A small group from the NHSM Fossil Club will go to Henson Creek, Prince Georges County, MD, to hunt for Cucullaea Gigantea. The Cucullaea Gigantea is an extinct species of false ark shell found in the Aquia Formation in MD, VA, and AL. They flourished in marine environments during the Paleocene ranging from 58.7-55.8 million years ago.
You must be a current member of the NHSM Fossil Club to sign up for this trip. We can accommodate only 5 people for this trip; therefore we ask that you not bring guests. The group size is small because the area in the creek where the best fossils are found is small. If the trip is full, you may add your name to the waiting list in case someone’s plans change and they need to cancel.
- shoes or boots for walking in the water (no sandals, no flip-flops, no open toe shoes)
- long pants for walking in the water (or fishing waders, or waterproof pants over your other pants). No shorts. Quick dry pants are more comfortable than cotton.
- long sleeve shirt
- hat (sun hat or baseball cap)
- bucket with handle such as a drywall bucket
- rubber dishwashing gloves
- rock hammer or regular hammer, chisel or screwdriver
The exact location in Prince Georges County, MD and directions will be sent to participants by the trip leader. If the trip must be canceled because of weather or creek conditions, the trip leader will contact you.
Natural History Society of Maryland’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to exchange knowledge, help with fossil identification, and discuss fossil locations and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month and are open to all.
If you are a fossil enthusiast, please consider joining (https://www.marylandnature.org/club-membership/). NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families. The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Learn more about NHSM Clubs: https://youtu.be/pIA7naRjXws