The iconic landscapes of the Pioneer Valley are widely celebrated. But how did this unique region of floodplains and mountain ranges that support our farms and forests come to be? Find out the answers to fascinating mysteries with Richard Little, an expert on the geological history of the Connecticut River Valley.

The Holyoke Range extends east-west from the Amherst area, then curves southward extending completely across Connecticut. It’s composed of more than 400 feet of basalt lava from “the Age of Dinosaurs” Jurassic Period. Join Professor Little on Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30 pm in the Holyoke Public Library to learn about the development of this significant landscape that forms the backbone of the Connecticut River Valley. Learn about how the dramatic topography of the Valley came to be, beginning with the supercontinent of Pangea, the impact of glaciers and ancient Lake Hitchcock, as well as features like flood basalts, dikes, and sills.

Richard Little is Geology Professor Emeritus at Greenfield Community College, and was inducted into the Massachusetts Science Educator Hall of Fame in 2004.

This program is free and open to the public. However, space is limited and registration is strongly encouraged.

Donations are welcome to support Kestrel’s work to conserve the Pioneer Valley. Kestrel thanks Professor Richard Little for donating his time to present this program.