Program explores Clarkia's geology, more

The paleobotany and geology of the Clarkia area of Idaho will be the center focus of today’s free presentation courtesy of Sandpoint Parks & Recreation and the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society.

The presentations at Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., cover a variety of natural resource related topics ranging from wildflower identification, to forest tree management, to mushroom gathering, and much more. Presentations take place from 9:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of September, October, November and January through June. No need to pre-register.

Bill Rember, affiliate professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Idaho and director of UI’s Tertiary Research Center, presents the talk.

Discussion on the geologic setting and the relationship of the ancient Lake Clarkia to the Columbia River Basalt. Fossils of more than 100 ancient tree species, insects and fish have been found in sediments that formed about 15 million years ago. These species tell a great deal about what the climate was at the time.

Information: KNPS, nativeplantsociety.org, or visit Sandpoint Parks and Recreation at 1123 Lake St., and online at sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation.