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2025 Ice age floods institute Membership Meeting
Gorge-ous Gathering – 2025 IAFI Membership Meeting
2025 IAFI Membership MeetingGorge-ous Gathering Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Ice Age Floods Institute The annual IAFI Membership Meeting is coming to the Columbia Gorge this May 2-3, 2025, and all our members and their guests are cordially invited to come experience some of the best and most interesting features the Gorge has to offer. There’ll be opportunities to explore storied Gorge wildflowers and native plants, geology and winery field trips, whitewater rafting, a membership meeting/dinner and a presentation by the ever-entertaining Nick Zenter.Check-in begins each day at 8:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center **CLICK HERE TO REGISTER** Friday, May 2nd Activities Friday, May 2nd, will be action packed with activities during the day. Choose between a guided Spring Wildflower Walk, a Journey Through Terroir field trip, an Unveiling the Gorge field trip, or opportunities (available every day) for full-day or half-day adventure whitewater raft trips on the Klickitat or White Salmon Rivers with Wet Planet Rafting, a local world-class rafting company. Spaces on the Friday activities will be limited, but if there is sufficient waitlist interest they may be repeated on Sunday, May 4, extending the celebration to a full 3 days. The evening will feature our members meeting and dinner, followed by an entertaining and informative presentation by the inimitable Nick Zenter exploring and geolocating J Harlan Bretz’s field notes. Note: The Columbia Gorge in May can be warm/cool, dry/wet, calm/windy, and some tours will involve roadside off/on the bus stops and short walks, so dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes. Wildflower Walk is now full – Use this link to add your name to the waiting list in case there are cancellations. Spring Wildflower Walk – On Friday, May 2nd, prepare to be captivated as Barbara Robinson, a renowned native plants expert, leads you on a spectacular Wildflower Walk through Tom McCall Preserve on the Rowena Plateau. Located in the transition zone between the moist, heavily-forested west side of the Cascades and the drier bunch grass prairies of the east, the easy Plateau Trail immerses you in a vibrant tapestry of springtime wildflowers that cover grasslands full of arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, bachelor’s button, and other spectacular wildflowers blooming at your feet. You’ll meander through breathtaking panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge unfolding before you, imagining the raw power of nature that created the enigmatic mound-and-swale topography and kolk pond landforms sculpted by ancient forces of volcanic eruptions and Ice Age floods that flowed 200 feet above your head. You’ll meet Barbara at the Rowena Crest parking circle at 11:00 AM, Friday. May 2nd (Google Maps link). Spaces are limited so reserve your place today ($10 members/guests, $25 general public) for your chance to experience an unforgettable magical adventure on the Rowena Plateau. Remember to stay on marked trails, dress for probable strong winds, avoid poison oak, and that dogs are not permitted. Read more… Embark on a Vineyard/Winery “Journey Through Terroir” – Experience the magic of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region with renowned soil scientist and vineyard consultant, Alan Busacca. This exclusive bus tour takes you deep into the heart of this unique region, where dramatic landscapes and diverse microclimates create wines of extraordinary character. You’ll visit stunning vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and uncover the fascinating science behind their unique flavors. Learn how volcanic soils, extreme rainfall gradients, and powerful winds all contribute to the distinctive taste of each wine. From lush, forested hillsides to sun-drenched high-desert slopes, this is your chance to experience the incredible diversity of this “World of Wine in Forty Miles.” and taste the sensory adventure of the Columbia Gorge firsthand. May 2nd, 10:00 AM, limited to 22 seats. Reserve your place today!(Tour: $35 members/guests, $50 general public. Tasting Package: $20) Read more… Friday’s Unveiling the Gorge field trip is now full. We’ve added a repeat session on Sunday, May 4th that is filling up fast. Use this link to register for the Sunday field trip. Unveiling the Gorge – The walls of the Columbia Gorge expose layer upon layer of similar appearing Columbia River Basalt. But exposed within those walls are features that tell unusual stories of geologic events, cultural history and inspire imaginative tales. On this field trip we’ll stop and discuss many of those features and their stories as we do a 50-mile bus loop through some of the most spectacular scenic vistas the Gorge has to offer. Maars, lahars, pillows, petroglyphs, even an exotic side trip, plus much more will expand your vision and tickle your imagination. Lunch at a scenic overlook (order a box lunch or bring your own) May 2nd (now full) and again May 4, 10:00 AM, limited to 33 seats. Reserve your (Sunday) place today! ($35 members/guests, $50 general public) Read more… Whitewater Rafting Excitement Awaits! – For your adventurous spirit, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the iconic Wild & Scenic White Salmon or Klickitat Rivers. Enjoy half-day or full-day trips with experienced guides who ensure a safe and exciting journey for all skill levels. Navigate thrilling Class II-IV rapids, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Glide through crystal-clear waters fed by the glaciers of Mt. Adams, surrounded by thick pine forests, steep canyons, and majestic basalt cliffs. