FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2019-New London- The New London Public Museum invites you to discover something new about Cactus Rock, also known as Poppy’s Rock. Join us on Thursday, September 26 starting at 6pm in the meeting room. Dr. Marcia Bjornerud, Professor of Geosciences at Lawrence University, will talk about the origins of this unique New London feature.
Cactus Rock, or Poppy’s Rock, a State Natural Area just south of New London, embodies almost 2 billion years of geologic change in Wisconsin. This talk will describe the volcanic origins of Cactus Rock, its long history of erosion and later burial beneath marine sedimentary rocks, and its more recent re-excavation by running water and glacial ice. The story of Cactus Rock is connected with that of other parts of Wisconsin including Red Granite and the Baraboo Hills and to the larger development of the North American continent. Cactus Rock’s unique plant community provides insight into soil development and how ecosystems become established on bare rock.
Marcia Bjornerud is Professor of Geosciences at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Bjornerud’s research focuses on the physics of earthquakes and mountain building, and she combines field-based studies of bedrock geology with quantitative models of rock mechanics. She has done research in high arctic Norway and Canada, as well as mainland Norway, Italy, New Zealand, and the Lake Superior region. She received a BS in geophysics from the University of Minnesota and MS and PhD degrees in structural geology from the University of Wisconsin.
Discover something new at the New London Public Museum! Enjoy exhibits about local history, Native American culture, and natural history. Explore the hands-on Curiosity Corner filled with interesting things to do. Want to discover more, our research library is available by appointment. The museum is located at 406 S. Pearl St. and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (year-round) and 10 am- 1 pm Saturday (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Admission is free. Group tours are available by appointment. For more information like us on Facebook, visit our website www.newlondonwi.org/museum, or contact us at 920-982-8520, museum@newlondonwi.org. Come explore with us!
