Falls of the Ohio State Park will offer a series of weekend programs in late November and early December. All require interpretive center admission unless noted.
Nov. 26, 2 to 3 p.m. -- Fossils of the Waldron Shale
The Waldron Shale formation was discovered during quarry operations near the village of Waldron. Until 1994, Waldron fossils were only known from one location in Clark County. A number of quarries have exposed the fossil-rich shale and collecting piles from them have been at the park since 1995. This program looks at the diverse and well-preserved fossils and focuses on the unusual fauna found in Clark County. Alan Goldstein, park interpretive naturalist and paleontologist will present.
Nov. 27, 3 to 4 p.m. -- Thanks for Fossils and Meet the Paleontologist
Fossils provide a history of life on Earth. This program will highlight some interesting fossils. Goldstein will pull select fossils from the park collections and tell their story. This is a free program.
Nov. 30, 2 to 3 p.m. -- Amazing Mississippian Crinoids
Crinoids, sometimes called sea lilies, are related starfish; their remains are common fossils. The rings that make up the animal's column are known as Indian beads. Complete specimens are uncommon and beautiful. The Mississippian Period is called the Age of Crinoids because they were diverse and dominated the sea floor in the shallow continental seas. Goldstein's presentation highlights the history, diversity, and lifestyles of creatures that thrived about 350 million years ago in Indiana, Kentucky, and surrounding states.
Dec. 3, 2 to 3 p.m. -- The Geoheritage of Falls of the Ohio State Park, Past, Present and Future
Falls of the Ohio boasts an incredible legacy of geological study. Over the last 200 years, the Falls have been examined by some of the most famous paleontologists in the world, and the work still continues. In this talk Kate Bulinski, associate professor of geosciences at Bellarmine University, will highlight past, present, and future research endeavors at the park.
Dec. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. -- Black lights: Seeing minerals in a whole "new light" and on a budget
Black lights used to be expensive for collectors of fluorescent minerals and roller rinks. Today, that is not the case. This program by Jim Lobb, a local collector, will introduce you to the colorful world revealed by the ultraviolet lamp. Why are some minerals so vibrant colored, and others don't show any change? Where can I buy a cheap and safe black light? Can I find fluorescent minerals, or should I buy them? Black lights make a great holiday gift for budding scientists. This is a free program.
Dec. 10, 2 to 3 p.m. -- Fossils in The Buildings Around Us
Fossils can be found anywhere, including the architecture around you. This program will present fossils that can be seen in buildings around Kentucky and Indiana, as well as some of America's largest cities, and famous tourist sites in Europe. Join world traveler and blogger Michael Popp, who has been writing about fossils for over 13 years, for this talk.
Additional programs are scheduled on weekends in December and beyond. Check the parks Facebook page or the DNR event calendar for details as they become available.
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle