Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois - ESCONI

ESCONI Field Trip to Danville Shale Pile Fossils - Saturday, April 15th, 2023 #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #Carboniferous #Illinois #coal #fern #plants #MazonCreek

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for April 15, 2023 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.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight April 12th.
2. 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 12th.  You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. No tennis shoes or soft climbing footwear. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.
5. 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.
6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

 

Canceled: ESCONI Field Trip to a Belvidere Quarry Saturday, October 8th, 2022, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM #ordovician #quarry #fossil #fieldtrip #illinois #rockford #limestone

Sorry, Canceled by Quarry!

Belvidere Quarry Field Trip

There will be a field trip to a quarry near Belvidere, Illinois on Saturday, Oct 8th, 2022, from 9AM to 12 noon.
 
The rock is Ordovician, Galena Group. This is a "hard-rock" quarry (dolomite). If you like Hormotoma or Receptaculites, this is the place for you! The quarry has been active so there is new rock exposed.

If you are sick, have symptoms of covid or have tested positive recently, DON”T COME.
 
Rules

1. Everyone in your group MUST be an ESCONI member when you register for this trip. Max attendance is 25
2. Everyone in your group MUST be at least 18 years of age.
3. Everyone MUST have and wear a hard hat, safety vest, and sturdy boots while in the quarry. No sandals, tennis shoes, and the like. No claw hammers or roofing hammers - use only rock hammers. If you plan on hammering then bring eye protection and wear it.
4. Sign up by sending me (Dave) an email with the number of members attending and their names. My email is fossil54@att.net   No phone calls please.
5. I will acknowledge by return email. If you don't get a reply in 24 hours, send it again!
6. Maximum attendance by ESCONI members is 18. This is a shared trip with the Rock River Valley Gem and Mineral Society.
7. Please review the Code of Ethics and Conduct on the ESCONI website. You will be expected to check-in at the quarry. By doing so you agree to follow the Code of Ethics and the conditions on the ESCONI Liability and Waiver form (sent by email to those that sign up). You do not need to print out the ESCONI waiver form, just know what you’re agreeing to. There may be an additional waiver from the quarry.

The address of the quarry will be sent to those that sign up.

I will distribute the waiver forms by email to those signed up just before the trip.
 
Questions? Send me an email...

TRIP FULL!: ESCONI Field Trip to Danville, IL - Saturday, September 17th, 2022 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology

This field trip is full.  We are taking names for the waiting list.

Danville Field Trip Rules

Sept 17, 2022

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for Sept 17, 2022 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.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight Sept 10th.

2. 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 Sept 10th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.

3. 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.

4. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. No tennis shoes or soft climbing footwear. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.

5. 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.

6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net

7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

TRIP FULL!: ESCONI Field Trip to Braceville, IL for Mazon Creek Fossils - Saturday, September 10th and Sunday September 11th, 2022 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology

This field trip is full.  We are taking names for the waiting list.

Braceville Field Trip Rules - Sept 2022

The ESCONI field trips to Braceville for Mazon Creek fossils are set for Sept 10 and 11, 2022 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can attend one or the other, but not both days. There is an attendance limit of 50 people each day.

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 6 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. Families are welcome, but the minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Registration ends at midnight Sept 3rd.
2. 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 Sept 3rd. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. You’re going to be digging in clay and rocks – dress accordingly! Boots and gloves are strongly recommended. No open-toed shoes or soft climbing shoes. Hard hats are not required. You may want to bring a shovel, pickaxe, trowel, or hammer. Use only a rock hammer, not a claw hammer or roofing hammer. If you decide to hammer on something, use eye protection. There may also be insects and poison ivy. Bring a bucket to carry your fossils in. The collecting site is an old spoil pile on private property. There may be old rusty tools or other iron pieces embedded in the pile. Sliding down the hill could be very painful.
5. The top of the pile is unstable and not safe to stand on. Do not go above the flags/caution tape markers. Anyone found above the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.
6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name, the number of members attending and the day you are attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and
   can’t make it, please let me know.

Meet at 9 AM at the entrance to the collecting site on S Berta Road, just east of the intersection with Division St (Braceville IL). A nearby landmark for driving directions is the Braceville Gardner Cemetery, 7295 East Braceville Road, Braceville. I can send a small map to anyone that needs it.

