About

Join VMNH staff on scientific expeditions. Fees are used to support VMNH research. Space is limited. To learn about upcoming expeditions 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 collections.)

2010 VMNH Field Trips

Field trip fees are used to support VMNH research. To make a reservation, please e-mail fieldtrips@vmnh.virginia.gov or call (276) 634-4171. Information is also available at www.vmnh.net. Please note that space is limited. (Scientifically significant specimens may be retained by curators for the VMNH collection.

Sept. 11: Stratford Hall/Westmoreland Boat Trip (Limit 16)
8:00-4:00 p.m.
VMNH Member, $76.50, Non-Member, $85
Stratford Hall $5/ea grounds fee which can be applied to dining at the Stratford Hall Dining Room or Gift Shop
Take a trip along the spectacular cliffs of 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. Explore the scenic beauty at Westmoreland State Park and the historic structures and museum at Stratford Hall. Accommodations and park fees are not included. A campground is available at Westmoreland State Park and hotels 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. No restrooms.

Sept. 12: Stratford Hall/Westmoreland
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
VMNH Member, $31.50; Non-Member, $35
Children under 12, $22.50; Non-Member, $25
Stratford Hall $5/ea grounds fee which can be applied to dining at the Stratford Hall Dining Room or Gift Shop
Meet at Westmoreland State Park at 9:00 a.m., convoy to Stratford Hall, and boat the Stratford Hall Cliffs to collect shells, bone, teeth, etc. from the Calvert, Choptank, St. Marys, and Eastover Formations.

Carmel Church, Virginia Excavation
September 12-18 or September 19-25

Join VMNH staff for 5 days of excavating one of the richest fossil sites in eastern North America. The Carmel Church fossil site has produced more than 50 species of whales, sharks, fish, and other animals. The package also includes a tour of the Carmel Church exhibit at the Caroline County Visitor Center.

Cost:
All-inclusive (food and lodging, double occupancy): $700/person* or $1300 for two people sharing a room*. Up to $400/person is tax deductible. Commuter (no room, lunch only): $300/person*.

• Rates are based on double-occupancy. Transportation to and from Ashland not included.
• Minors must be accompanied by a paying, responsible adult. No children under age 13. Participants should be able to work outdoors for extended periods.
• Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver, and may have to undergo site-specific safety training.
• Excavations are always subject to appropriate weather  conditions. There will be no refunds for cancelations due to adverse weather, unless VMNH cancels the entire week.
• A non-refundable $50 deposit is required.
• All collected specimens will be added to the Virginia Museum of Natural  History research collections.

To register, please contact Dr. Alton Dooley at 276-634-4173 or alton.dooley@vmnh.virginia.gov.  Visit the VMNH Paleontology Blog for more information.

*Prices reflect VMNH membership prices.  Add $100 for non-members for all price levels.