Hello Friends and Rockhounds,
We are very excited about our next geology trip to the 'Gold Country' of NC.
The geology, archaeology and precious metal resources of the Uwharrie Mountains are truly unique. We invite you to join us for our October adventure to Morrow Mountain State Park to be followed by trying your hand at gold panning in the adjacent Uwharrie National Forest, an area rich in cultural and natural history.
We'll start the adventure at the Morrow Mountain Summit - a scenic overlook and picnic area. Morrow Mountain is the highest peak in the area, at an elevation of 936 feet, from its summit we enjoy a truly spectacular view of the Pee Dee River and the rugged topography of the park that forms a stark contrast with the rolling countryside of the Piedmont plateau.
Bring a lunch/snacks and drinks and enjoy some social time with the group.
The Uwharries are ancient Mountains. Now worn down to rounded ridges, these pinnacles are the remains of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the eastern United States. This beautiful landscape is the result of powerful geological forces that began millions of years ago. Over time, wind and water eroded lofty peaks to their more subdued profile we see today.
The discovery of artifacts in the area attests to the presence of Native Americans 10,000 years before European settlement.
Our program begins with a short hike during which we explore the geology and archaeology of the park. The program continues with a guided tour at the new exhibit hall commemorating the history of the Uwharries. Exhibits include hands-on rocks and minerals, American Indians, plant and animal communities, and early settlers.
The exhibits provide a perfect way for us to introduce you to gold history and gold panning techniques.
The adventure continues with gold panning along the watershed of Uwharrie River.
The first substantial gold strike in the United States was discovered near this area in 1799, and gold was discovered in the Uwharrie Mountains throughout the 19th century. A mini-gold rush occurred here during the Great Depression. Interest peaked again in this recession as gold increased to $1900/ounce. Today the price per ounce is closer to $1300.
Panning for gold in the forest's streams and rivers remains a popular activity. Recreational panning is allowed on most of the Uwharrie National Forest. No fee or permit is required as long as only shovel and pan techniques are used and no significant stream disturbance results.
We will provide gold pans and the other equipment necessary. Bring rock hammers and eye protection if you have them. We will provide some for the group.
To register for the October field trip or any other field trip, or if you'd like more information, please contact rgreengeology@gmail.com. We accept PayPal or pay by check.
Upon registration, we will send you additional info about where to meet, what to bring along and answer any questions that you have for us.
Because of the cost of the equipment we provide, the cost of the Geology Trip will be $60.00 per student. There is no charge to parents/drivers. Contact us if you would like details about a multiple sibling or scout group discount.
We will need an accurate 'head count', please let us know as soon as you can, if you will be attending and how many will be in your party : )
You can pay in two ways:
1) Send your payment to Pay Pal - rgreen08@gmail.com. - or -
2) Mail a check to
Rob Greenberg
2218 Esther Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Thanks so much for your time and interest.
The geology, archaeology and precious metal resources of the Uwharrie Mountains are truly unique. We invite you to join us for our October adventure to Morrow Mountain State Park to be followed by trying your hand at gold panning in the adjacent Uwharrie National Forest, an area rich in cultural and natural history.
We'll start the adventure at the Morrow Mountain Summit - a scenic overlook and picnic area. Morrow Mountain is the highest peak in the area, at an elevation of 936 feet, from its summit we enjoy a truly spectacular view of the Pee Dee River and the rugged topography of the park that forms a stark contrast with the rolling countryside of the Piedmont plateau.
Bring a lunch/snacks and drinks and enjoy some social time with the group.
The Uwharries are ancient Mountains. Now worn down to rounded ridges, these pinnacles are the remains of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the eastern United States. This beautiful landscape is the result of powerful geological forces that began millions of years ago. Over time, wind and water eroded lofty peaks to their more subdued profile we see today.
The discovery of artifacts in the area attests to the presence of Native Americans 10,000 years before European settlement.
Our program begins with a short hike during which we explore the geology and archaeology of the park. The program continues with a guided tour at the new exhibit hall commemorating the history of the Uwharries. Exhibits include hands-on rocks and minerals, American Indians, plant and animal communities, and early settlers.
The exhibits provide a perfect way for us to introduce you to gold history and gold panning techniques.
The adventure continues with gold panning along the watershed of Uwharrie River.
The first substantial gold strike in the United States was discovered near this area in 1799, and gold was discovered in the Uwharrie Mountains throughout the 19th century. A mini-gold rush occurred here during the Great Depression. Interest peaked again in this recession as gold increased to $1900/ounce. Today the price per ounce is closer to $1300.
Panning for gold in the forest's streams and rivers remains a popular activity. Recreational panning is allowed on most of the Uwharrie National Forest. No fee or permit is required as long as only shovel and pan techniques are used and no significant stream disturbance results.
We will provide gold pans and the other equipment necessary. Bring rock hammers and eye protection if you have them. We will provide some for the group.
To register for the October field trip or any other field trip, or if you'd like more information, please contact rgreengeology@gmail.com. We accept PayPal or pay by check.
Upon registration, we will send you additional info about where to meet, what to bring along and answer any questions that you have for us.
Because of the cost of the equipment we provide, the cost of the Geology Trip will be $60.00 per student. There is no charge to parents/drivers. Contact us if you would like details about a multiple sibling or scout group discount.
We will need an accurate 'head count', please let us know as soon as you can, if you will be attending and how many will be in your party : )
You can pay in two ways:
1) Send your payment to Pay Pal - rgreen08@gmail.com. - or -
2) Mail a check to
Rob Greenberg
2218 Esther Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Thanks so much for your time and interest.
Please feel free to forward this email to others who you think will be interested. We would love to grow our list of geology enthusiasts! Have them contact me and I will add their information so they can receive announcements and updates.
**********
This is a very scenic part of our state!! If you would like to turn the gold panning adventure into a weekend getaway, please click on the links below:
Morrow Mountain State Park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails, camping, stay-overnight-cabins and swimming.
http://www.ncparks.gov/morrow-
Uwharrie National Forest has camping (with hot showers), fishing, hiking, boating and off-roading.
http://www.forestcamping.com/
Other area attractions include:
Seagrove, NC - pottery capital of NC
http://www.discoverseagrove.
NC Zoo
http://www.nczoo.org/
Morrow Mountain State Park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails, camping, stay-overnight-cabins and swimming.
http://www.ncparks.gov/morrow-
Uwharrie National Forest has camping (with hot showers), fishing, hiking, boating and off-roading.
http://www.forestcamping.com/
Other area attractions include:
Seagrove, NC - pottery capital of NC
http://www.discoverseagrove.
NC Zoo
http://www.nczoo.org/
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