GMS Field Trip July 2021

GMS Field Trip
Geodes and Ordovician Fossils in Tennessee
Saturday, July 24, 2021

The June field trip to this location filled up so quickly and there were so many people on the waiting list that we scheduled a second trip for July! Most people on the waiting list were able to attend the July trip. We visited two locations and everyone found lots of interesting things at both locations.

At the first location, I saw several nice specimens of itty-bitty brachiopods and teeny-tiny crinoids. Members collected many bryozoans and they found what at first glance looks like bryozoans, but may actually be trace fossils, possibly burrows. Plus, there are a few unidentified specimens that will be fun to study.

Next, we caravanned to the second location and jumped into a nice cool creek where trees covered us with shade! Members were finding geodes, fossils, and suiseki. Charles helped teach people how to break open geodes, and other members graciously guided new members along. There was at least one spectacular coral fossil, several nice geodes, and some massive suiseki that now have new homes.

Again, we must thank the property owners profusely for allowing us to visit these sites. And again, our creek friend went above and beyond to make our visit easy, safe, comfortable, and fun. Many, many thanks to them. Also, many thanks to Jason, Nedra, Aaron, Juergen, and Diana for helping Charles and me with this trip, to Charles for arranging the trip, and to the field trip attendees who make it worth all of the effort.

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, Field Trip Chair
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Note: Randy Farmer was cleaning specimens he collected during the June field trip and found the tail of a trilobite! Click here for pictures.