How big is your shark tooth collection? If your answer is between zero and a thousand, join us to search for fossil treasures at Stratford Hall. With private beach access and help from expert volunteers, this trip is a unique opportunity for those looking to learn about ancient life in this area and perfect their fossil-collecting techniques.
Stratford Hall’s cliffs are part of a series of rock layers formed when ancient seas covered the area. Today, the Chesapeake Bay and rivers like the Potomac erode these old sea floor deposits, giving us a window into the past. These cliffs date from about 8 to 16 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch. This location is one of the most scientifically important exposures of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region and the world.
Fossils that could be found include shark teeth from several different species, including Hemipristis or snaggletooth shark, tiger and tiger-like sharks, sand tiger sharks, C. Hastalis or the ancient white shark, and requiem sharks and shells such as Chesapecten scallop and the Maryland state fossil, Ecphora, a predatory snail. Bones from whales and dolphin-like marine mammals, turtle shell pieces, sting ray dental plates and barbs, crocodile teeth, and fossilized crabs are also possibilities.
This site is part of the Stratford Hall plantation owned by four generations of the Lee family and is now managed by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation. The estate encompasses 1900 acres of farmlands and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River. Field trip participants have access to tour the estate while at the fossil hunt.
Travel time: The site is an estimated three-hour drive from Baltimore in Montross, VA (on the south side of the Potomac River, adjacent to Westmoreland State Park). Guests are responsible for their own transportation. Many choose to spend the night before or after to break up the drive. Hotels can be found in the towns of King George and Colonial Beach.
Difficulty: This field trip is moderately strenuous, involving hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. There will be washed-up trees and debris on the beach that will result in scramble spots. If you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. However, please note that you will be wading in the water, and in colder months, we recommend wearing waders. Bare feet are never allowed. This is a rain-or-shine event.
Age Restriction: The minimum age requirement is eight years old. This age limit is set by Stratford, and there are no exceptions. Please respect this policy when registering your family.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Member: $30
- Non Member: $40