Forum of Women in the Environmental Field

July Outdoor Event: Hunt for Fossils in St. Paul

Location: 950 Lilydale Road, St Paul, MN 55118

• Latitude:   44°55'29.79"N
• Longitude:   93° 6'38.06"W

Join FWEF at Lilydale Regional Park to hunt for fossils. About 450 millions years ago, much of Minnesota was under 100-150 feet of water. Come see fossilized remains of this ancient ocean.  The "brickyards" is one of the best places to look for these fossils in the Twin Cities. Learn about the geological and cultural history of this unique area of St. Paul. For more information, visit the City of St Paul's website.   We recommend attendees bringing camp chairs while eating.

We will meet in the parking lot for registration and to enjoy a local/organic "bag" supper from Trotter's Cafe.

NOTE:  There's a map attached to help attendees get to the event.  It's recommended to take Water Street to get to the event.

Special notes: Wear good shoes or boots (no sandals please).  This event is appropriate for adults and kids over age 5. Bathroom facilities are a short car ride away, if needed.  Also, we will have "kid friendly" meals including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Please let us know if anyone attending has any peanut allergies; we can instruct the caterer to separate meals as necessary.

In case of rain, we will meet at Macalester College, Smail Gallery, Olin Rice Hall (#13 on this map), and see dinosaur replicas on display in the geology department.  Check back on this webpage for a change in venue due to bad weather. 

Additional into:  If you are coming from 35E, exit on Highway 13 and drive East and take the VERY first right turn onto Lilydale Road (changes at some point to Water Street).  This road curves around and under Highway 13, then under a wood railroad trestle and past a boat.  Then it straightens out and you drive along the Mississippi River for what seems a mile or so.  The road will be relatively straight (pass some wetlands on your right, a boat launch access road on your left, under high tension power lines and past another wood trestle bridge), then the road makes a little jog to the right, that is right where the entrance to the Lilydale Regional Park is located.  The entrance is not labeled from that direction.  It is a hairpin to the right.  Go to the right of the light pole (because the potholes are bigger to the left of the pole).  Then you have entered the parking lot.  There will be a table set up in the parking lot.  You will be given instructions once you check in at the table.

There is access to the park via bike trails in the area.

Special deal: Bring a guest for only $10 more. You pay the full price and only $10 for each guest you bring.

RSVP: By Monday, July 20th, 2009. Please add this event to your cart and complete the checkout process to confirm your registration. You may choose to pay by credit card through PayPal, mailing a check to the Forum at the address provided on the checkout screen, or bringing payment with you (pre-pay preferred).

Check out a Wisconsin article about a local fossil find!  Click here for more information! 

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