A native Californian with a sense of adventure, College of the Canyons geography professor Mary Bates is expected to deliver a free scholarly presentation called “Ice Age California” on Nov. 27.

Set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at COC, Bates will share direct and indirect field evidence of California’s Ice Age seen in the state’s coast, desert, mountains and fossils with the use of maps, videos and photos.

“My biggest intention for making this presentation is to enkindle curiosity, inspire people to get out into nature and to show how nature is a great teacher for all our lives, especially in relationships and defining personal success,” said Bates.

Bates presentation is based on 30 years worth of field trips to various California sites of geological interest, such as Death Valley and Yosemite National Park.

“Nothing is better than feeling the fog roll in at the coastal campsite, crawling over sharp salt in the desert, or shivering from the spray of a waterfall on your face in the mountains,” added Bates.

Throughout her presentation, Bates will share the state’s Ice Age-modified coastline due to sea level changes, lakes that were created in deserts, mountains reshaped due to glaciation and more.

Fossil models, rock specimens, maps, coring materials and an interactive virtual reality sandbox will also be on display in the PAC lobby prior to the presentation.

Bates is committed to making earth science-focused field trips accessible to all students and community members. She enjoys getting students to locate places on maps and watching her students evolve.

For more information about “Ice Age California,” contact the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3434.