Gem & Fossil Event – Second Nature at Reads Creek

Gem & Fossil Event, Saturday, August 10
https://secondnatureatreadscreek.com/store/ols/products/gem–fossil-expeditions

OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR
This is Driftless outdoor education at its finest! 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.

FUN FOR ALL – 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 9 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
-Unopened geodes will be for sale, and we can cut them open on site to see what is inside
-For a little extra bling, we will have face painting available for a small fee, and a Kindness Rocks painting table available
-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

PAID EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS – $15
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 on-site 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 semi-precious 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 an afternoon spent exploring and learning in our beautiful valley.

NEW IN 2024: We will have three expeditions. The 10am and noon expeditions are family friendly and suitable for all ages. The 2pm session is reserved for adults only, and will be more focused on some deeper educational components.

WHAT TO WEAR 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 to take home your treasures
-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

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.

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.

Sign up: SecondNatureAtReadsCreek.com/store

QUESTIONS?
For more information or questions, please contact Karen at: karen@secondnatureatreadscreek.com
(608) 629-5975