Full title: FT26SE03. Discovering a Cretaceous Lagerstätte: Fossil Field Trip to Coon Creek Tennessee
Leaders: Neil Kelley, Michael Gibson
Endorser(s): Paleontological Society (PS)
CEUs: 0.8
Date: Sat.,7 Mar.
Location: Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 5 p.m.
Description: Join us for a one-day fossil-hunting adventure at the Coon Creek Science Center in McNairy County, Tennessee—one of North America’s most scientifically important fossil sites. The Coon Creek Formation preserves a 73-million-year-old shallow marine ecosystem from the Late Cretaceous, when the Gulf of Mexico extended far into the continent’s interior. Fossils of mollusks, crustaceans, and occasional vertebrate remains are beautifully preserved in soft, sandy sediments, often in life position.
Led by paleontologists Dr. Neil Kelley (Vanderbilt University) and Dr. Michael Gibson (emeritus University of Tennessee Martin), this trip offers a hands-on introduction to paleontology, paleoecology, and sedimentary geology. Participants will learn how to identify and collect fossils, and interpret the ancient environments these organisms once inhabited. The site is ideal for students, educators, and curious minds of all levels—no prior experience is needed!
Considerations: Travel time from Memphis to Coon Creek Science Center is approximately 2 hours. This one-day field trip to the Coon Creek Science Center involves moderate physical activity and outdoor conditions that participants should be prepared for. The fossil collecting site consists primarily of soft, sandy sediments located in a creek bed in a relatively remote rural area with uneven terrain. Walking distances will generally be short to moderate—usually less than a mile—but may involve bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods while searching for fossils. Restroom facilities are available at the Coon Creek Science Center. Classroom facilities provide shelter in the case of rain or excessive heat etc. Lunch can be brought by participants or organizers can arrange to bring picnic lunch foods. Water is available on site. Poison ivy, snakes, and bugs are present at the site, though they tend to be less abundant in March. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to reduce exposure and exercise caution while moving through vegetation. The primary outcrop is not wheelchair accessible due to natural terrain and lack of paved paths, although mobility challenged visitors could still view fossil exhibits and representative sediments and fossils could be brought from the outcrop for examination. Overall, participants should be prepared for an active day outdoors in a natural environment with moderate walking and some exposure to weather and wildlife.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
Learn more about this and other Joint Southeastern, North-Central, and South-Central Section Meeting Activities.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.
Product Code: FT26SE03
Product Category: FTRIP