We are planning to collect Stag Horn Coral Fossils at a site near Batavia, NY (Buffalo area) on Saturday,
September 19th, 2009. We will be meeting at the "TravelCenters of America" -- or "TA" -- at the Harborcreek exit of
I-90 at 9:00AM. As you pull in toward the gas pumps, there is a parking area to the left with room for about 10
cars, which is a good place to meet up and form carpools. If you don't want to leave your car right there, there's
a motel there with a bigger lot in back that might be better. We'll see how many people we have and how many
vehicles we'll need to take.
The trip is open to anyone over 5 years of age, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (no more than
2 children per adult) and must have a permission form / release signed by a parent /
guardian. For insurance purposes, anyone participating must either
be a club member (you may join that morning – dues are $15/individual adult, $10/individual junior, $20/couple or
parent+one child, $25/family) or be a Boy Scout or Girl Scout traveling with a troop on a tour permit (they have their
own insurance).
We will be collecting fossils weathered out of a small creekbed, and walking up and down in the creek, so wear rubbers or
galoshes, and bring dry shoes / socks for the ride home (dry pants would be a good idea too). Also bring buckets for
collecting (or coffee can or cool-whip tub with lid), water bottle, clothing appropriate for the weather forecast,
and a hat / sunscreen. Gloves and a trowel might be handy. Bring drinks / snacks,
since it's a 2-1/2 hour drive each way, and we'll probably stop for fast food, so bring some cash. Since we'll be carpooling,
also bring some gas money.
You will find a flier to print out here.
You can check out the last time we went, on Sunday, April 26th this past spring.
Of the eight of us who went, three were first-timers –- but unfortunately, we had no kids! None of our
families with kids could make it. So we are going again in September, hoping the
kids can come. If you are interested in joining us, email the club at info AT gemcityrockclub DOT org.
Check out the reports of previous trips below.
Past Trips
The Club has gone on several Field Trips in recent years, a few of which you can look at here: