The John Cotton Scholarship Fund

Honoring a Legacy Beneath the Surface: The John Cotton Geology Scholarship Fund

At Edgewater Strategies, we’re proud to support the next generation of geoscientists and to celebrate the people whose dedication has shaped our understanding of New Hampshire’s groundwater and geology. We are honored to help continue the legacy of one of New Hampshire’s most respected geologists — John Cotton.

John Cotton dedicated his life to the science of geology, to understanding what lies beneath our feet, and to ensuring that knowledge was used to protect communities and natural resources across the state. His work transformed the way New Hampshire maps, manages, and values its groundwater.

Now, we’re asking for your help to continue his legacy.

The John Cotton Geology Scholarship Fund

The Geological Society of New Hampshire (GSNH) has established the John Cotton Geology Scholarship Fund to support students studying earth sciences at New Hampshire colleges and universities. This scholarship honors John’s lifelong dedication to field-based geology—what he fondly called “boots on the ground” science.

Priority will be given to students whose research or studies align with John’s career interests, including:

• Groundwater resource mapping

• Surficial and bedrock geology mapping in New Hampshire

Scholarships are anticipated to range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the total amount raised. In addition to supporting students, the fund will also help sustain ongoing surficial and bedrock geology mapping across New Hampshire.

Your donation can help students pursue hands-on fieldwork, gain practical experience, and carry forward the same passion and curiosity that defined John’s remarkable career.

🙏 Donate today: www.gsnh.org

All donations are tax-exempt, as GSNH is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Edgewater Strategies’ Abby Thompson Fopiano educating the future geologists during an educational outreach program at a local school.

About John Cotton: Mr. Groundwater of New Hampshire

Born and raised in Laconia, New Hampshire, John Cotton was a true steward of the earth. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College and earning a master’s degree from Yale University, John joined the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), where he made major contributions to groundwater mapping and management across New England.

His fieldwork took him from the glacial terrains of Greenland to the aquifers of Cape Cod, but his heart was always in New Hampshire.

Among his most notable achievements was developing a statewide groundwater resources management plan, which became the foundation for what we now know as the stratified drift aquifer mapping program. These maps—known informally as the “Cotton Maps”—were even cited in state statutes and remain a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s water resource planning today.

Throughout his career, John received numerous awards, including the USGS Superior Performance Award, the David M. Erickson Groundwater Award from the New England Water Works Association, and the Ayers-Cotton Environmental Service Award from the Lakes Region Planning Commission, which now bears his name.

John was more than a scientist—he was a mentor, educator, and advocate who inspired generations of geologists and hydrologists. Whether in the field, the classroom, or the community, he was known simply as “Mr. Groundwater of New Hampshire.”

Continuing His Legacy

The John Cotton Geology Scholarship Fund ensures that his legacy continues—through students who share his love for the science of the earth and who will carry his mission forward.

Every new geologist trained, every map drawn, every well logged in the field is a continuation of the story John began. By donating to this fund, you’re investing in the next generation of scientists who will keep exploring, protecting, and understanding New Hampshire’s most valuable natural resources.

At Edgewater Strategies, we’re proud to be part of the Geological Society of New Hampshire community and to support the hands-on fieldwork that inspired John’s career and continues to drive our own.

Join Us in Supporting the Future of Geology

If you share John’s passion for geology—or simply believe in the importance of clean water, sound science, and community stewardship—we invite you to contribute to the John Cotton Geology Scholarship Fund today.

Together, we can ensure that the science John dedicated his life to continues to thrive here in New Hampshire and beyond.

👉 Learn more and donate: www.gsnh.org