 

 

Fossil Friday #115: Ordovician Conulariid #fossil #paleontology #conularid #fossils #Ordovician #galena

This is the "Fossil Friday" post #115.  Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website.  We will post any fossil pictures you send in to esconi.info@gmail.com.  Please include a short description or story.  Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!

-----------------------------------------------------

For this weeks Fossil Friday, we have something different... very different.  It's a Conulariid.  It was found by Connor Puritz on the May 21st, 2022 ESCONI field trip to a Belvidere, IL quarry.

Conulariia are mystery animals.  They are often classified with Cnidaria, but may represent a separate, extinct phylum.  UCMP has a nice description of them.

Conulariids have been the subject of speculation for a century and a half. They aren't that uncommon; there are a number of genera, and they ranged from the Middle Ordovician to the Triassic. There are even a few cases in which conulariid soft parts have been preserved. Nonetheless, exactly what they were is still not settled. Because of their fourfold symmetry, they have often been placed in the Cnidaria by analogy with the fourfold Scyphozoa. However, their skeleton was very different from anything known in the Cnidaria, and they may represent a separate, extinct phylum, probably triploblastic (see Babcock 1991 for a defense of the separate phylum hypothesis, and Van Iten 1991 for a defense of the cnidarian hypothesis).

What can we say about conulariids? They had elongated, pyramidal exoskeletons, made up of rows of calcium phosphate rods. Most were square or rectangular in cross section, with prominent grooves at the corners. They lived attached to hard objects by a flexible stalk, and often lived in groups. Presumably they were filter feeders; how they reproduced is not known.

Thanks for the interesting contribution, Connor!  These are fascinating animals and you have a very nice specimen!  Connor has a nice field trip report over on the Fossil Forum.

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to a Belvidere Quarry Saturday, May 21st, 2022, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM #ordovician #quarry #fossil #fieldtrip #illinois #belvidere #limestone

THE TRIP IS FULL!  It filled up in less than an hour!  We are still accepting requests, which will place you on the waiting list.  Please let us know if you can't make it, as it makes room for those on the waiting list.  Thanks!

There will be a field trip to a quarry near Belvidere, Illinois on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 9 AM to 12 noon.

The rock is Ordovician, Galena Group. This is a "hard-rock" quarry (dolomite). If you like Hormotoma or Receptaculites, this is the place for you! The quarry has been active so there is new rock exposed.

If you are sick, have symptoms of Covid 19 or have tested positive recently, DON'T COME!

Rules

1. Everyone in your group MUST be an ESCONI member when you register for this trip.
2. Everyone in your group MUST be at least 18 years of age.
3. Everyone MUST have and wear a hard hat, safety vest, and sturdy boots while in the quarry. No sandals, tennis shoes, and the like. No claw hammers or roofing hammers - use only rock hammers. If you plan on hammering then bring eye protection and wear it.
4. Sign up by sending me (Dave) an email with the number of members attending and their names. My email is fossil54@att.net No phone calls please.
5. I will acknowledge by return email. If you don't get a reply in 24 hours, send it again!
6. Maximum attendance by ESCONI members is 18. This is a shared trip with the Rock River Valley Gem and Mineral Society.
7. Please review the Code of Ethics and Conduct on the ESCONI website. You will be expected to check-in at the quarry. By doing so you agree to follow the Code of Ethics and the conditions on the ESCONI Liability and Waiver form (sent by email to those that sign up). You do not need to print out the ESCONI waiver form, just know what you’re agreeing to. There may be an additional waiver from the quarry.

The address of the quarry will be sent to those that sign up.

I will distribute the waiver forms by email to those signed up just before the trip.

Questions? Send me an email...

 

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to the St. Paul Quarry in St. Paul, IN - Friday, May 27th, 2022, 8:30 AM - 3:00ish PM #silurian #fossil #quarry #fossil #fieldtrip #indiana #paleontology

Trip full!  A waiting list will be kept.  Please let us know if you can't make it.

On Friday, May 27, there will be a ESCONI Field Trip to the St. Paul quarry , St. Paul, Indiana. We have been instructed to meet at the quarry office just south of the town of St. Paul at 8:30 a.m. EASTERN time to sign waiver forms. The ending time for the trip has been variable over the years but 3:00-4:00 p.m. is reasonable. You will need to sign out at the quarry office when you leave. This quarry exposes the fossiliferous shales of the Silurian Waldron Formation.

Register by e-mailing (no phone calls) John Catalani at fossilnautiloid@aol.com.

Trip rules:

1. There is an attendance limit of 20 participants--a wait list will be recorded.
2. All participants must be ESCONI members by end of day May 22.
3. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.
4. All participants need a hard hat and safety vest to be worn at all times.
5. Acceptable field trip attire includes sturdy construction/hiking boots and long pants--no shorts. No other footwear is acceptable such as, but not limited to, sandals, open-toed shoes, dress shoes, canvas/tennis shoes, sneakers.

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to Braceville, IL for Mazon Creek Fossils - Saturday, May 14th and Sunday May 15th, 2022 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology

The trip is full!  It filled up in just a couple of days!  We are still accepting requests, which will place you on the waiting list.  Please let us know if you can't make it, as it makes room for those on the waiting list.  Thanks!

Braceville Field Trip Rules May 2022

The ESCONI field trips to Braceville for Mazon Creek fossils are set for May 14 and 15, 2022 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can attend one or the other, but not both days. There is an attendance limit of 50 people each day.

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 6 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. Families are welcome, but the minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Registration ends at midnight May 8^th.

2. 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 May 8^th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.

3. 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.

4. You’re going to be digging in clay and rocks – dress accordingly! Boots and gloves are strongly recommended. No open-toed shoes or soft climbing shoes. Hard hats are not required. You may want to bring a shovel, pickaxe, trowel, or hammer. Use only a rock hammer, not a claw hammer or roofing hammer. If you decide to hammer on something, use eye protection. There may also be insects and poison ivy. Bring a bucket to carry your fossils in. The collecting site is an old spoil pile on private property. There may be old rusty tools or other iron pieces embedded in the pile. Sliding down the hill could be very painful.

5. The top of the pile is unstable and not safe to stand on. Do not go above the flags/caution tape markers. Anyone found above the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.

6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name, the number of members attending and the day you are attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net

7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

Meet at 9 AM at the entrance to the collecting site on S Berta Road, just east of the intersection with Division St (Braceville IL). A nearby landmark for driving directions is the Braceville Gardner Cemetery, 7295 East Braceville Road, Braceville. I can send a small map to anyone that needs it.

 

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to Braceville, IL for Mazon Creek Fossils - Saturday, May 14th and Sunday May 15th, 2022 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology

Braceville Field Trip Rules May 2022

The ESCONI field trips to Braceville for Mazon Creek fossils are set for May 14 and 15, 2022 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can attend one or the other, but not both days. There is an attendance limit of 50 people each day.

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 6 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. Families are welcome, but the minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Registration ends at midnight May 8^th.

2. 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 May 8^th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.

3. 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.

4. You’re going to be digging in clay and rocks – dress accordingly! Boots and gloves are strongly recommended. No open-toed shoes or soft climbing shoes. Hard hats are not required. You may want to bring a shovel, pickaxe, trowel, or hammer. Use only a rock hammer, not a claw hammer or roofing hammer. If you decide to hammer on something, use eye protection. There may also be insects and poison ivy. Bring a bucket to carry your fossils in. The collecting site is an old spoil pile on private property. There may be old rusty tools or other iron pieces embedded in the pile. Sliding down the hill could be very painful.

5. The top of the pile is unstable and not safe to stand on. Do not go above the flags/caution tape markers. Anyone found above the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.

6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name, the number of members attending and the day you are attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net

7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

Meet at 9 AM at the entrance to the collecting site on S Berta Road, just east of the intersection with Division St (Braceville IL). A nearby landmark for driving directions is the Braceville Gardner Cemetery, 7295 East Braceville Road, Braceville. I can send a small map to anyone that needs it.

 

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to Vulcan DeKalb Quarry Field Trip May 7, 2022 #fieldtip #fossil #ordovician #paleontology

The trip is full!  It filled up in about a day!  We are still accepting requests, which will place you on the waiting list.  Please let us know if you can't make it, as it makes room for those on the waiting list.  Thanks!

Vulcan DeKalb Quarry Field Trip May 7, 2022

There will be an ESCONI Field Trip to the Vulcan DeKalb (aka Larson) Quarry on Saturday May 7, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The quarry is located at 15622 Barber Green Road. The rock at this location is predominantly Ordovician from the Maquoketa and Galena formations.

Everyone in your party MUST be an ESCONI member as of 11:59 PM May 5th and at least 18 years old to attend this trip.

1. The attendance limit is 24.
2. The parking lot is on the south side of the Barber Green Road, but it isn't big. Follow any directions given by quarry management on parking.
3. Everyone will sign a waiver from the quarry.  Waiver forms will be distributed by email a few days before the trip. You DO need to print out and sign the Vulcan waiver, and bring it along. You DO NOT need to print out the ESCONI Accident and Liability form. Your signature on the sign-in sheet affirms that you have read the ESCONI Accident and Liability form and agree to the conditions in it.
4. We will be collecting in a designated area on the overburden shale dump only.  We cannot go anywhere else in the quarry.
5. You must have the following safety gear: steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses and safety vest.  These must be worn at all times on the property.
6. No rock hammers, chisels, or large shovels.  We can keep the fossils we find as long as they can easily be carried. A wagon can be helpful.
7. Photographs of the quarry or quarry facilities are not allowed.  Photographs of fossils ARE allowed, and Vulcan management would like to have pictures of nice specimens.
8. Please review the ESCONI Code of Ethics available on the ESCONI website.  This applies to field trips.

If you have unique or impressive specimens found at this quarry, and are willing to bring them for the group(s) to see, please do so.

To sign up for this field trip, please send Dave an email with the number of members attending. The email address is: fossil54@att.net  No phone calls please. You will receive a confirmation via return email within 24 hours. If you do not hear back within that time, send it again!

 

TRIP FULL! - ESCONI Field Trip to Vulcan DeKalb Quarry Field Trip May 7, 2022 #fieldtip #fossil #ordovician #paleontology

Vulcan DeKalb Quarry Field Trip May 7, 2022

There will be an ESCONI Field Trip to the Vulcan DeKalb (aka Larson) Quarry on Saturday May 7, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The quarry is located at 15622 Barber Green Road. The rock at this location is predominantly Ordovician from the Maquoketa and Galena formations.

Everyone in your party MUST be an ESCONI member as of 11:59 PM May 5th and at least 18 years old to attend this trip.

1. The attendance limit is 24.
2. The parking lot is on the south side of the Barber Green Road, but it isn't big. Follow any directions given by quarry management on parking.
3. Everyone will sign a waiver from the quarry.  Waiver forms will be distributed by email a few days before the trip. You DO need to print out and sign the Vulcan waiver, and bring it along. You DO NOT need to print out the ESCONI Accident and Liability form. Your signature on the sign-in sheet affirms that you have read the ESCONI Accident and Liability form and agree to the conditions in it.
4. We will be collecting in a designated area on the overburden shale dump only.  We cannot go anywhere else in the quarry.
5. You must have the following safety gear: steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses and safety vest.  These must be worn at all times on the property.
6. No rock hammers, chisels, or large shovels.  We can keep the fossils we find as long as they can easily be carried. A wagon can be helpful.
7. Photographs of the quarry or quarry facilities are not allowed.  Photographs of fossils ARE allowed, and Vulcan management would like to have pictures of nice specimens.
8. Please review the ESCONI Code of Ethics available on the ESCONI website.  This applies to field trips.

If you have unique or impressive specimens found at this quarry, and are willing to bring them for the group(s) to see, please do so.

To sign up for this field trip, please send Dave an email with the number of members attending. The email address is: fossil54@att.net  No phone calls please. You will receive a confirmation via return email within 24 hours. If you do not hear back within that time, send it again!

 

Trip Full: ESCONI Field Trip to Danville Shale Pile Fossils - Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #Carboniferous #Illinois #coal #fern #plants #MazonCreek

The trip is full!  It filled up in about 8 hours!  We are still accepting requests, which will place you on the waiting list.  Please let us know if you can't make it, as it makes room for those on the waiting list.  Thanks!

Danville Field Trip Rules

April 23, 2022

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for April 23, 2022 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.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight April 18th.

2. 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 18th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.

3. 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.

4. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. No tennis shoes or soft climbing footwear. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.

5. 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.

6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net

7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

ESCONI Field Trip to Danville Shale Pile Fossils - Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #Carboniferous #Illinois #coal #fern #plants #MazonCreek

We are pleased to announce the first field trip of the season!

Danville Field Trip Rules

April 23, 2022

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for April 23, 2022 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.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight April 18th.

2. 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 18th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.

3. 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.

4. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. No tennis shoes or soft climbing footwear. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.

5. 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.

6. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net

7. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

Mazon Monday #79: Braceville Field Trip (Mazon Creek) Report #fossil #paleontology #MazonCreek #MazonMonday #illinois

This is Mazon Monday post #79.  What's your favorite Mazon Creek fossil?  Tell us at email:esconi.info@gmail.com.

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Here is the field trip report for the Braceville Fall Field Trip, written by ESCONI President Keith Robitschek.  

The September field trips to the Braceville spoil pile started with Saturday and Sunday being mostly sunny and rather warm for a late summer day. We had 43 participants Saturday and 45 Sunday, braving what would become very hot days. In fact, this was the hottest Braceville outing we have experienced in recent memory. Both days the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. Luckily two canopies were ported in and setup near the spoil pile. Thanks go out to the Andersons for bring in your canopy.

On a sad note, the beginning of the Sunday’s outing was delayed by the police and fire department. At around 1:30 Sunday morning a motorcyclist had a problem taking the curve on Berta Road not far from the spoil pile entrance. The accident was not discovered until later that morning. As in all accidents that result in a death, the police have to close off and investigate the accident site. With much appreciation, a big thank you to one of our newer members, Maarten Vonhof and Rich Holm for helping out in getting folks to the west side entrance to the spoil pile.

As most of you know the Midwest has been in drought for a good part of the year. During the walk in, it always seems to be damp on both sides of the path, especially closer to the spoil pile. But, this is misleading considering the water table is close to the surface, with the water filled mine shaft being just a few hundred feet or so from the path and spoil pile. However, the drought was reflected in the state of the spoil pile. The surface of the ground and ridges were dry and dusty, with very little water erosion. As the winds picked up, this dust was even being blown up hill. Digging into the pile showed very little moisture in the first foot to foot and a half in most places.

This fall’s fossil donations, of several buckets, were provided by the Kruty family, Ralph Jewell, Andrew Young, Marie Angkuw, Rich Holm, Connor Puritz, and Keith Robitschek. The types of fossils donated were: Pennsylvanian concretions (mostly ferns and a few Jellyfish), Florida Pliocene (shellfish and shark teeth), Cambrian Trilobite parts, and Devonian material (shellfish and Silurian crinoid calyxes and cephalopod segments). The variety provided many with the opportunity to bring home fossils on both days. It was enjoyed by both the young and the young at heart.

Ready set GO!

or at least the last four years Ralph Jewell an ESCONI member has been making many of his fossils available to members at the Braceville outing, thank you! And maybe thank you to your boss for requesting you to thin your collection at home, maybe…

During this field trip, we had seen an increase in fossil identification requests. Several members brought in concretions for help. Andrew Young, Rich Holm, and Keith Robitschek helped educate our newcomers on how to hunt for concretions on and around the spoil pile. It takes time to train the eye to recognize the different shapes and colors that help discern rock from concretion. Not only were many concretions found on the surface around the pile but also in the ridges. People continue to find concretion clusters when digging in situ. It is great to hear of people taking to heart the message to use the freeze/thaw process to open their concretions. Remember that we have a video now on the ESCONI web site on collecting Mazon Creek concretions. The video is titled “Mazon Monday #66: Video for June 2021 Paleontology Meeting - "Collecting Mazon Creek Fossils" and is located under the Videos page.

Several participants were not only successful in finding concretions but also found several mining artifacts. Timber spikes were found along with a mule shoe, and what looks tobe a connecting hook used to join ore carts, a segment of a miner’s pipe, and a near complete bottle that could be over 100 years old.

All in all, it was a fun weekend and no one went home empty handed.

 

ESCONI Field Trip to a Rockford Quarry Saturday, October 2, 2021, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM #ordovician #quarry #fossil #fieldtrip #illinois #rockford #limestone

Rockford Quarry Field Trip

There will be a field trip to a quarry near Rockford, Illinois on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9AM to 12 noon.

The rock is Ordovician, Galena Group. This is a "hard-rock" quarry (dolomite). There may also be glacial deposits, including gravel, in place (not washed and processed) making it possible to find things like native copper. No guarantee of course...

If you are sick, have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive recently, DON”T COME.

Rules

1. Everyone in your group MUST be an ESCONI member as of Sept 30, 2021.
2. Everyone in your group MUST be at least 18 years of age.
3. Everyone MUST have and wear a hard hat, safety vest, and sturdy boots while in the quarry. No sandals, tennis shoes, and the like. No claw hammers or roofing hammers - use only rock hammers. If you plan on hammering then bring eye protection and wear it.
4. This is a quarry and social distancing should not be a problem. Please bring a mask and wear it if you are close to others.
5. Sign up by sending me (Dave) an email with the number of members attending and their names. My email is fossil54@att.net No phone calls please.
6. I will acknowledge by return email. If you don't get a reply in 24 hours, send it again!
7. Maximum attendance by ESCONI members is 15. This is a shared trip with the Rock River Valley Gem and Mineral Society.
8. Please review the Code of Ethics and Conduct on the ESCONI website. You will be expected to check-in at the quarry. By doing so you agree to follow the Code of Ethics and the conditions on the ESCONI Liability and Waiver form (sent by email to those that sign up). You do not need to print out the ESCONI waiver form, just know what you’re agreeing to. There may be an  additional waiver from the quarry.

The address of the quarry will be sent to those that sign up a few days before the trip.

I will distribute the waiver forms by email to those signed up just before the trip.

Questions? Send me an email...

 

Trip Full - ESCONI Field Trip to Danville Shale Pile Fossils - Saturday, September 25th, 2021 #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #Carboniferous #Illinois #coal #fern #plants #MazonCreek #danville

Danville Field Trip Rules
September 25, 2021

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for Sept 25, 2021 from 10 AM to 3 PM. 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 at 3 PM.

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 7 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

Please bring a face mask and wear it if less than 6 feet from another person.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight Sept 22nd.
2. 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 Sept 22nd. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. The collecting site is in Vermilion County. If Vermilion County’s covid status impacts outdoor group activities, the trip may be canceled.
5. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.
6. 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.
7. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that
   time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
8. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

 

ESCONI Field Trip to Danville Shale Pile Fossils - Saturday, September 25th, 2021 #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #Carboniferous #Illinois #coal #fern #plants #MazonCreek #danville

Danville Field Trip Rules
September 25, 2021

An ESCONI field trip to the Danville Shale Pile for Pennsylvanian fossils is scheduled for Sept 25, 2021 from 10 AM to 3 PM. 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 at 3 PM.

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 7 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME.

Please bring a face mask and wear it if less than 6 feet from another person.

1. The minimum age is 18 years old. Registration ends at midnight Sept 22nd.
2. 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 Sept 22nd. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. The collecting site is in Vermilion County. If Vermilion County’s covid status impacts outdoor group activities, the trip may be canceled.
5. 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, though concretions are less common. Sturdy boots are highly recommended as are gloves. Wear eye protection if using a hammer.
6. 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.
7. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name and the number of members attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that
   time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
8. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

I will send a map to those that register 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.

 

Trip Full - ESCONI Field Trip to Braceville, IL for Mazon Creek Fossils - Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th, 2021 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology #illinois

The Braceville Field Trip is currently full, however we are taking names for the waiting list.

The ESCONI field trips to Braceville for Mazon Creek fossils are set for Sept 11 and 12, 2021 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can attend one or the other, but not both days. There is an overall attendance limit of 50 people each day. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS!

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 7 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME!

Please bring a mask and use it if you are within 6 feet of someone else.

1. Families are welcome, but the minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Registration ends at midnight September 8th.
2. 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 Sept 8th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. The collecting site is in Grundy County. If Grundy County’s covid status puts limits on outdoor activities then the trip may be cancelled.
5. You’re going to be digging in dirt and mud – dress accordingly! You may want to bring a shovel, pickaxe, trowel, or hammer. Use only a rock hammer, not a claw hammer or roofing hammer. If you decide to hammer on something, use eye protection. There may also be insects and poison ivy. Hard hats are not required. Bring a bucket to carry your fossils in. Gloves are strongly recommended. The collecting site is an old mine spoil pile on private property. There may be old rusty tools or other iron pieces embedded in the pile. Sliding down the hill could be very painful.
6. The top of the pile is unstable and not safe to stand on. Do not go above the flags/caution tape markers. Anyone found above the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.
7. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name, the number of members attending and the day you are attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
8. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

Meet at 9 AM at the entrance to the collecting site on S Berta Road, just east of the intersection with Division St (Braceville IL). A nearby landmark for driving directions is the Braceville Gardner Cemetery, 7295 East Braceville Road, Braceville. I can send a small map to anyone that needs it.

