The Geological Society of Nevada (GSN) is a non-profit scientific society whose principal mission is to promote the advancement of the geological sciences, especially as they relate to Nevada. The Society encourages the dissemination of scientific and practical knowledge through semiformal presentations, field trips and symposia as well as by publishing the literature resulting from these activities. The Society has developed a secondary mission, through the GSN Foundation, of funding a number of earth science related charitable programs, including grants for K-12 field trips, university scholarships and grants for geological mapping.

Currently there are about 900 members in the GSN. The majority are based in Nevada but members live throughout the United States and in a number of foreign countries. The Society is made up of a broad spectrum of individuals interested in the earth sciences and the natural resource industries. This includes geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, engineers, prospectors, educators and students as well as associated advisors and suppliers. Students are welcomed and encouraged to join and participate in the Society’s activities.

The GSN holds dinner meetings, in Reno, on the third Friday of each month from September through May. Each meeting is highlighted by semiformal presentations by leading scientists from industry, academia and government. Abstracts of these talks are published in the monthly newsletter and in the membership directory. The membership directory is published annually and is a handy source of names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of individuals, companies, government agencies and service providers involved with the earth sciences.

The Society organizes two field trips annually, providing an opportunity for members to learn about the geology and ore deposits of Nevada and surrounding areas. Each of these field trips is documented in a Special Publication which provides detailed technical reports, road logs, maps and photos for the areas visited.

Every five years GSN sponsors a symposium which draws scientists from all over the world to share the results of their work and learn about the work of others. These meetings include a full slate of technical sessions, pre- and post-meeting field trips and a trade show. The symposia have been strongly attended and have gained an international reputation for excellence. Proceedings volumes and field trip guidebooks have been published from these symposia. These volumes have won awards for their quality and, taken together, are considered one of the most extensive and authoritative bodies of literature in the world on the geology and ore deposits of the Great Basin and the American Cordillera.

The GSN membership year begins in January. Annual membership dues are $50.00 and are due before December 31. The dues are used to pay for expenses for the entire GSN organization and its active Chapters in Elko, Southern Nevada and Winnemucca. These chapters also hold regularly scheduled meetings, conduct field trips and hold occasional symposia on specific geologic topics. Expenditures include publishing and mailing the newsletter and directory, office manager’s costs and general office expenses.

The secondary philanthropic mission of the GSN is funded by the newly formed GSN Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Foundation derives funding from tax-deductible donations, various fundraisers and grants from the GSN. Each year, through the GSN Education Committee, the Foundation contributes thousands of dollars toward transportation costs for earth science related K-12 school field trips. The Education Committee also organizes a speakers bureau and helps with judging of K-12 science fairs. The GSN Foundation also provides funds for scholarships and library grants at UNR and UNLV as well as geological mapping grants through the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

The GSN has an active social calendar that provides opportunities for members to socialize, network, exchange ideas and generally enjoy themselves. In addition to the monthly meetings and semiannual field trips, the GSN holds a spring golf tournament and a fall picnic.

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