Gem & Fossil Event – Second Nature at Reads Creek Nursery

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. We will have three separate expeditions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, along with ongoing activities at the nursery throughout the day.

EXPEDITIONS:
Expedition participants will purchase a ticket ahead of time online and choose an expedition start time. Retired geologist Al Scheer will be having mini show on trilobites to start the expedition. Adventurers of all ages will get an overview of what we can find in the Driftless Region, and go on an on-site fossil and druzy quartz hike. Then 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 gems and stones). Paid participants will go home whatever gems they find, a signed “Honorary Rock Hound” certificate, any rocks or fossils they can carry found along the way in Druzy Valley, and the satisfied glow of an afternoon spent exploring and learning in our beautiful valley.

ONGOING EXCITEMENT FOR ALL:
-Jose’s Mexican Food Truck will be here for lunch, and we will have ice cream by Udder Brothers Creamery
-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 11 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
-Daydreamer Stargazer Face Painting will be here painting special gem, butterfly and plant designs on people of all ages for a small fee
-Fossils and assorted larger gems will also be for sale throughout the day
-Kramer’s Kustom Blasting will be on site with samples of his sandblasted stone designs

WHAT TO WEAR:
-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
-portions of the hike will be rocky and there will be a few steps to climb so please plan accordingly

NOTICE:
The swimming beach will be open to paid participants ONLY on August 21 so they can sift for gems.

PLEASE PAY BY 8/15 to reserve your expedition(s):
1. CREDIT CARD: Call 608-632-1163 to pay by credit card between 8-5 M-F, and tell Jen the names of the participants
2. VENMO: send a friends and family payment to: @Jen-Tubbin with the names of the participants
3. CHECK/CASH: drop a payment off at the nursery (S7301 Hwy 14, Readstown) with the names of the participants listed

There will be a limited number of tickets and time slots available so sign up early!

Visit our Events page to view a collection of images from last years big event!
https://secondnatureatreadscreek.com/events

For more information, please contact Karen at:
karen@secondnatureatreadscreek.com

(608)629-5975