Support EEGS - Support the Future

In 1988, a group of geophysicists organized a meeting that would focus on near surface geophysics and named it the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP). Four years later, it was apparent an organization was needed to assure SAGEEP's longevity and to offer other resources. In 1992, the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS) was formed and incorporated as a not for profit organization.

The geophysics community still needs SAGEEP and EEGS... and we need your support. Below is a request from EEGS leadership that we hope you will consider and then act on to ensure the future of our society and those who share an interest in studying the near subsurface through the application of geophysical techniques. 

Dear EEGS Supporters:

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the near-surface geophysical community, EEGS has always strived to advance knowledge, foster collaboration, and support innovation. At the heart of our organization is, and always has been, the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP), first held in 1988 on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines. EEGS was formed four years after that first SAGEEP to continue organizing this unique conference exploring the latest, cutting-edge developments and to also expand to other activities to serve our community. In 1995 we introduced The Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics (JEEG), a peer-reviewed journal focused on near-surface geophysics. Alongside JEEG, EEGS has published FastTIMES, a quarterly newsmagazine to cover the state of our industry since 1992. 

For many years SAGEEP, JEEG and FastTIMES were the core activities of EEGS. Recently, EEGS introduced the Talk About Geophysics! (TAG) webinars, exploring a wide range of topics in more depth than a typical SAGEEP talk. Beginning January 2026, we will resume the Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS) virtual training course. The first year of GAINS was a huge success, drawing a wide audience ranging from students and young professionals to experienced professionals. As an organization, we hope to build on the ongoing success of our traditional efforts such as SAGEEP, JEEG and FastTIMES, and our new programs such as GAINS and TAG. To do this, we need to strengthen our current financial situation.

As everyone is all too aware, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our centerpiece activity, SAGEEP, for multiple years. SAGEEP 2020 had to be delayed a year due to local pandemic rules banning large gatherings. A year later, we were still unable to meet in person, so SAGEEP 2021 was held as a virtual conference, a success in many ways, but not financially. In 2022, we were able to resume a limited, in-person meeting before returning a full-fledged, in person meeting in 2023. These disruptions, and those posed by governmental travel and funding bans, have had a detrimental impact on SAGEEP and the financial health of EEGS. 

A positive trend has been the increase in our membership from 300 in 2021 to 600 in 2025, with much of that driven by the new TAG and GAINS programs. This success gives us a roadmap for the future. To continue expanding these efforts and looking for the next opportunities to serve our community, we need sufficient resources that we can invest in new, innovative programs. 

Therefore, we are embarking on a fundraising drive with the goal of raising $100,000 over two years. Your support during this fundraising effort will assure EEGS’ ability to continue to grow our TAG and GAINS programs, put on great SAGEEP meetings, and improve both JEEG and FastTIMES. Together, we can ensure that EEGS remains a viable, important entity that continues to expand its offerings to the amazing near-surface geophysical community. 

Thank you,