Phil Stoffer and Paula Messina compiled this information while working as a high school teacher in Brooklyn and while attending the Earth & Environmental Sciences PhD Program at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

Text and images on this site are "public domain," however, out of courtesy, please acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey next to any graphic or text used in any document. All photographs, images, and text were prepared by Phil Stoffer and Paula Messina (with exceptions of other acknowledgements cited on selected images).

General education questions should be explored locally, on the World Wide Web, or by calling 1-888-ASK-USGS. Land access and rules should be discussed directly with appropriate land managers or park officials; directions and public listings to most areas and parks can be found via the World Wide Web. All field work related to this website was conducted prior to the summer of 1998; conditions of ownership, access rules, and physical safety may have changed since that time. It is strongly recommended that beginners and novice explorers should participate in insured local society or outdoor club trips before attempting to explore alone. Individuals following the concepts or information presented within this website are responsible for their own actions and security, as well as for their participants. It is strongly advisable to never go onto private property or into restricted areas without prior written permission. Questions and referrals limited to scientific inquires or public policy can be directed to the webmaster.