People tend to have one of two reactions when I tell them I studied geology in college. It’s either “Oh, so you studied rocks” or “Oh, so you studied dinosaurs?”. Although to be fair, I did study both. But, geology runs much deeper than rocks and dinosaurs. Geology is a combination of chemistry, biology, math, and physics. Those that study geology go on to work in all different fields from researching climate change to working for oil companies to environmental consulting. Yes, there are also people who look at dinosaurs. In my case, I was drawn to hydrogeology–essentially, I liked learning about water. It may be in part because I grew up in “The Land of 10,000 Lakes”, but I also think it is because I recognized that water is vital to the functioning of civilization. After all, civilization exists with geology’s consent. Being able to understand water and its associated issues (poor water quality, lack of water, the politics behind who gets it) is essential.
I’m currently serving with Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG), an organization that is focused on protecting and conserving the natural resources in the Ossipee Watershed, including the largest stratified drift aquifer in the state. An aquifer is an area that has significant potential to yield groundwater. This particular aquifer consists of mainly sand and gravel layers, which means it has a high permeability–therefore making it more susceptible to contamination. GMCG also works to conserve the surface waters whether that be through implementing an educational campaign about road salt or collecting samples out on the lakes and streams. It’s interesting getting to see how much collaboration is involved in protecting the area’s waters. GMCG works in coordination with the University of New Hampshire, the Saco River Corridor Commission, town conservation commissions, and multiple other organizations. I don’t think I quite realized how many moving parts there are in protecting waters. I’m happy to be just one of those moving parts.
Geology has taken me all over the country–from the Upper Midwest to New Mexico to Hawaii to Alaska and now to New Hampshire. Each area has its own unique characteristics through its natural resources and its people. New Hampshire does remind me of the Northwoods in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but there are mountains here. I’ve learned that the people here love their outdoor activities whether it be climbing a 4,000-foot mountain or paddling out in the early morning to watch the family of loons. They recognize that they live in a beautiful place and, for the most part, want to make some effort to conserve it.
It’s been Type I fun getting to know the area and the people who care about it. It’s been Type II fun sticking my hand in the freezing waters of the Ossipee Watershed. It helps to know that the data collected is going to be put to good use–to educate and to help people understand the waters that they live, play, and work on. However, I do look forward to warmer days and warmer waters!
Caitlin is serving at Green Mountain Conservation Group as the Water Quality Resources Assistant. She obtained her B.S. in Geology from St. Norbert College, and her M.S. in Hydrogeology from Illinois State University. Learn more about Caitlin here!