Ash Grove Cement Quarry Field Trip
Sunday, March 16 @ 11:45 PM, CDT
This quarry is just southwest of Dallas near Midlothian off state Hwy 67. We’ll be collecting the ATCO member of the Austin Chalk just above the Eagle Ford Shale (Upper Cretaceous Period). In this narrow horizon, we’ll be looking principally for shark teeth: Cretodus, Cretoxyrhina, Ptychodus, Squalicorax and other shark and ray teeth. Other possible finds include marine vertebrates such as mosasaur, turtle and bony fish material in addition to the usual assortment of marine invertebrates.
The good news is that no collectors have been in this quarry in over 6 months. The quarry opened a new shale pit last year and dumped their dredgings beside the pit. Now those have had some time to weather.
The quarry has graciously allowed us to bring in 50 members.
Society management and helpers have been given first priority to sign-up for the trip in reparation for the time they dedicate to the DPS. (You may want to consider volunteering). Then ADULT DPS MEMBERS ONLY whose memberships are current will be able to:
SIGNUP Starting at noon on Monday, March 10.
Signup is via our website: www.dallaspaleo.org where each member must log in then select ‘Events and Trips’. If the adult attendance limit has not been reached by Friday, March 14 at noon, then the signups will be opened to families which can include children at least 12 years old.
Those making the sign-up list will be provided a map to the meeting place (not the main plant entrance) and will be asked to download, print and sign the company’s Recreational Use Release form to be turned in on the day of the trip - REQUIRED. Please download and complete this form. You will receive the map and Release form in a Confirmation of Registration email after Registering.
We will collect from Noon – 4:00 PM. Closed-toed shoes (ankle-high boots are best), eye protection and high-visibility, safety vests are required. People need to bring their own eye protection and safety vests, if possible, since the quarry has a limited supply, if needed. Most of the collecting is on the surface, but you may need a rock hammer as well as suitable collecting containers. Insect repellent may be useful since some of the areas are overgrown or contain mosquitos. A 4’+ rattlesnake was observed on the backside of the property on our last trip. The usual hydration and sun protection is wise.
People can exit the quarry whenever they want for any reason.
Contact Roger Farish with questions: rffarish@verizon.net or 972-898-2700 on trip day. Also, because access to the quarry can change due to weather or other conditions, please call our HotLine 817-355-4693 to ensure the trip is still happening.
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.
