Paleontology Field School
The Adult Paleontology Field School is a Fall program being hosted by the Cranbrook History Centre, made possible by the funding from the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines and Canada Summer Jobs.
The Field School is an opportunity for amateur paleontologists ages 15 and up to gain an in-depth look at paleontology fieldwork. Through a reception, two field days and a tour of a paleontology lab, attendees will see for themselves what it takes to be an amateur paleontologist. They will be guided by local paleontologists Guy Santucci with special guest speaker from the University of Alberta, Dr. Georgia Hoffman.
All necessary COVID-19 protocols will be followed in accordance to the B.C. Ministry of health guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Event Breakdown
Reception: Friday September 16th, 2022 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The reception will include a 45-minute lecture outlining safety and general procedures for the fossil excavation process. A cash bar and desserts will be available to attendees. The reception will take place in the Royal Alexandra Hall at the Cranbrook History Centre. Dr. Georgia Hoffman from the University of Alberta will lead the lecture, and fossils and geological specimens from Guy Santucci’s collections will be on display in the hall for everyone to view.
You can register to attend the reception without attending the Field School.
Registration for any Field School date includes reception admission. All Field School attendees are recommended to attend the reception as it will cover key information about paleontology practice and legal fossil collection within British Columbia.
Field School Day One: Saturday September 17th, 2022 |
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On September 18th, attendees will be visiting the KM62 site on the Bull River. The site, specifically chosen by Guy Santucci and Dr. Howard Allen, will be the perfect place for them to lead interpretation of the geological and paleontological formations found there. They will guide you through the paleontological process to find fossils of your own. Lunch is included in the price. All tools and safety equipment will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants are required to use their own vehicles to reach the site. Maps, directions, and GPS coordinates will be provided to all participants to ensure safe arrival to the site. All-Wheel Drive cars with ground clearance are required to get to the sites. If you do not have this access we will organize ride sharing for those who are willing to go to the site together.
Field School Day Two: Sunday September 18th |
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On September 18ththe group will be going to Site 15, also located on the Bull River. A little further to reach, this site provides additional interpretive opportunities to learn about what this area looked like 350 millions years ago. Guy Santucci and Dr. Howard Allen will continue to provide guidance for all participants to find and uncover their very own fossils to take home. Lunch is included in the price. All tools and safety equipment will be provided, as well as GPS coordinates to ensure safe arrival. Just like Day One, participants will have to provide their own vehicle.
Visit to Chris New’s Personal Paleontology Lab: Monday September 19th | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Adult Paleontology Field School will finish with a visit to Chris New’s personal Fossil Preparation Laboratory. During the visit, Chris will provide you with a personal tour of his lab and discuss the different tools and techniques used to prepare his outstanding specimens.
Because of the lab size, participants will register for a 30-minute time slot. A museum staff member will be present throughout all of the lab visits to ensure that safety and public health protocols are being followed.
PLEASE NOTE: This part of the program is included in the purchase of tickets for Field School Days One and Two. You may not join the Lab without signing up for the Field School program. You will have a chance to choose your lab time when you are filling out your lunch form for the Field School dates.
Pricing
| Full Package: Reception and Field School September 16th – 19th Includes… * Admission to catered reception and introduction lecture on Sep 16th * Two catered lunches * Live site interpretations by Guy Santucci and Dr. Howard Allen * Guidance in fossil discovery and breaking on Site 15 and KM62 * Guided tour of a personal paleontology lab on Sep 19th | $250.00 (includes reception, both field days and fossil prep) |
| Reception on September 16th Includes… * Catered dessert and Cash Bar * Lecture by Dr. Georgia Hoffman from the University of Alberta * Access to private paleontology collections: Guy Santucci and Chris New | $15.00 |
| Visit Chris’ lab on September 19th | FREE with purchase of Field School |
* Prices do not include tax
** Members will be sent a discount code via email