This field trip is full
Danville Field Trip Rules for Saturday, April 26th, 2025
An ESCONI field trip to the Danville IL Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for Saturday April 26, 2025 starting at 10 AM. This is on private property and there is an attendance limit of 25 people. The gate will be secured once we are in and locked when we leave. Plan on being off the hill at 3 PM to give time for specimen identification and pictures.
You must register to go on this trip. See rule 6 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.
- The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration opens on March 26th and ends on April 24th.
- You and everyone in your party must be members of ESCONI. No membership dues will be accepted at the field trip site. Have your membership status resolved before the trip, no later than April 24th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
- You will be required to check-in at the collecting site. By attending, you agree to follow the ESCONI Code of Ethics and Conduct (available on the ESCONI website) and agree to the conditions set forth in the ESCONI Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form (sent by email to those that register). You don’t need to print it out - just know what you’re agreeing to.
- The pile is a mixture of “Red dog” shale (bisque-fired shale), gray shale, and black shale. You’ll be collecting from loose shale which can be hard and sharp. If you decide to dig for concretions, it is much like Braceville. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. No tennis shoes or soft climbing footwear. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.
- Parts of the pile are unstable. You must not go into areas marked with flags/caution tape. Anyone found beyond the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.
- Sign up for the trip by sending Connor Puritz an email at connorpuritz AT gmail.com with your name and the number of members attending. If you don’t hear back within 24 hours, send another email.
- If the trip is full there will be a waiting list in case there are cancellations.
If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let Connor know.
Those that register will be sent a map and more information a few days before the trip. The driving distance is significant. Depending on where you live, it could take 2 to 4 hours to get there.
