Eldridge Moores, a distinguished professor emeritus of geology at UC Davis, stands on the Blue Ridge just south of Putah Creek Canyon with outcrops of Great Valley sediments in the background. Courtesy photo

Noted geologist Eldridge Moores of Davis will lead an exclusive tour of the upper Putah Creek watershed on Saturday, Sept. 28, as a fundraiser for the Putah Creek Council.

The daylong trip, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will traverse from Winters up to Putah Creek’s headwaters on Cobb Mountain. Participants will see and learn about many aspects of the landscape, geology and resources of Putah Creek, with emphasis on the structural geology, volcanic activity and tectonics of the northern Coast Range.

Moores will provide interpretation at numerous stops along the journey, which will include volcanic deposits of the Yellowstone Hotspot in the Sacramento Valley, 100-million-year-old sediments of the Great Valley sequence, serpentinite and Franciscan tectonic blocks, mashed-up sandstone in the Franciscan complex, a hot spring and an active area of the San Andreas Fault.

“We are so excited to be able to offer the opportunity to learn about Putah Creek’s geology from one of the world’s tectonic experts,” said Libby Earthman, Putah Creek Council’s executive director. “Dr. Moores’ easy-going, accessible approach will make this a great trip for geology novices and experts alike.”

Moores is a distinguished professor emeritus at UCD. His interests in plate tectonics, structural geology and petrology have taken him to 60 countries on all seven continents. He has authored or edited more than 130 publications, one of which, “Bedrock: Writers on the Wonders of Geology,” was selected as a Wall Street Journal Best Science Book in 2006.

In addition to his academic endeavors, Moores is dedicated to promoting science education. He was awarded the UCD 2012-13 Distinguished Emeritus Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions since retirement in the areas of teaching, research and service. He is prominently featured in John McPhee’s book “Assembling California.”

A picnic lunch will be provided as part of the tour. Tickets are $50 for Putah Creek Council members and $65 for the general public and may be purchased online at www.putahcreekcouncil.org. The trip is limited to 30 participants, and tickets are selling quickly.

Those with questions or unable to register online can call Katherine Holmes, Putah Creek Council board member, at 530-753-5592.

Participants will group into car pools at a meeting site in Winters, and should be prepared to share rides or leave their cars until the return. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring sunscreen, water and a sun hat, and be prepared for a series of short walks along the creek.

Putah Creek Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Putah Creek. Its Watershed Wonders fundraiser series explores the people and places that make Putah Creek and its community special.

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