Fossil Hunting

Event Summary

When it comes to fossils, Madison County is a geological gold mind. The sand bars exposed by Middle River, are littered in Limestone pieces that contain an abundance of fossils.

The most abundant fossil found in our local limestone is the crinoid. Crinoids were sea-dwelling creatures that lived a sedentary lifestyle on the bottom of the ocean floor approximately 350 million years ago. Also known as sea lilies, crinoids had a large flower –like head that was used to filter food out of the water. The head was connected to a long stem leading down to a set of roots that held the creature to the sea floor.

As we enter October, the water levels in Madison County are usually a little lower which exposes many of the local sandbars. Add in cooler day time temperatures, and you have the perfect conditions for fossil hunting.

Each time the sandbars are covered by flowing water, new fossil finding opportunities are created as the moving water turns over and exposes a new layer of rock. With recent rainfall, our local sandbars should be littered with new fossils.

On October 21st at 5:30 pm, the Madison County Conservation Board will be hosting a fossil hunting event at Middle River. As part of the Wellness Wednesday series, this family-friendly event will be free and open to people of all ages. Fossil hunting is an activity that is fun for all ages so adults are welcome to join the fun. You do not need to bring a child to participate.

Preregistration is required for this event. Participants should meet at the Middle River Shelter for a short presentation on fossils and how they are formed prior to fossil hunting. Since we will be walking up and down the stream bed, rubber boots or old shoes that can get wet are a must for this activity. Questions? Contact the Madison County Conservation Board Office at 515-462-3536 or e-mail naturalist@madisoncountyparks.org.

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