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the true wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Trips available daily through Wet Planet Rafting (Use code IAFI-2025 for a 10% discount off normal prices: White Salmon 1/2-day (4 hours, 8 miles) (7 hours, 15 miles)$84 Fri, $89 Sat-Sun, White Salmon full-day $155 Fri, $165 Sat-Sun, Klickitat full-day (7 hours, 11 miles) $185 Sat-Sun, riverside lunch included). Wet Planet provides all the gear except a bathing suit, but if you desire you can go commando under the wetsuit gear). Membership Gathering, Dinner and Special Presentation – The evening will begin with a guided native plants tour guided by Barbara Robinson around the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center grounds and an opportunity to visit the museum’s displays. Then we’ll gather in the auditorium for the membership meeting, followed by a buffet pasta dinner in the Discovery Center’s Basalt Rock Cafe. Reserve your meal now. Afterward we’ll return
International Old Rock Day – January 7
International “Old Rock Day” Celebrate Old Rock Day on January 7 every year. It’s a day to remember the Earth’s incredible history and to pay tribute to the amazing geologists who help us understand it. We’ve been dependent on rocks since we first walked the Earth, and today it’s no different, with rocks forming the foundation of our daily lives. History of “Old Rock Day” The study of rocks was first introduced by the Ancient Greek Theophrastus in his work, “Peri Lithon” (“On Stones”), and became the cornerstone of geology for other interested scientists. The study was advanced by Pliny the Elder, who recorded numerous minerals and metals in great detail, with a particular focus on their practical use. Although working without the tools we use today, Pliny was able to correctly identify the origin of amber as fossilized tree resin. It wasn’t until 1603 when the word ‘geology’ was used for the first time by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi. It took a further 150 years for the first geological maps to be drawn by British geologist William Smith, whose work began the process of ordering rock layers by examining the fossils contained in them. Then, in 1785, James Hutton wrote and presented a paper to the Royal Society of Edinburgh called ‘Theory of the Earth’, which outlined his belief that the world was far older than previously thought. His breakthroughs make him widely considered the first modern geologist. In 1809 William Maclure produced the first geological map of the USA, a task he completed thanks to two painstaking years spent personally traversing the country. With the invention of radiometric dating in the early 20th century, scientists could finally provide an accurate figure for the age of the earth by tracing the radioactive impurities found in rocks. It helped scientists to see that the Earth is one very old rock indeed! Rocks have been essential for human development, which is why we celebrate Old Rock Day and the wonder of the geological world. Why We Love “Old Rock Day” Geology is cool Studying the natural world helps us protect, preserve, and predict it so that we can live in harmony with nature Rocks are useful From the sturdy bricks of our homes to the sidewalk beneath our feet, rocks are essential for human existence Rocks are precious Some of the most coveted things in the world today — gold, diamonds, and other gemstones — are old rocks (minerals) Reprinted from National Today – Old Rock Day
IAFI 2024 YEAR-IN-REVIEW
A summary of IAFI’s 2024 activities for our members and other interested people. This is our 8th year preparing a Year-in-Review report for you, our members. We appreciate your continued support, friendship and membership. Gary Ford – IAFI President, January 4, 2025 INSTITUTE MEMBERSHIP Our members provide most of our support and much of the reason for the various materials, activities and events we provide. In 1996, we started with 11 members. At the end of 2024, we have 587 members (451 memberships). In addition to the members in the IAFI states (WA, OR, ID, MT), we have members in 16 other states as well as BC Canada and Loerrach, Germany (which is in the very southwest of Germany near Basel and the Swiss Border). West of the Mississippi we have members in CA, NV, AZ, WY, TX, AK, NM and OK. East of the Mississippi there is love of ice age floods in MD, GA, IL, TN, MA, FL, VA and PA. INSTITUTE BOARD PROJECTS IAFI work activities occur at both the Institute Board of Director level and at the Chapter