Guided Field Trips
Two separate field trips are being planned in collaboration with the University at Buffalo’s Department of Geology. View the exhibit, then begin your off-site adventure. Scheduled destination points are the Penn-Dixie and Outdoor Educational Center (all ages) and the Niagara Gorge (ages 10 and up). The trips will be conducted on two select Saturdays throughout the exhibition period.
The Penn-Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Educational Center
Join Dr. Robert Jacobi and Dr. Tracy K. P. Gregg from SUNY at Buffalo’s Department of Geology as they co-lead a field trip to the Penn-Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Educational Center. Meet at the Central Library to prepare for your bus ride down to this former quarry operation that was once the source of calcareous shale excavated and used for cement aggregate by the Penn Dixie Cement Company. During the 1960s, 9 to 10 feet of shale was removed revealing 380 million year old Devonian era fossils preserved within the Windom Shale. Talk to Earth Scientists as they exhibit and demonstrate various aspects of their professions; see a drill rig demonstrating rock coring and drilling operations; view sunspots; collect fossils; and participate in a wide variety of other activities. This event is open to all ages. Children will receive a free geologist kit courtesy of the Library Foundation.
Niagara Gorge Adventure
Join Dr. Robert Jacobi and Dr. Tracy K. P. Gregg from SUNY at Buffalo’s Department of Geology as they co-lead a field trip to the Niagara Gorge. Meet at the Central Library to prepare for your bus ride down to this fascinating geologic hotspot. Learn about the ancient rock layers, local minerals and fossils, and the history of the Great Gorge and explore first-hand the processes that occurred over thousands of years that formed this area. Children must be over the age of 10 and accompanied by an adult. Free children’s geologist kits will be supplied to the young geologist in your family.