May

Lilydale Brickyards fossil hunting trip!

First, here's a link to general Lilydale information:

http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/facilities.asp?search=1&CID=1&pagenum=3&RID=61&Page=detail

Note: Lilydale has limited resources.  There are no restrooms or drinking fountains onsite, if the ground is wet, the trails and fossil beds get pretty mucky, and there is a fair amount of poison ivy on some trails.  So come prepared and if possible, leave the little'ns at home!  I will meet everyone in the parking lot listed in the driving directions below and will start the introduction.  Please make your best effort to arrive on time.  If you show up late and we're not there, (or are curious where we'll go for class) you should be able to follow this map to find us.

This class will be taught a bit differently than our other classes.  We will start out with a group intro in the parking lot, talking about fossils and how they're formed.  Then we'll head out to the fossil beds and look for fossils in family groups, not necessarily as a naturalist-led hike.  I will be there with fossil guides, and to answer questions, but will not necessarily be leading a formal class after the introduction.  Parents are expected to remain with their children and assist with the class, and may leave early or stay after the class has ended. 

 

Please call the nature center (612-861-9365) with any questions or cancellations by 2:30pm on the day before your class is scheduled.  If you need my assistance the day of the program and I am already at/on my way to the Brickyards, you can call me on the Wood Lake cell phone at 612-990-8227.  Sorry, but there are no refunds if you cancel the class.  If there is severe weather and it would be unsafe to be at the site due to lightning or heavy rains, it may be possible to reschedule the class, but it is not guaranteed. 

 

Recommended to bring/wear:

• filled water bottle

• hat/sunscreen

• shoes (not sandals) or boots

• clothes that can get muddy and dirty- I recommend long pants because of the poison ivy

• a rain jacket and waterproof boots if it looks like it might rain

• a reusable container to hold small fossils (something that would fit an egg would be a great size)
   

 Driving directions from 35E:

• take exit #102 (MN-13) and go east (if you're coming from 494/35E area, take a right, or if you're coming from 94/35E area, take a left) onto Sibley Memorial Hwy

• take a right (go south) onto Lilydale Road/CR-45/Mendota Ave. (across from Lilydale Garden Center)

• follow the winding road along the river for several miles, past the pool & yacht club and the St. Paul city limit sign, and under the single-lane bridge

• after a sharp curve, you will see a double-sided arrow sign.  Going to the right will take you to the parking lot where I should be waiting.  (The left will take you to Harriet Island- great for a picnic!)  Note: the parking lot has recently been blocked with cones, looking like you should continue along the curve in the road to the left.  Make sure you turn right into the gravel parking lot.

• If you need something more visual, you can check out MapQuest- here's a closeup of where you'll go from 35E.
   

Notes of interest:

• If you need to use the restroom, there is a restroom area at Harriet Island.  There is also a BP, Holiday, and Subway at Hwy 13/Victoria Rd (just to the west of Lilydale Road).
• The trails are all gravel or mud, so strollers will not work at this site.
• You will be welcome to keep your favorite fossil(s) that can easily fit in your hand, so bringing baggies or other containers is not necessary if you collect just one or two full-sized rocks.  If you want to collect smaller fossil bits, I'd recommend bringing a small reusable container.  Rock hammers are also not necessary but can be brought if desired. 

See you there!

 

And the following assignment is not an option; it's required.