The annual Fossil Teacher Workshop held jointly by the University of West Alabama and the Geologic Survey of Alabama was held at a gully site this year, and was set up a bit differently.  After the morning lecture, teachers and leaders were divided up into 3 groups, and each group went their own direction to map the stratigraphy of the layers between Point A and Point B.  After lunch, and discussion of the exercise, students went to another area to collect fossils.  One BPS student, Andrew Barnes, found the bones of an ancient bird, most likely a pterosaur.  These are extremely rare, and this excellent find will probably turn out to be the most complete bird specimen found in Alabama.  BPS volunteers provided assistance setting up meals and materials, and support in the field.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History hosts an annual National Fossil Day event in the Grand Gallery.  BPS set up an exhibit table, as did numerous groups from around the area.  This year, BPS highlighted photos of the dinosaur dig for the newly named species of hadrosaurid (duck billed dinosaur), Eotrachodon orientalis.

The BPS August field trip was to the UA museum archives in Tuscaloosa, where we were treated to a behind the scenes look at the collections.  Many items are from the 1800's or early 1900's, so their preservation is remarkable.  The collections include not only items from Alabama, but from many other states, and around the world.
 

BPS members were invited to participate in the 13th Annual "Fossil Road Show" held in Jackson, Mississippi, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural History.  BPS showcased Alabama fossils, and set up a display of photos of the dinosaur dig for the newly named "Eotrachodon orientalis" that was found and excavated several years ago by BPS members under the leadership of James Lamb. 

Rock and fossil clubs from around the south (mostly Mississippi) set up very interesting exhibits and had fascinating stories to tell about their display items.  A number of professional paleontologists and "amateur experts" attended the Fossil Road Show to assist in identifying odd rocks and fossils brought in by members of the public. Thanks to George Phillips for this opportunity for fossil enthusiasts to share their love of fossils!

On probably what turned out to be one of the most beautiful days in January, BPS members set off for North Alabama, to a site that hasn't been collected in at least 25 years.  Numerous archimedes, blastoids, crinoids, and trilobites were found.  With a Mardi Gras cake for a lunch treat, then dinner that evening at a local restaurant, we couldn't have asked for a more pleasant day.