level. Projects at the Institute board level generally benefit more than one chapter or do work that all chapters might not be able to do by themselves. Listed below are some of the recent projects the Institute Board of Directors has worked on: The Education Committee is working on a curriculum for four 20-minute floods videos for a 4th grade audience The Membership Committee developed a catalog of speakers for the chapters to use for their member programs. The Board works closely with the National Park Service (NPS) Program Manager for the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. The intent is to help the Trail Manager with projects related to the development of the Trail. The Board has completed IAFI and Chapter history summaries in preparation for next year’s 30th anniversary. Our webmaster keeps our website (iafi.org) fresh and stimulating. He also, with support from the chapters, issues the Pleistocene Post Newsletter four times a year. This year the Cheney-Spokane Chapter created a significant amount of new content for the website, including a page with geolocated maps of J Harlen Bretz’s and Joseph Pardee’s field notes. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING This year the annual IAFI membership meeting and field trip was hosted by the Cheney-Spokane Chapter and was held in the Spokane Valley area. Approximately 100 people attended the event. Follow this link for a summary of that event. 2024 CHAPTER PROGRAMS Outreach to inform and educate the public about the Ice Age Floods and their long-lasting impact on our area is a key part of the IAFI mission. Our local chapter programs are possibly the most effective way we meet this challenge. Three of the more important ways we help people learn about the Ice Age Floods are with lectures, field trips and hikes. LECTURES, FIELD TRIPS AND HIKES In 2024 we had 37 in-person lectures attended by over 1425 people. Many more people viewed lectures when they were posted on YouTube. We conducted 22 field trips with 735 attendees and three chapters sponsored 7 hikes with 106 attendees. PRESENTATIONS TO K-12 STUDENTS A number of people from the Lake Lewis Chapter help with education programs at The Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site (MCBONES) near Kennewick. This was a record year for tourism at the site. Over 4300 visitors, most of them K-12 students, learned about the ice age floods and megafauna extinction. Palouse Falls Chapter: Had a booth at STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math) night at Colton School. Lower Grand Coulee Chapter: Assisted with a presentation at the Ice Age Floods Fest at Dry Falls aimed at educating children on the Ice Age Floods story (350+ attendees). INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND UNIVERSITYS Cheney-Spokane Chapter: Hosted a booth at the Geological Society of America meeting in Spokane during May which was attended by several thousand professionals. The Chapter vice president led a two-day trip which was attended by a dozen of the leading professionals on the ice age floods. Wenatchee Chapter: Assisted Dr. Vic Baker with his University of Arizona graduate student trip to the Scablands. Columbia Gorge Chapter – Co-led a number of field trips sponsored by the Oregon State University Extension Master Naturalist Program. Coeur Du Deluge Chapter – Led programs for the Idaho Native Plant Society. All chapters routinely recruit extremely knowledgeable speakers from universities or state/federal agencies so we are presenting the most current information to our members. PRESENTATIONS FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS Cheney-Spokane Chapter – In February, the chapter talked with over 100 people at Great Outdoors Expo Exhibit in Spokane. Presented four lectures at Spokane County Library units. All four talks had standing room only. The library district asked the chapter to do four more talks in 2025 which have been scheduled. Columbia River Gorge Chapter – Completed work on the Cherry Orchard Trail Recording and Dedication. Ellensburg Chapter: had information booths at three Ellensburg Farmers Markets. Spoke with about 300 people. Lower Grand Coulee Chapter: Had a booth at the Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day with IAFI talks and tours, videos and information displays. 200+ attendees. Developed a 3-D topographic model with lights of the floods area for use at community events. Palouse Falls Chapter: Presented lecture on the floods and conducted a tour at the Sandhill Crane Festival. Wenatchee Chapter: Co-led a tour at the Sandhill Crane Festival and participated in FCAD Farmer Consumer Awareness days in Quincy. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS We are always looking for other organizations to work with. This is a great way to share resources and knowledge. Listed below are some of the organizations we have worked with: Wenatchee – Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, Port of Quincy, Othello Sandhill Crane Festival Coeur Du Deluge – Idaho Master Naturalist Program, Idaho Native Plant Society Lake Lewis– MCBONES Mammoth Site, Friends of Badger Mountain, Benton County Parks, The Hanford Reach Interpretative Center, Visit Tri-Cities, East Benton County Historical Museum, Franklin County Historical Museum Cheney-Spokane – Spokane Riverfront Park board,
