Located in Montross, VA (on the south side of the Potomac River, adjacent to Westmoreland State Park), Stratford Cliffs are part of the Calvert Formation, a rare geological phenomenon along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region, they were formed when land replaced an ancient sea.
Fossils found here are composed of compacted marine plant and animal matter dating from the Miocene Epoch, approximately 17 to 10 million years ago. Fossilized remains found at this site indicate a sea filled with primitive shark-toothed porpoises, salt-water crocodiles, sea cows, gopher turtles, rays, whales, and sharks. Thousands of shark teeth found along this area attest to the frequency of the sharks, largest among them being Carcharodon megalodon, or Giant White Shark, with teeth measuring 7 inches or more.
Most of the land along the shoreline is privately owned, and public access is severely limited, so we are lucky to have this opportunity! Our site is part of the Stratford Hall plantation owned by four generations of the Lee family (and now cared for by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation). The estate encompasses 1900 acres of farmlands and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River.
Travel time: The site is an estimated 3-hour drive from Baltimore. Carpooling is encouraged, but guests are responsible for their transportation; NHSM cannot provide rides.
Difficulty: This field trip is moderately strenuous, involving hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. Depending on what storms may have impacted the river, there could be washed-up trees and debris on the beach, as well as broken glass. There could be a few scramble spots. However, if you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. This is a rain-or-shine event.
What to wear/bring:
- Please wear closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. We strongly encourage you to bring waders, as the water may be high and it is often cold.
- Pack snacks, water, and a brown bag lunch, if you get hungry.
- Do you have a scoop, a screen, small shovels, sieves, etc.? Bring them!
- Metal detectors are not allowed.
- You may want to bring a set of dry clothes, in case you get wet.
Age Restriction: The minimum age requirement is eight years old.
NEW – 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 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.
The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.
For questions, please email Matthew at MFalk@marylandnature.org.