The Spring 2016 Issue of Earth Heritage Magazine features their first story on the IAT and Cabox Aspiring Geopark. The magazine, which is produced by Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural Resources Wales and the Geologists’ Association, is published twice yearly to stimulate interest in geodiversity and a broad range of geological and landscape conservation issues within the UK and elsewhere. Check out Cabox Aspiring Geopark in the 45th issue.
Third General Meeting of Aspiring Geopark
The 3rd general meeting of Cabox Aspiring Geopark was held March 4, 2016 at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, with approximately 40 people in attendance. In addition to updates on the past year’s developments and a review of the upcoming application process, MUN Geologist Andy Kerr gave a special presentation entitled ‘Newfoundland, the Bay of Islands, and the Geological Revolution’. IAT / Cabox Aspiring Geopark Chairperson Paul Wylezol outlined the GeoSite categories, beginning with five geological groupings: Ancient Continental Slope, Transported Continental Margin, Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex, Little Port Island Arc Complex, and Carboniferous Cover Rocks of the Deer Lake Basin.
IAT/Cabox Presentation at GAC Annual Meeting
On February 22-23, 2016, IAT/Cabox Aspiring Geopark Chairperson Paul Wylezol attended the Geological Association of Canada Annual Technical Meeting at the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John’s, where he gave a presentation on the International Appalachian Trail, UNESCO Global Geoparks and Cabox Aspiring Geopark in Western Newfoundland. The two-day meeting was attended by approximately 60 people and included presentations on a wide variety of geological subjects, from MUN Earth Science students to the Newfoundland & Labrador Geological Survey and industry representatives.
IAT Presents at European Geopark Conference
On Sept 3-5, 2015, IAT Chairperson Paul Wylezol attended the European Geoparks Conference in Oulu, Finland, where he gave a presentation on the IAT and its connection to Global Geoparks. The 3-day event was attended by over 400 representatives and concluded with an announcement that Global Geoparks is expected to become a full UNESCO designation during its 38th General Conference in November. The IAT crosses 12 Global Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks in Canada, Western Europe and Morocco.
In Search of an Elephant Trail
On June 15, 2015, IAT long distance hiker Diane Arnold from Connecticut, USA joined IAT/IATNL Chairperson Paul Wylezol and IATNL Finance Director Kevin Noseworthy on an exploratory hike to the top of the Elephant at the southwest corner of Trout River Inner Pond, above the narrows. The goal was to find a new trail route on/off the mountains as part of the third stage of the IAT UltramaTrex across the Bay of Islands Ophiolites, from Lewis Hills to Tablelands.
A Spring Tour of IAT Spain and Geoparque Villuercas Ibores Jara
On March 29, 2015, the day after participating in the official launch of IAT Portugal at Naturtejo Geopark, IAT Chairperson Paul Wylezol and IAT Spain President Ruth Hernandez crossed the Ebro River into Extremadura to take a three day tour of IAT Spain. From there they traveled a short distance to Alcántara, where the world’s largest Roman bridge at 194m long and 71m high, crosses the Tagus River at the eastern end of the 25,088 hectare Tagus International Nature Park. Alcántara is derived from the Arabic word al-QanTarah, meaning “the bridge”.
1000 People Attend IAT Portugal Launch in Naturtejo Geopark
On a sunny and warm Saturday, March 28, 2015, approximately one thousand people gathered in Naturtejo Geopark, Portugal to officially launch GR38 – Grande Roto Do Muradal-Pangeia as the newest section of the Trilho Internacional dos Apalaches. Joining the crowd were Geopark President Armindo Jacinto, Oleiros Municipal President Fernando Marques Jorge, Turismo Centro Portugal President Pedro Machado, Naturtejo Geopark Geologist and IAT Portugal President Carlos Carvalho, Canadian Counsellor and Consul David Marion, IAT Chairperson Paul Wylezol and IAT Spain President Ruth Hernandez.
Second Cabox Global Geopark Public Meeting
On February 10, 2015, the Cabox Global Geopark initiative spanning the Bay of Islands Ophiolites from Lewis Hills to Tablelands held its second public meeting at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University in Corner Brook. Special guest speakers included Alana Hinchey, Senior Geologist with the Newfoundland & Labrador Geological Survey and Mike Jones, President of Beyond Ktaadn and co-author of the recently published Eastern Alpine Guide.
IATNL Trek Listed #1 by Explore Magazine
The newest route of the International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland & Labrador (IATNL) has recently been listed #1 of 4 Amazing Adventure Travel Trips by Explore Magazine. The route extends from Trout River in Gros Morne National Park to James Cook’s Stone Brook in the beautiful Bay of Islands, and is included in the planned Cabox Global Geopark.
North Arm Traverse Makes Top 16 for 2015
Explore Magazine’s Fall 2014 edition recently named the IATNL’s 2015 North Arm Traverse from Trout River in Gros Morne National Park to Back Cove in North Arm, Bay of Islands as one of its Top 16 Amazing Trips for 2015. The 3-day/2-night guided trek will cross some of the most scenic and pristine landscapes in Newfoundland, and will be one of “the most interesting and exciting expeditions in Canada and beyond.” The goal is to find the last leg of a backcountry mountain hiking route connecting Gros Morne National Park to North Arm Ophiolite, with spectacular views (e.g. the Tablelands)and alpine wilderness (including moose and caribou) along every stretch of the way.