Field Trip to Jacksboro led by Bob Williams Saturday November 6.
Since the number of attendees is not limited for this trip there is no need to register. The trip is open to the public so non-members are welcome. We have made arrangements with the state park to collect the fee for using the hiking trail so there is no need to apply for a day pass or get a window sticker. Please have $4 for each adult attending with correct change if possible.
As always, check the DPS Hotline 817-355-4693 for any last minute changes.
For additional questions please email fieldtrips@dallaspaleo.org
We will be hunting the Finis Shale member in the lower sections of the Graham Formation, Upper Pennsylvanian. This 300 Mya outcrop represents one of the most richly fossiliferous exposures of marine shelf sediments in the United States. Fossil material that can be found include corals, brachiopods, gastropods, bivalves, conulariids, bryozoans, fusilinids, nautiloids and some shark material.
You will have to walk three quarters of a mile and climb a firm steel pipe gate. You will need a tool like an old screwdriver to pry embedded fossils from the matrix and a collection bag for your finds (a plastic storage bad will do nicely). Bring plenty of water and snacks as needed. We will meet on the south side of the Jacksboro town square/Jack County Judge Courthouse (100 N Main St, Jacksboro, TX 76458) on November the 6th at 9:00am . Contact information: Bob Williams brwill@ntin.net, 940-736-5598.
Please read the Difficulty and Danger scale (in the below) and State Health Services Protocols form (click on the hyperlink to access the form). Please download the DPS hold harmless waiver. Please send your signed hold harmless waiver to fieldtrips@dallaspaleo.org (preferred method) or bring a signed copy on the day of the field trip.
Jacksboro is classified as a 2 to 3B (difficulty can vary in parts) on the Difficulty and Danger scale, which is classified as follows:
2: Basic difficulty. Longer than very short walking distance to fossil site. Walk to site and while at site may include brush and walking on relatively stable water features. Walk to site may not be through a verified walking path; it may be "off the trail".
3: Challenging difficulty. Walk to site and at site may include rough terrain, long distance, steep inclines which are physically challenging to hike up and also challenging to hike down, flowing water (crossings), and difficult brush such as thorns to maneuver through.
B: Medium dangerous. Inclusive of "A" Hazards (listed in the below). Possibility of slippery surfaces enabling potentials falls causing broken bones and dangerous cuts. Dangers may be due to examples such as steep and uncertain terrain, flowing water, and also hazardous brush to move through which likely contains sharp and long thorns and also poisonous plants such as poison ivy. Potential of slightly remote site with delayed access to emergency medical care.
A: Least dangerous. Basic hazards inherent to the natural environment such as weather, irregular footing while walking, poisonous plants, and possibility of wildlife such insects, mammals, and (venomous) snakes. In case of injury, emergency medical care may not be readily accessible. In addition to your fossil hunting gear, make sure to bring standard outdoors equipment such as more than enough water, sunscreen, hat, cellphone, whistle, snacks, first aid kit which you know what is inside and you have practiced using, knife, and any medicines (including emergency allergic medicine such as epi-pen) appropriate for yourself. And ensure to utilize the buddy system to always be in sight of and accessible to your buddy.
DPS
The DPS is a group of professional and amateur paleontologists that want to exchange information, interact, and continue their education in paleontology. We meet once a month on the second Wednesday evening of the month at Brookhaven College, Building H.