IAFICS October Hike, Member Meeting, & Lecture Registration
The Advance and Retreat of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet Revealed in the Bluffs at Discovery Park, Seattle
During his time teaching in Seattle, J Harlen Bretz noted the extensive array of glacial features present in the Puget Sound area. The Puget Lowland is an extensive glacial outwash plain of highly elongated drumlin topography adorned with kames, eskers, kettle lakes, glacial erratics, and other glacial features indicative of continental glaciation. The Seattle Basin is filled with a layer cake of distinctive sedimentary layers that reveal the advance and retreat of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet during the most recent (Wisconsin) glacial advance. South Beach at Discovery Park in Seattle offers visitors an easily accessible exposure of the stratigraphic layers which tell this story. Magnolia Bluff at Discovery Park ranks as one of the most interesting and important geologic sites in the central Puget Sound Lowland. In its near-vertical cliffs, there is a record of the advance and retreat of the last great Ice Age glacier to enter western Washington from the extensive ice fields that covered southwestern Canada. At no other place near Seattle are the geologic relationships of this record so clearly displayed and so accessible to study. The exposure of sediment at Discovery Park is unique in that several distinct layers can be seen in the bluffs during a short walk along the beach. To the inexperienced, the cliff appears to merely consist of a large pile of sand and clay; however, the different layers each tell a story of strongly contrasting environmental conditions over the past 25,000 years. Each of the major beds represents a depositional episode. Their depositional environments can be deciphered by close examination of the composition and texture of each layer of sediment. Sediments comparable to those exposed at Discovery Park are found across Puget Sound, along Hood Canal to the south, and near Tacoma. The large regional extent of these deposits indicates that conditions throughout the central and southern Puget Sound Lowland were similar throughout the time period represented by the deposition of these sediments. A half century of field investigations in the southern Puget Lowland (Armstrong et al., 1965; Crandell et al., 1958; Mullineaux et al., 1965; Noble & Wallace, 1966; Waldron et al., 1962) and in the northern Puget Lowland (Clague, 1981; Easterbrook, 1986, 1994; Troost & Booth, 2008) show that ice sheets have advanced south into the lowlands of western Washington. Evidence for the latest glacial advance can be seen by examining the layer cake of sediments exposed at Discovery Park as the Cordilleran Ice Sheet advanced and retreated over the Seattle area. This recent advance is called the Vashon Stade of the Fraser glaciation. Timeline Prior to 100,000 years ago, the climate in Seattle must have been similar to the climate today. Evidence shows that a river system drained north through the Puget trough. ~100,000 years ago, Earth’s climate began to cool and became more moist. The Cordilleran Ice Sheet began to form in SE Alaska and in British Columbia. ~19,000 years ago, the Cordilleran Ice Sheet advanced to the Canada/US border, sliding at a rate of 135 meters/year. The ice sheet split into two lobes as it passed Victoria B.C. The Juan de Fuca Lobe extended out the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Puget Lobe extended south over the Puget Sound region. When the ice reached Port Townsend, it blocked the north-flowing river that occupied the Puget Trough, forming a proglacial lake. ~18,000 years ago, ice overrode the lake and covered Seattle. Water was forced to drain to the south through the Chehalis river system. ~16,900 years ago, glacial maximum. The ice sheet extended to just south of Olympia, with ice thickness of ~3,000 feet over Seattle and 6,000 feet over Port Townsend. Sediments visible at Discovery Park Olympia Formation. This is the oldest formation on the exposed bluff wall. The Olympia Fm contains layers of sand, clay, and silt. These beds indicate a fluvial (river) non–glacial environment which existed in the Puget Sound region before the Vashon Stade glacial advance. The sand layers suggest stream deposition, the clay layers suggest ponding, and the silt layers suggest backwaters. There are shallow, broad ripple marks in some of the layers. Radiocarbon dates for wood in the layers at the base of the fm range from 22,000 to 20,000 years BP. A yellowish-gray silt layer 8 m above the bottom of the fm; this 2-m-thick layer contains wood fragments that are 18,000 years old. Pollen in the layers between the base of the Olympia Formation and the base of the overlying Lawton Formation are dominantly spruce and pine, representing a cooler climate than at present. These deposits reflect the climatic conditions in the area before the most recent arrival of ice in Puget Sound. Lawton Formation. The