. Maximum 8 in group.
€35 (Booking deposit €20required
Sunday May 29
Geo Walk for Geography Teachers
Exploration of the Geology of the Tramore coast with particular reference to the Geography Syllabus Core Unit 1. Booking Essential
Tuesday 31
May Geo Walk Meet Car Park Ballydowane Cove 7pm
During its journey from the South
Pole to its current position, the Copper Coast has been through various
geological events including two volcanic episodes related to the closure of the
Iapetus Ocean, desert conditions, and a bit of tectonics. More recently
glaciers gave the final touch to its present landscape. Copper Coast Geopark’s
geologist, Sophie Préteseille, will lead two evening walks exploring the
geology of Ballydowane and Benvoy and how they relate to the geological
history of Ireland.
Duration 1-1½ hour. Wear warm, weather proof clothes and comfortable walking boots or runners.
The Geo Rock Garden Bunmahon 7pm
A guided walk through The Geo Rock Garden in Bunmahon. Learn about the different rocks found on the Copper Coast and their origins. Duration 1 hour.
Saturday 4-Monday 6 June
“Impressions of the Copper Coast” Mixed media exhibition
Exhibition of work inspired by The Copper Coast. Seaview Celtic Centre, Annestown. Saturday 2pm-5pm Sunday–Monday 11am-5pm
Sunday 5 June
Boat Trip along Waterford Coastline
Departure from Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. 10 am returning 3.30 pm.
Explore the Waterford Coastline by boat. Leaving from Dunmore East and traveling down the coast to Stradbally. Geologist will be on board to explain the cliff features from an unique perspective. Bring packed lunch and warm clothing. Limited to 12 participants. Fee €35 ( Booking Deposit €20 essential )
Copper Coast Treasure Hunt in aid of
Boatstrand Rescue Centre.
Entry forms can be purchased from
local outlets including Copper Coast Office or Seaview Celtic Centre, Annestown
on Saturday from 2pm Entry Fee €10 ( €15 for who might need the Copper Coast
Guide and map ). Participants have until Monday 6 June to find the answers to
all the questions and drop the completed forms back to Seaview Celtic Annestown.
Questions the geology heritage of the area. Prizes include dinner out for two,
Trophy, Hammer and a surprise. Full rules and conditions from Geopark Office.
Tuesday 31 May – Sunday 4 June
2pm-4 pm Bunmahon Heritage Centre, Co Waterford
Eclectic collection relating to the
mining heritage of this coastal village.
Admission free.
Copper Coast Geopark Office, Bunmahon. Monday –Thursday 9.30–5pm
Visitors welcome to drop in and
discover more about the Geoparks in
Europe:Austria,France,Germany,Greece,Italy,Spain and the United Kingdom and of
course about the Copper Coast itself.
Further
information and bookings Copper Coast Geopark, Knockmahon Lodge, Bunmahon, Co.
Waterford, Ireland.
Open Mon – Thursday 9.30am –5pm
T: 051-292828
E: info@coppercoastgeopark.com
W: www.coppercoastgeoprk.com
4. Eisenwurzen Naturepark – AUSTRIA
30 May to 5 June
The Geoparks-Week is organized jointly by all members of the European
Geoparks Network.
Monday, 30 May to Wednesday, 1 June 2005
Explorers en route
Action days with special programmes for schools in Gams: Make your own casts
of attractive fossil snails and learn how to wash gold. Take part in an exciting
quiz elaborated by the children of the Secondary school of Weissenbach.
Time: Monday and Wednesday: 9.00 to 13.00; Tuesday: 13.00 to 17.00.
Meeting place: GeoZentrum Gams
Fee: 4 € each
Friday, 3 June 2005
Children’s party in Altenmarkt
Exploring Nature in a playful way is the overall heading of the children’s party in
Altenmarkt, close to St. Gallen which guarantees much fun and excitement
Time: 13.00
Meeting point in front of the community council of Weissenbach
At infavourable weather, the party will be held in the Eisenstrassenhalle in
Altenmarkt.
Friday, 3 June 2005
The Enns valley during the Great Ice Age,
not a totally cool story
The Great Ice Age, the climate was not always cold with glaciers in the
mountains. There were also rather warm periods in which Cave Bears lived high
up in the Alps. The lecture in the Ganser Grotto will demonstrate how glaciers
and rivers have moulded the landscape. The Mooslandl Fire Brigade will provide a
romantic illumination and will take care of your physical well-being.
Speaker: Dr. Heinz Kollmann
Time: 10.00
Meeting place: Ganser Grotto, Mooslandl
At bad weather the presentation will take place at the hall of the Mooslandl Fire
Brigade.
Saturday, 4 June 2005
Beilstein Ice Cave
The entrance from which cold air escapes is located in a hilly terrain on a
plateau. The ice cave is under legal protection since 1971. While most other ice
caves are located above the timberline, the Beilstein Ice cave is situated amidst
an Alpine forest at an altitude as low as 1330 m. For conservation reasons the
cave is only accessible to a limited number of visitors each year. The number of
visitors permitted for this trip is 15. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and slideproof
shoes with you.
Guides: Günter Stummer, Harald Auer, Christoph Thalhuber, all authorized cave
guides
Time: 13.00 – 17.00
Meeting place: Stiegenwirt, Palfau
Fee: € 35, including transfer by car and road toll. Pre-registration obligatory!
Sunday, 5 June 2005
GeoRafting on the Salza River
Rafting on the Salza river is very popular. Its valley cuts deep into the
mountains. Besides the sporting activity, it provides deep insight into geological
structures and the geological activity of running water. The Salza gorge which
has been eroded since the end of the Great Ice Age is especially attractive.
Guides: Dr. Heinz Kollmann, Mag. Katharina Weiskopf
Time: 10.00 – 14.00
Meeting place: Stiegenwirt, Palfau
Fee: € 38
Pre-registration obligatory. Participation is limited to persons over 6 years with a
basic knowledge of swimming. Neopren suits, safety casques and life wests will
be provided. Please don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel along.
CONTACT:
Nature park Styrian Eisenwurzen
European Geopark, UNESCO Global Geopark
Markt 35, 8933 St. Gallen, Austria
tel: +43(3632)7714, fax: +43(3632)7714 10
www.geoline.at www.eisenwurzen.com