Post by L Roebuck on Nov 10, 2005 6:20:03 GMT -5
Historical society begins clean-up of sinkhole site
By Melissa Vanderplas
Members of the Harmony Area Historical Society and science students from Fillmore Central gathered at the newly acquired sinkhole on Sunday to begin the process of turning the land into an educational site.
Earlier this year, the historical society purchased the sinkhole from Allen Kraling on a piece of property not far from the Harmony-Preston Bike Trail.
The group wants to educate both local residents and visitors to the area about the unique geological make-up of southeastern Minnesota.
“We wanted people to understand the geology that has a major influence on what we can do around here,” said Marilyn Trouten, a member of the historical society. “There are actually very few places in the country that have sinkholes or the karst geology that we have.”
On Sunday, three students, along with their science teacher Darrin Ellsworth, helped members of the historical society clear out debris and garbage from the sinkhole site.
According to Trouten, there were a few broken trees that were cleared as well as wire, fence posts and old equipment that were removed. “It was not bad,” she added. “For a sinkhole, it had very little garbage.”
Trouten explained that, in addition to clearing out the sinkhole, the expedition on Sunday also served as an opportunity for the members to “size it up” so it could be determined where the entrance, exit and points of interest would be.
Trouten explained that three drainage holes were found within the sinkhole and a viewing spot will be located over these. She added that the science classes will also use these drainage holes for an experiment to see where ground water flows from that point. The class will use dye to track the water flow.
Even though the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) already knows that fact, Trouten said the sinkhole will provide an outdoor learning environment for students in many areas.
The DNR will also have input as to what aspects of the sinkhole will be featured, and that more work and study has to be done on the necessary signs for the sinkhole. “We have to decide how best to show the forming and tell the life of a sinkhole,” she explained.
The signs near the sinkhole will likely include information about the geology of the sinkhole, how they are formed and why it is important to protect the sinkholes and keep them clean.
“When you throw stuff into a sinkhole, it can contaminate the water underneath,” explained Mark Bishop, a member of the historical society. Bishop owns Niagara Cave and has a degree in physical geography and environmental science. “We are hoping this will help interpret the geology of the area and inform people of how they (sinkholes) are formed. The karst is located only in extreme southeast Minnesota. The limestone is very close to the surface, and heavy rain and moisture can cause the limestone to collapse, making a sinkhole.”
Even though the historical society now owns the land, once the interpretive site is established, it will eventually be turned over to the DNR for insurance and upkeep.
Following their workday on Sunday, the students and historical society members enjoyed hot sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, provided by Jessica Moger, in honor of Ellsworth’s birthday.
“We really appreciated the help of the students,” said Trouten and she hopes the sinkhole experiences will provide a practical application of their science education.
Hometown Pages
www.hometown-pages.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=22&ArticleID=10157&TM=53554.89
By Melissa Vanderplas
Members of the Harmony Area Historical Society and science students from Fillmore Central gathered at the newly acquired sinkhole on Sunday to begin the process of turning the land into an educational site.
Earlier this year, the historical society purchased the sinkhole from Allen Kraling on a piece of property not far from the Harmony-Preston Bike Trail.
The group wants to educate both local residents and visitors to the area about the unique geological make-up of southeastern Minnesota.
“We wanted people to understand the geology that has a major influence on what we can do around here,” said Marilyn Trouten, a member of the historical society. “There are actually very few places in the country that have sinkholes or the karst geology that we have.”
On Sunday, three students, along with their science teacher Darrin Ellsworth, helped members of the historical society clear out debris and garbage from the sinkhole site.
According to Trouten, there were a few broken trees that were cleared as well as wire, fence posts and old equipment that were removed. “It was not bad,” she added. “For a sinkhole, it had very little garbage.”
Trouten explained that, in addition to clearing out the sinkhole, the expedition on Sunday also served as an opportunity for the members to “size it up” so it could be determined where the entrance, exit and points of interest would be.
Trouten explained that three drainage holes were found within the sinkhole and a viewing spot will be located over these. She added that the science classes will also use these drainage holes for an experiment to see where ground water flows from that point. The class will use dye to track the water flow.
Even though the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) already knows that fact, Trouten said the sinkhole will provide an outdoor learning environment for students in many areas.
The DNR will also have input as to what aspects of the sinkhole will be featured, and that more work and study has to be done on the necessary signs for the sinkhole. “We have to decide how best to show the forming and tell the life of a sinkhole,” she explained.
The signs near the sinkhole will likely include information about the geology of the sinkhole, how they are formed and why it is important to protect the sinkholes and keep them clean.
“When you throw stuff into a sinkhole, it can contaminate the water underneath,” explained Mark Bishop, a member of the historical society. Bishop owns Niagara Cave and has a degree in physical geography and environmental science. “We are hoping this will help interpret the geology of the area and inform people of how they (sinkholes) are formed. The karst is located only in extreme southeast Minnesota. The limestone is very close to the surface, and heavy rain and moisture can cause the limestone to collapse, making a sinkhole.”
Even though the historical society now owns the land, once the interpretive site is established, it will eventually be turned over to the DNR for insurance and upkeep.
Following their workday on Sunday, the students and historical society members enjoyed hot sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, provided by Jessica Moger, in honor of Ellsworth’s birthday.
“We really appreciated the help of the students,” said Trouten and she hopes the sinkhole experiences will provide a practical application of their science education.
Hometown Pages
www.hometown-pages.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=22&ArticleID=10157&TM=53554.89