Lawton Fm includes relatively dark clays above the brownish-gray non-glacial sediments. The clays represent deposition in the bottom of a lake which formed in ice margin lakes. The Lawton has striking laminations, which look like varves. The lower portion, which is older, is very fine-grained, which suggests that it was deposited in deep, calm water. The upper part grades into coarser materials and contains ripple marks. The oldest beds of the Lawton Fm are approx, 18,000 years old. Esperance Formation. As the ice front of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet approached Seattle, the size of the deposited particles increased, grading from the clays of the Lawton Formation into the sand layer that we call the Esperance Fm. There are several different layers in this sand deposit, some of which are inclined. The sands are finer at the bottom and coarser on the top. The sands are well sorted, suggesting deposition from glacial meltwater, rather than by ice. The Esperance also contains lenses of gravel within the sand layers. Such lenticular bedding suggests a high energy environment of deposition. Geologically, layers or horizons in a deposit are referred to as “beds”. The orientation of the beds provides clues about the environment when these beds were deposited. The beds in the Esperance Fm show cross bedding. Cross bedding reveals flow direction. Vashon
Unearthing the Secrets of Spokane Valley: A Recap of the IAFI June Jamboree
This year’s IAFI June Jamboree delved into the fascinating geological history of Spokane Valley, contrasting it with the iconic Grand Coulee and Dry Falls, explored during last year’s Jubilee. Challenging the Landscape: Unlike the open spaces of Dry Falls, Spokane Valley presented a unique challenge – showcasing evidence of Ice Age Floods within an urban environment. Our chapter tackled this brilliantly, organizing hikes and car caravans departing from convenient public parks and commercial areas. Evening Explorations: The program’s highlights included captivating lectures. Professor Emeritus Dean Kiefer shed light on J Harlen Bretz’s Spokane associates, while renowned naturalist Jack Nesbit brought the story of the first Columbian Mammoth discovered near Latah Creek in the 1800s to life. Celebrating Success: The Jamboree culminated in a relaxed gathering at Mirabeau Meadows. Registrants, leaders, and participants exchanged insights and experiences, with a resounding appreciation for the chapter’s efforts. Comparisons were drawn, highlighting how our Spokane Valley exploration continued the excellence of the Puget Lobe’s outing at Dry Falls last year. A Delicious Finale: The grand finale was a catered Longhorn Barbecue overflowing with delicious food. Everyone left satisfied, with many even taking home doggie bags to savor the flavors afterward. Check out more images from the event in this Google Photo Album. Meet the Masterminds: Linda & Mike McCollum: This dynamic professor emerita and a research geologist duo co-led tours and car caravans, sharing their latest research on the Spokane area’s Ice Age Floods, and shaping the Jamboree’s theme. Michael Hamilton: A gifted geologist, Michael led hikes and the bus trip, encouraging questions and offering honest answers. Don Chadbourne & Chris Sheeran: Don, the chapter treasurer, managed logistics with expertise, while Chris, our media and registration guru, ensured a smooth experience. Melanie Bell Gibbs: A past president and national board member, Melanie oversaw participant check-in and badge distribution. Dick Jensen: Dick handled bus transportation and provided crucial support throughout the Jamboree. Jim Fox: The chapter vice president secured speakers and offered his assistance wherever needed. We also owe a great deal to the participant volunteers who proved invaluable in assisting us in all our efforts. Through the combined efforts of many the IAFI June Jamboree was a resounding success, fostering exploration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the Spokane Valley’s unique geological heritage. Being present with so much information and conversation among such extensive expertise was to witness the scientific process in action. Meeting people from other chapters was particularly nice, putting faces with names we know. We all learned a lot.
Thank You from Ice Age Floods Institute
Thank you for your Ice Age Floods Institute membership registration and or donation. Your membership dues are used to support public education, research, and public policy advocacy about Ice Age Floods related subjects and issues. Donations are used to support public education, research, and public policy advocacy about Ice Age Floods related subjects and issues unless you have specified a specific purpose for its use. NOTE: Ice Age Floods Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 91-1658221), and as such 100% of your membership fees and donations may be tax deductible. This notice confirms that your registration/donation has been submitted, but the transaction is NOT complete until you’ve completed the payment process and you receive a payment confirmation. Please keep confirmation notices as needed for your records.