Collecting Fossils in California - Who

<BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff"> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Fossil collecting is a relaxing, fun and highly educational activity excellent for a family; or any person with a sense of adventure and the will to do things out of the ordinary. Nothing equals the excitement of discovery when one uncovers a fossil of an amazingly old creature. And the fun does not stop there. Back home one can prepare the specimen for display and start the process of identification and learning more about the animal.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>This website provides the where, what and hows of fossil collecting in California so any person of any age and education can enjoy a rewarding expedition. Also, with the use of our 'Fossil Collector Forum', you can share your discoveries, adventures and intrigues with fellow enthusiasts.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Amateur fossil collectors have made significant contributions to paleontology by discovering new species. In 1983, William Walker an English plumber and fossil hunter, discovered the fossil remains of a new dinosaur species. It was named Baryonyx walkeri. Baryonyx meaning "heavy claw" and walkeri taken from the last name of the man.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>In 1990, Sue Hendrickson an amateur paleontologist, discovered the biggest and </FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1>most complete</FONT><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=-1> </FONT><FONT SIZE=-1>Tyrannosaurus Rex ever. It was nicknamed "Sue" in her honor. Fourteen of the fifteen known T-Rex in the world have been found by amateurs!</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>In June of 1997, an amateur fossil hunter discovered the bones of a carnivorous dinosaur in Placer County - the first such discovery in California!</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Almost everybody that likes outdoor recreation and back road adventures is suited for fossil collecting - specially in the beautiful California. If you are a handy person not afraid of exercise and getting a little dirty, fossil hunting may be for you. I you own an sport utility vehicle, you will seldom find a better use for it. And, unless the soil is covered with snow, fossil collecting is a year long activity.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>We have prepared a questionnaire to see how well you fit the profile of the fossil "hunter". The questionnaire is non-scientific but gives you an idea of the likelihood of enjoying the fossil collecting adventure. If you want to find your chances click here.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Each fossil display is only as good as the preparation that goes into it. Usually a fossil is embedded inside a sediment material that needs to be removed.</FONT> <FONT SIZE=-1>Preparation is what makes this hobby so entertaining and challenging, even after your collecting expedition is over.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>For identification, you can match your find with fossil guides or you can visit Museums of Natural History and ask for professional help. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Once you have prepared and identified your find, you can proudly display it. A collection of well prepared fossils makes for a great display in your home and a source of eternal wonder for your guests.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Depending on each particular collecting site, you will need certain Tools and Safety Equipment. Each fossil site locality presented in this website lists the indispensable tools needed for that particular site. In addition, our 'Field Guide' provides instructions on tool usage.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>The fossil Preparation Tools are used to clean your find from the surrounding matrix material and to prepare it for display. Fossil preparation is a highly rewarding activity. Refer to the literature referred in our 'Why' section for more information on this process. </FONT></P> <P><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(Tool images from "Fossils" by C. Walker and D. Ward, 1992)</FONT></I></P> <P>Viewing this page requires a browser capable of displaying frames. With that capability you will be able to view images and graphics associated to the text for much more enjoyable experience. If you have a frames capable browser, go to the following URL:</P> <P> http://www.gtlsys.com ('Collecting Fossils in California' home page) </BODY>