The Poconos have long been known for their pristine wilderness and waterways rich with plant and animal life, their lush and scenic beauty, and their unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else on earth. Kristen Hand, Geoscientist with the State’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), will describe the underlying geology of the region that sets it apart and gives it a unique sense of place. She will turn back the hands of time 600 million years to show how the earth beneath our feet was created, how the hard sandstones and conglomerates formed here have resisted erosion and kept the mountains above the surrounding lowlands, forming the heavily forested, hilly Pocono Plateau. Kristen will discuss how all of the factors that define our region—climate, topography, population density, and transport costs, to name a few—have impacted its social, cultural and economic development over time.
Kristen Hand has been with the DCNR for more than 20 years and is currently Geologist Supervisor and Section Chief in the Mapping Division at the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. She is also the Internal Lead for the Kittatinny Ridge Coalition Conservation Landscape, an organization dedicated to preserving land along Pennsylvania’s most climate resilient landscape while promoting economic growth and recreation opportunities along the ridge. She is the Chair of the annual Field Conference of Pennsylvania Geologists and has published articles for the Pennsylvania Geological Survey and the Journal of Paleontology.
“My Favorite Beach is a Mountain Top.” —Kristen Hand
Refreshments will follow the presentation by Kristen Hand. The program is sponsored by our Business Partner, Pocono Sand & Stone.
