Martin Marietta Cement Quarry Field Trip
When: Sat, November 30, 7:45 AM, CDT
Where: 245 Ward Rd, Midlothian Texas 76065
EVENT DETAILS:
At this quarry just southwest of Dallas, we’ll be collecting the ATCO member of the Austin Chalk just above the Eagle Ford Shale (Upper Cretaceous Period). We’ll be looking principally for shark teeth: Cretodus, Cretoxyrhina, Ptychodus, Squalicorax and other shark and bony fish teeth. Possible finds also include other marine vertebrates such as mosasaur, turtle and bony fish material in addition to the usual assortment of marine invertebrates. We may be able to access a pyrite (marcasite) area as well.
The quarry has limited us to 30 people. So, only adult (16+ years old) members whose memberships are current will be able to attend.
Because there is a 30-person limit, online registration is required through our website: www.dallaspaleo.org.
Signup will open on MONDAY, November 25 at NOON.
A waiting list will be started once the limit of 30 is reached.
We will meet in the parking lot by 7:45AM for safety training and collect from 8AM until 11:30. Closed-toed shoes (ankle-high boots are best) as the slopes in the shale pits are steep and footing can be treacherous. Eye protection is required so bring your own, if possible. The quarry does have a limited supply. Management also will provide hi-vis safety vests. Most of the collecting is on the surface, but you may need a rock hammer and collection bags (prescription bottles or plastic bags are fine).
We will be sending the Hold Harmless Agreement to download after you Register and closer to the field trip date. Please print it, fill it out, sign it and bring it with you on trip day.
As usual, the Executive Committee has first priority on attendance due to the time they spend running our Society. So, you might want to consider volunteering to help us out there.
On Trip Day – Be on time or early as we must enter as a group for required safety training. Copy this number into your phone and call 972-898-2700 as early as you can if you see you’re going to be late or are not coming. You will not be able to get into the quarry if you are late or without a PRINTED Hold Harmless Agreement.
You can find more quarry into on our ‘Midlothian Quarry Handout’ under the ‘Links’ tab on the website.
Directions: Take Hwy 67 southwest out of Dallas towards Midlothian, Texas. Exit Ward Road and cross under Hwy. 67 and enter the first parking lot on the left.
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.
