TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – The Twin Falls Public Library on Thursday evening will welcome guest lecturer Shawn Willsey, a geology professor at the College of Southern Idaho.

The presentation is part of the library’s Explore Earth exhibit, said Stephanie Goss, a reference clerk at the library. The library received a grant to host the exhibit for the past month or so, she said, and Friday will be its last day at the library.

A number of activities have been held in conjunction with the exhibit, including a presentation by documentary filmmaker Andrew Vawser last Thursday and tonight’s presentation by Willsey.

“We are excited to have him,” Goss said.

Shawn Willsey
Shawn Willsey
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Willsey, who’s lived in Twin Falls and has been teaching at CSI since 2004, became a licensed geologist in 2007. He said the presentation at the library will focus on his soon-to-be published book, “Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho.” It took him about three years – which included a year's sabbatical – to write the book, he said, and he is excited to share what he’s learned about the area over the past 12 years.

“I love our area,” he said, noting “it has so much to offer that most residents don’t appreciate or know about.”

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6:30 p.m. today at the library.

We asked Willsey several questions as a preview to his presentation. Here’s what he had to say:

Benito Baeza
Benito Baeza
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What will you be discussing at the library on Thursday?

SW: The presentation will focus on my recently completed and soon to be published book, "Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho." This book highlights 23 unique sites in southern Idaho and engages the reader in deciphering the amazing geologic story exposed at each location. I will also include some lesser known locales and interesting places I discovered during the process.

Is this your first visit as a guest lecturer at the library?

SW: Yes, I have lectured at many other venues, but this will be my first at the library.

What do you hope to experience from the presentation?

SW: The goal of the presentation and book is to expose residents and visitors to southern Idaho and the amazing geologic stories that have taken place here. Tales of meteorite impacts, massive volcanic outbursts, glacial episodes, colossal floods, and other events have sculpted the land we inhabit. These geologic stories are readily accessible if you know where and how to look.

What do you hope participants will take away from the presentation?

SW: An increased understanding of our fascinating geology and a better awareness of its omnipresence in our lives. Also, a desire to get out and explore our region’s amazing landscape.

What are a some of the geological highlights in the Magic Valley?

SW: Several of the vignettes are from the Magic Valley, including Box Canyon, Black Magic Canyon, the Hagerman Fossil Beds, Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon, and the Bliss Landslide. The story of Box Canyon is one of my favorites and was the first vignette I wrote about.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in the valley? Why?

SW: I am also the climbing and whitewater rafting instructor at the college, and so I get out and recreate in the area. City of Rocks has also been among my favorite places to climb. I also enjoy mountain biking in the South Hills. Exploring our local canyons is a fun pastime as well.

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