AMC teamed with Lehigh University to design and install an interpretive sign along the Saucon Rail Trail in Upper Saucon Township.

An Ongoing Partnership

For the past several years the Appalachian Mountain Club has teamed with Lehigh University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop interpretive signage about the local geology found along the Saucon Rail Trail in Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Dr. Frank Pazzaglia leads the signage projects within his department, with students providing the content and design of the sign for credit. The new sign is entitled “Ancient Oceans, Unconformities and Building Stones.” It discusses the contact between two different geologic formations a half-billion years ago, called the Great Unconformity.  Evidence of this change in geology can be seen at the site of the sign installation at Landis Mill Road and the Saucon Rail Trail. Rock samples are embedded in the sign to assist in understanding the formations. Several rock outcrops adjacent to the trail have been tagged, and correspond to information on the sign. The sign also discusses how these geologic formations provided stone used in local architecture throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Project Funding

Funding for this partnership is provided to AMC by the William Penn Foundation. AMC appreciates the opportunity to partner with Lehigh University staff and students.