Celebrating Earth Science Week with the CrAzY Fossil Dig, Saturday, November 1, 2014
National Earth Science Week is October 12th-18th. The Mineral Wells National Fossil Day event, the Crazy Fossil Dig, will be held a little later this year, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 1. Bring the whole family or your favorite, fun-loving group!
The event features:
- “Tools of the Trade” display of the various tools used by fossil hunters while looking for and extracting fossils.
- Fossil identification. Bring in your finds and Dallas Paleontology Society volunteers will try to identify the object and provide some information regarding it.
- Hands-on samples of the various types of fossils that exist in Texas, with supporting materials describing them.
- Museum-quality objects found and prepared by members of the Dallas Paleontological Society.
- “FBI” handouts for kids. The Fossil Bureau of Investigation is a sub-division of the Dallas Paleontological Society and will have materials for kids to join in the fun of the science of Paleontology.
- History Lessons about the Fossil Park
- Guided walks around the park
COME DIG FOR FOSSILS WITH US! The first 50 attendees will receive a commemorative Mineral Wells Fossil Park apron, design especially for your next outdoor paleontological adventure! For more information, call the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce at (940) 325-2557.
Equipment
Small zip bags or nail aprons are good for small finds and keeping things organized.
Knee pads or patches are recommended for crawling around.
Knee pads or patches are recommended for crawling around.
Planning Your Visit
This is a fairly primitive site, so be sure to bring a lot of water with you. During the hot summer months visiting in the early morning and evenings is highly recommended. There is a new shade structure, but it is still a good idea to bring an umbrella with you for shade while digging. The park has primitive restrooms and no running water.
Precautions
Enter and exit collecting area at designated points only. Area has dangerous drop offs, steep slopes and loose soil.
Encounters with dangerous insects/animals are possible.
Encounters with dangerous insects/animals are possible.