Search for trilobites at this private quarry with volunteer leaders from our NHSM Fossil Club. The mostly shale rock from the Middle Devonian Mahantango Formation is home to a diverse set of prehistoric life including brachiopods, bryozoans, mollusks, corals, graptolites, and even cephalopods, squid-like animals with shells.
Trilobites, the site’s main draw, originate from one of the earliest groups of arthropods, the phylum which includes insects, spiders, and centipedes on land and crabs, lobsters, and barnacles in water. They were one of the most successful of all early animals, existing in oceans for almost 270 million years, with over 22,000 species found. Trilobites finally disappeared in the Permian-Triassic extinction about 251.9 million years ago.
Surface collecting, digging, and chiseling are methods used for the hunt here.
Remember to
- Hand tools only. This could include hammer, chisel, shovel, hammer, tribar, and buckets.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, tick and insect spray
- Bring your camera, an extra battery, memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars and loupes/hand lenses, a few will be available to borrow.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.
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.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.