"We will cover a lot of different topics in the geology world during this walk," said Jeri Jones, who will lead a geology walk at Haldeman Mansion on Saturday, Aug. 6. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the mansion, located at 230 Locust Grove Road, Bainbridge.

Jones, who operates Jones Geological Services in Spring Grove, said the program will include a variety of stops around the mansion. "We'll discuss the building's stones and the house itself - where the rocks came from, what types of rocks they are," he stated. "We'll have a stop that considers the geological history of the Susquehanna River. You can see the river from the home's front yard, so we'll talk there where people can imagine how things used to be."

The presentation will also include information on the Billmeyer Quarry, which was located next to the mansion. The quarry was established by John Haldeman in the 1800s and was used to excavate limestone. Haldeman's grandson, Samuel, became well known as a geologist in the area and was instrumental in promoting scientific work throughout central Pennsylvania. He is credited with discovering skolithos, a type of fossil.

Jones noted that his walk will also include information on the geology of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which is the subject of a book Jones wrote in 2020. He will have copies of his book for sale at the event.

Jones regularly gives geology presentations at the mansion, and he noted that new for this year, he's including a rock and mineral contest at the end of the walk. "I'm going to have some samples of things I talked about on the walk, and I'm going to ask participants to identify what they are," he explained, adding that prizes will be awarded for the top three scores.

He emphasized that the August program will offer a wide range of information but will be accessible to everyone. "The walk is a good way to learn about local geology and get some behind-the-scenes information about the Haldeman Mansion as well as regional geology," he stated. "All of my programs are very basic and are presented that way." Jones, who has been offering geology programs for 44 years, said he encourages audience participation and likes to connect with program attendees. "I really enjoy doing these programs," he stated. "When I feel people are giving me their attention, it makes me want to give them even more of mine. I want to make it interesting for everybody."

In addition to public programs, Jones recently began a virtual geology series called Zoom Rock Room. It occurs on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, beginning at 7 p.m. and is free to attend. For more information, search for "Jones Geological Services" on Facebook.

To learn more about the geology walk or to register for the program, call Elaine Jackson at 717-426-3794.