ESCONI Field Trip to Braceville, IL for Mazon Creek Fossils - Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th, 2021 #MazonCreek #fossils #fossil #FieldTrip #paleontology #illinois

The ESCONI field trips to Braceville for Mazon Creek fossils are set for Sept 11 and 12, 2021 from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can attend one or the other, but not both days. There is an overall attendance limit of 50 people each day. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS!

You must register to go on this trip. See rule 7 below for instructions. This is the only way to register.

If you are sick, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have recently tested positive, DO NOT COME!

Please bring a mask and use it if you are within 6 feet of someone else.

1. Families are welcome, but the minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Registration ends at midnight September 8th.
2. 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 Sept 8th. You can pay dues by mailing a check, or with a credit card using the PayPal link on the ESCONI website.
3. 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.
4. The collecting site is in Grundy County. If Grundy County’s covid status puts limits on outdoor activities then the trip may be cancelled.
5. You’re going to be digging in dirt and mud – dress accordingly! You may want to bring a shovel, pickaxe, trowel, or hammer. Use only a rock hammer, not a claw hammer or roofing hammer. If you decide to hammer on something, use eye protection. There may also be insects and poison ivy. Hard hats are not required. Bring a bucket to carry your fossils in. Gloves are strongly recommended. The collecting site is an old mine spoil pile on private property. There may be old rusty tools or other iron pieces embedded in the pile. Sliding down the hill could be very painful.
6. The top of the pile is unstable and not safe to stand on. Do not go above the flags/caution tape markers. Anyone found above the markers will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to sign up for future field trips.
7. Sign up for the trip by sending me (Dave) an email with your name, the number of members attending and the day you are attending. I will acknowledge by return email within 24 hours. If you don’t hear from me in that time, send it again! My email is fossil54@att.net
8. If the trip is full I will keep a waiting list in case there are cancellations. If you are signed up and can’t make it, please let me know.

Meet at 9 AM at the entrance to the collecting site on S Berta Road, just east of the intersection with Division St (Braceville IL). A nearby landmark for driving directions is the Braceville Gardner Cemetery, 7295 East Braceville Road, Braceville. I can send a small map to anyone that needs it.

Field Trip Report: Starved Rock Clay Pit, July 24th, 2021 #fieldtrip #fossil #mineral #illinois #paleontology #geology #carboniferous

Here's a field trip report from ESCONI Vice President Dave Carlson for the Starved Rock Clay Pit field trip back on July 24th, 2021.

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Usually we are concerned about mud at the clay pit, but not this time. It was quite dry for this trip, even to the point where some rain would have been welcome in order to clean things off and keep the dust down. As always, we do the best with the conditions we have.

Recent work had changed the configuration of pits. Some of the underclay was brought to the surface forming blue/gray/purple piles. The Colchester coal was exposed intact showing cracks filled with calcite. Calcite has also mineralized the black shale but that didn't stop some folks from breaking large pieces open. The calcite cement varies from clear to tan to brown and the crystals can be showy. They are also fluorescent in LW UV. 

These pictures are from Ceal Tobias.

Fossils were also recovered in the black shale like this stick found by Rob Russell.

Also some invertebrate fossils like these found by Connor Puritz.

Above, Pseudorthoceras, and below, Desmoinesia.

The only vertebrate specimens were Listracanthus, a shark denticle, like this one found by Kyle Schroeder.

A few plant fossils were found in the gray shale. This Annularia was found by Melissa Parages.

This fern was found by Ceal Tobias.

This location always produces stable pyrite in various forms, such as balls and cylinders, and pyritized wood which is unstable and subject to pyrite disease.

This is a unique and geologically complex location. It can be challenging to collect at the clay pit but with persistence and patience, interesting fossils and minerals can be found.