North Dakota Geological Society History
About Us
The North Dakota Geological Society was first formed in the early 1950’s due to the rise of oil & gas extraction in the state and was initially called the North Dakota Geologicial Society (note the extra “i”). As such, initially the membership of the Society grew and contracted primarily with the health of the O&G community. Society activities also largely revolved around O&G, publishing a number of journal articles and hosting a variety of symposiums related to the Williston Basin and its associated characteristics in terms of O&G development. One of the first logos of the Society reflect that time, with a prairie dog looking at a well derrick.
Over the years, membership has largely moved from just government (primarily North Dakota Geological Survey employees) and industry to a wide range of members in other regulatory agencies such as the North Dakota State Water Commission and North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, as well as members in the state’s places of higher education, such as North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. As such, presentations have expanded to include a variety of topics from rare earth materials in North Dakota lignite, to mapping ancient features related to glacial lake Agassiz and the subsequent Red River Valley. The logo was also updated a number of years ago to reflect the growing importance of lignite coal mining in the state.
Our Objectives
The Society has been involved in a variety of community projects during its lifespan, from partnering in school science fairs and offering support to earth science teachers, to contributing support for larger institutions such as the North Dakota Heritage Center and Gateway to Science, both located in Bismarck.
The history and work of the Society are best summed up in the six objectives enshrined within the Constitution of the North Dakota Geological Society:
- To promote the scientific study of the earth in North Dakota and surrounding territories
- To encourage scientific research by its membership
- To promote social and professional fellowship among its members
- To advance and uphold high standards of professional ethics among its members
- To collect, disseminate, and discuss information pertaining to the study of the earth
- To foster and encourage study of the earth and interest therein among young people
If you would like to help us advance those causes then we invite you to consider becoming a member. In addition, we are always looking to expand upon the history of the Society, as few records exist from the founding period.