About 

Join VMNH staff on our paleontological field trips and learn about the fascinating geological history of the Middle Atlantic States. These trips cover a wide variety of ages and environments representative of the last 450 million years.

Field trip fees are used to support VMNH research. Space is limited. To learn about upcoming field trips or to make a reservation, please e-mail fieldtrips@vmnh.virginia.gov or call 276-634-4171.

(Scientifically significant specimens may be retained by curators for the VMNH collection.)

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Upcoming Field Trips

August 16; September 13
Stratford Hall/Westmoreland State Park

Take a trip along the spectacular cliffs along the Potomac River, in an area rich in paleontology, ecology, and history. The 140-foot high cliffs expose sediment ranging for 3.5 million to 14 million years old, and have produced fossils of whales, seals, crocodiles, sharks, and numerous seashells. These cliffs have been studied by naturalists for nearly 200 years. While on the trip, take time to explore the scenic beauty at Westmoreland State Park and the historic structures and museum at Stratford Hall. Accommodations and park fees are not included in your donation. There is a campground at Westmoreland State Park, and hotels are available in Montross and Colonial Beach. Bring your own lunch, a trowel, plastic bags, and a bucket. Dress to wade and get dirty. Access is moderate, with some walking required, and getting wet is likely. There are no restrooms.

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• VMNH Members $30 adults, $15 children under 12
• Non-Members  $35 adults, $20 children under 12

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October 18
Upper James River Boat Trip

Explore the James River and collect fossils that range in age from 7 to 3.5 million years old. These ancient marine beds contain abundant vertebrate and invertebrate fossils that are accessible only by boat. Five different strata all provide different fossils peculiar to those ages. Plan to wade and get dirty. You should bring your own lunch. There are no restrooms.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• VMNH Members $85
• Non-Members  $100

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October 19
Lieutenant Run

Lieutenant Run is a small stream in Petersburg, Virginia, that has cut through rock units of the Chesapeake Group, a sequence of strata deposited in extensive Miocene and Pliocene (7 million to 3.5 million years ago) embayments in the Maryland and Virginia Coastal Plain. In these large embayments, normal to nearly normal marine salinities prevailed and many species and genera of mollusks flourished. The mollusks are representative of a marine-warm temperature climatic province not presently existing off the Atlantic Coast of the United States.

• Times TBA
• VMNH Members $15 adults, $10 children under 12
• Non-Members $20 adults, $15 children under 12