GMS Field Trip January 2026

GMS Field Trip
Jasper, Chert, Late Cambrian Fossils in Alabama
Saturday, January 17, 2026

The weather that day was a delightful deception, a gift from a winter that had promised to be harsh. Forecasters had called for a biting chill, but instead, we were greeted by a brilliant, sun-drenched sky and a balmy 47°F that felt like a personal invitation to adventure. As the temperature climbed to a comfortable 52 degrees, our convoy of eager rockhounds arrived at our first destination - a beloved field we had discovered the year prior. The moment we stepped out of our cars, the air filled with the comical braying of a resident donkey and the warm welcome of the landowner, a familiar and friendly face. With a designated discard pile established, our group scattered across the pasture like prospectors finding their claim, our eyes scanning the ground for agate, the verdant gleam of chrysoprase (apple-green variety of chalcedony), and the beautiful banded chert I affectionately call "horse pasture jasper." Spirits were infectious, and the early finds were plentiful, setting a joyful tone for the day.

With our pockets already holding treasures, we formed a whimsical conga line of vehicles and set our sights on the next stop: a renowned site known for its trilobite fossils. This location did not merely meet expectations; it surpassed them. The ground, rich with ancient history, yielded its secrets to every member of our party. Soon, excited whoops and calls filled the air as one by one, we unearthed impressive, beautifully detailed specimens. There was a friendly, competitive energy as we compared our finds, each trilobite a perfect time capsule from an ancient ocean. For our final act, we journeyed to a windswept shore in search of the peculiar and prized Brooksella (click here for a research paper about Brooksella by member Morrison Nolan et al., 2023). A sharp chill had now set in, whipping across the lake and forcing us to bundle up, but our determination was unyielding. The final hunt proved just as fruitful, with many excellent specimens found, capping off a day of extraordinary success and creating memories as rich and varied as the geological treasures we carried home.

Tim Hellinger, Trip Lead
e-mail: