Gem & Fossil Event – Second Nature at Reads Creek Nursery
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Gem & Fossil Event – Second Nature at Reads Creek Nursery
August 10 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!! Join us at the nursery to go on a journey through time, as you learn about the rocks and fossils found in the Driftless Area, and where you can find them. We will have three separate expeditions at 10am, noon and 2pm, along with ongoing activities at the nursery throughout the day.
FUN FOR ALL: Here are the things to do at no cost:
View a trilobite collection, and a collection of fossils from the Driftless Area
Redlou Bus will be here with all sorts of books on rocks, fossils, gems, and other related topics that you can check out
We will be having flint knapping demonstrations on site from 10 am to 4 pm, and these amazing stone artists will also have unique items for sale
There will be a large display of fossils and rocks mostly from Vernon and Crawford Counties
PAID EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS $15 (kids under 4 are free)
In addition to the above activities, the highlight of the day will be three fun and educational expeditions. Retired geologist Al Scheer will be having mini lesson on trilobites to start the expedition, where participants can see fossils up close and ask questions. On a second stop along the expedition, our flint knappers will explain the process for stone selection and how they create arrowheads. Then Clint will give a presentation on druzy quartz and the fossils that can be found in the Driftless Region, and he will lead us on an onsite fossil and druzy quartz hike.
Participants can ask questions about fossil hunting in the Driftless and learn more about druzy quartz. After all of that excitement, there will be gem mining on the beach after the hike is done. (We will be seeding the beach between classes with an incredible collection of semiprecious gems and stones). Paid participants will go home whatever gems they find, a few rocks or fossils they can find along the way in Druzy Valley, and the satisfied glow of time spent exploring and learning in our beautiful valley.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING FOR EXPEDITIONS
Wear clothing that can get wet and/or dirty as we will be going into the water to pan for gems, and hiking across shallow creek areas
Rubber boots or water shoes are a good option for footwear
A good expedition hat for sun protection might be beneficial
Bug spray and sunscreen
Water bottles with your names on them
Beach towel
A dry set of clothes for the ride home would be a good idea, especially for excited adventure seekers
A gallon ziploc for small treasures and a backpack or bag for your personal belongings
Cash for small purchases
Optional and fun: expedition hat or vest—because it’s always fun to look the part!
**Portions of the hike will be uneven and rocky, and there will be a few steep, rocky steps you may wish to climb, so please plan accordingly. Some participants bring a walking stick along.
Available for purchase:
For a little extra bling, we will have face painting available for a small fee
A Kindness Rocks painting table will be available for a small donation to the koi fish food fund
Fossils and assorted larger gems will also be for sale throughout the day
We will have handmade soaps with embedded crystals for sale in the gift shop
PLAN TO COME EARLY OR STAY LATE FOR SOME GREAT FOOD!
JOVITA’S KITCHEN FOOD TRUCK will be here with a wide range of authentic Mexican cuisine
UDDER BROTHERS CREAMERY will have hand dipped ice cream, malts and other cool treats for us.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR EXPEDITIONS: We will have a limited number of slots for expeditions at 10am, noon, and 2pm. Last year, these sold out very quickly. Expedition tickets are $15/person. Children under 4 can participate at no cost. You do NOT need to purchase a ticket to participate in all of the other fun activities listed under FUN FOR ALL above…the fee is only if you wish to do the educational expedition/hike.
TICKETS: https://secondnatureatreadscreek.com and then click on STORE in the upper right-hand corner to register.
QUESTIONS? For more information or questions, please contact Karen at: [email protected]
(608) 629-5975