sigillaria

December 3, 2011 - Pennsylvanian fossils, Bibb Co, Alabama

Have you ever wondered what an ol’ mine has to do with paleontology? Just ask 8 year old Antonio who went with us on our last field trip; that is if you can get him to slow down as he chatters about his finds at the mine while grinning from ear to ear.

When you first visit the mine, it looks like a vast wasteland with piles of rocks just scooped from the earth and placed in mounds away from the actual work area. Not much to look at to the untrained eye, but these mounds and areas that had been cleared to house them produced many fossils that had been underground for millennia’s. Among the finds found that day were Sigillaria, and Lepidodendron from the Carboniferous period and Calamites from the Carboniferous and Permian periods.

A great time was had by all, and we look forward to more outings. Who knows, maybe we will find you with us on our next adventure.

April 3, 2010 - Pennsylvanian Fossils, Shelby Co. AL

On a chilly rainy day a few BPS members braved the weather to view a spectacular waterfall in Shelby County. After the waterfall hike another stop was made to find some wonderful plant material.

February 21, 2009 - Pennsylvanian Fossils, Bibb Co, AL

Well, sometimes things happen unexpectedly. A call on Monday to the landowner to schedule a field trip for March. Well, actually he said, the site is ready to be reclaimed. Next week. Can you come this Saturday? Well . . . . . Sure we can! A hastily planned trip to Bibb County, Alabama caught many members by surprise. We came here a couple of years ago, but our collecting area was severely restricted due to ongoing construction. This time - no restrictions - we had access to the entire site. Those who could come found beautiful plant material at this old coal washing facility. Numerous specimens of lepidodendron, calamites, some delicate ferns and numerous other fossil plants were found. Afterwards a quick trip to the Cahaba River where the Cahaba Lilies bloom in May, then to a beehive oven location. Our last stop of the day was to collect graptolites.

Photos courtesy Bill Fowler and Vicki Lais