{"id":258,"date":"2022-10-17T03:14:15","date_gmt":"2022-10-17T07:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/mu-regional-pulse\/?p=258"},"modified":"2023-11-22T15:29:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T20:29:41","slug":"national-parks-talk-series-new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/mu-regional-pulse\/2022\/10\/national-parks-talk-series-new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve\/","title":{"rendered":"National Parks Talk Series: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Kara Reedy—<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The National Parks Talk Series has been around the Miami University Middletown campus for the past few years. The presentations, provided jointly by Professor Tammie L. Gerke and the staff at the Gardner-Harvey Library, offer a tour of some of America\u2019s national parks, with the goal of inspiring attendees to go to these parks and experience them for themselves. The national park in the spotlight on September 20th was New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the most recent addition to the now-63 national parks in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who have never come to the talks might expect to be bombarded with scientific terminology. The geology aspect of the presentations depends on which park is the focus of the meeting. Specifically, if a park is known for its geological features, you can expect to learn quite a bit about geology. The same is true if the park is known for its history, which was the case for the New River Gorge. Professor Gerke goes out of her way to explain parts of her presentation to anyone who might feel confused about some parts of the talk. She encourages questions and enjoys having a conversation with those who are in attendance. According to Professor Gerke, \u201cI show lots of pretty pictures. I show the geology, and then I try to talk about what are some of the interesting things you can do there.\u201d She provides a wide variety of content for her audience, allowing just about anyone to come to the talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History was clearly the primary focal point of the presentation on September 20th , since the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its unique history. Old mining towns and camps are scattered around the area, including several sites currently being maintained and renovated by the National Parks Service. These areas are being fixed up to look like they did over a hundred years ago, including the town of Thurmond, which you can still travel through by train today. Preservation of the history of New River Gorge is essential, considering the region\u2019s role in several events in American history. A massive amount of coal was mined in the area, which had a reputation for quality over many other coal sources in the states, and contributed to the Industrial Revolution. Many legends and stories originate from this region, which has shaped the very foundation of much of this country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Parks are an integral part of preservation work here in America. Ever since the National Park Service was created in 1916, natural spaces in the country have been designated as essential to our collective understanding of nature. As Professor Gerke stated in our one-on-one conversation, \u201cThe parks are a place that we can go and escape and appreciate the beauty\u201d of the common areas accessible to all of us. Some green spaces are set aside here and there for us to enjoy, but none of these spaces are as expansive as those that are National Parks, Preserves, Monuments, or other locations protected by the National Park Service. There are many places we can go to explore the bounties of nature around us, but we all need to remember the importance of these areas. The historic sites in New River Gorge are crucial to the region. They are just as important as other parts of the park, including geological features like the stacked sandstone and shale that provide rock-climbing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from rock climbing, there are many activities available in the park. One of the first white water rafting companies started in the New River Gorge region. Visitors can brave the choppy water while also exploring the New River Gorge Bridge. It used to take around forty-five minutes to cross the New River Gorge before the bridge was built. Now, it only takes a minute to move across the river using the bridge. Those who dare to do so can participate in the Bridge Walk. People can walk the length of the bridge along a two-foot wide walkway just underneath a few feet of concrete and dozens of cars flying past every minute. The park holds a festival every year marking the opening of the bridge. Attendees can go base jumping off the bridge, which is over 800 feet above the river below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intriguing mixture of geology, history, and activities sets New River Gorge National Park and Preserve aside from other such registered National Parks. Just as the park is a diverse experience, so is the National Parks Talk Series presented by Professor Gerke. In truth, the talks would not be the same without the dedication and hard work of the Gardner-Harvey Library staff, who set up the meeting area and Zoom links for the virtual portion of the presentation. They provide snacks and water to the in-person audience and maintain a spacious and inviting meeting room for those in attendance. Professor Gerke stated that she \u201cwouldn\u2019t be able to do so much without [the library\u2019s] help.\u201d The talks represent more than just an opportunity for people to learn about the National Parks; they are a forum for conversation that brings attention to the many different events and conveniences provided by the library to the entire public\u2014not just for the students or faculty, but the community of Middletown. Professor Gerke always intended for her talks to advertise the importance of the Gardner-Harvey Library and its continued dedication to those who have the determination to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Parks Talk Series has two more events planned for this semester: one on October 18th, which will be about the Pinnacles National Park, and one on November 15th, which will be about the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The starting time for both dates will be 4:45 pm. All sessions are expected to wrap up around 6:15, although that depends on the length of the presentation and the Q&A at the end of the meeting. The in-person location is room 014, on the bottom level of the Gardner-Harvey Library. Those interested in the Zoom option for the National Parks Talks can obtain the link on campus by scanning designated QR codes or by directly emailing the librarians; their contact information is listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n