Geologist Bob Jackson worked for 20+ years as a minerals consultant to museums, industry and governmental organizations world wide. In the mid-1980's, he started providing educational fieldtrips for elementary school classes taught by his wife, Carole. Coupling a passion for mineral and fossil collecting with his contagious enthusiasm for nature, wildlife, and the evolving web of life, Bob leads trips which explore 100 million years of earth's splendor. Bob grew up in New Jersey, is a Vietnam-era vet, lived in Colorado while doing his undergraduate studies, moved to Seattle for graduate school. He has travelled extensively in the US, Canada, South America & Europe. His programs at major mineral shows and museums are popular with both professional mineralogists and amateurs. Bob says of himself: "I enjoy being accessible to people with interests in geology, regardless of their educational background. After a speaking engagement in Munich, where I showed slides of ametrine crystals I had found in Bolivia, I was chatting with a group of mineralogists, when a 12 year old with a rock in his hand asked for some information. Ten years later he sent me an invitation to his college graduation in geology. That kind of interaction is as priceless to me as the museum quality specimens I've found." Along his career path, Bob purchased remote properties which are of geologic significance. These are destinations for many of his trips. Bob's private-access localities produce thousands of specimens for mineral & fossil enthusiasts, without danger of impacting resources set aside for future generations. "I'm priviledged to be a steward of these magnificient places. Our work uncovering and preserving specimens from the ravages of weathering is at all times balanced with the overall goal of preserving the natural ecosystems present." Bob recently worked with a Northwest mining company to facilitate transfer of a pristine mountain area to the Cascade Land Conservancy. He donates to and works with land preservation organizations in the US, Canada, & Australia. Bob conducts EarthFoot's "Introduction to Fossil & Crystal Collecting" experience.