Dig with the Experts at Penn Dixie
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 08/29/2021
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Fresh rock will be made available each day and the program will be spread over a much larger area than in previous years. Dig areas will be zoned to discourage intermingling of guests. We will require guests to dig with only those from the same household/group. Minimum spacing will be maintained between all groups. Face coverings will be required in some areas and when interacting with staff, volunteers, and other guests. Guests will be encouraged to bring their own seating as our picnic area may be unavailable. It is unclear if we will have food trucks on site this year.
2021 Tickets
Friday, August 27: Members $32.50, non-members $37.50
Saturday, August 28: Members $32.50, non-members $37.50
Sunday, August 29: Members $32.50, non-members $37.50
Note: If purchasing tickets for more than one day, each day must be purchased separately. Members, contact us for your discount code.
Expert volunteers — including scientists, leading fossil collectors, and experts on local geology — will lead the dig in a freshly excavated section of the Lower Windom Shale and will demonstrate how to find Devonian Period trilobites, cephalopods, fish remains, brachiopods, corals, wood, and a range of other marine invertebrates. Thanks to our experts — all volunteer collectors and paleontologists who travel to Penn Dixie to share their time and knowledge — we are celebrating our 16th dig in 2021!
Dig Entry Times
8:30 am & 9:00 am
Director’s Notes: This program will sell out — please reserve in advance to guarantee a spot. We do not recommend that children under age 10 attend this program due to the technical and safety requirements of splitting rocks. Children are welcome to attend at the event rate. During Dig With The Experts, other areas of Penn Dixie will be open to fossil collectors of all ages and regular tours will be available. Tickets are electronic and will not be mailed.
International Guests: If the Square Store cannot process your transaction, please email Dr. Phil Stokes at phil@penndixie.org with your name, order info (i.e., dates, numbers and types of tickets), and membership status. We’ll send you a PayPal invoice directly. When you arrive, please request special documentation to help at customs.
Dig With The Experts draws collectors from around the globe for this unique opportunity, which was developed and is currently co-led by our friends from the Cincinnati Dry Dredgers. Bring a hammer, chisel, safety glasses, newspaper, and paper towels to wrap your fossils. Extra water is recommended, plus bring rain gear just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, as well as a small cart to transport personal items and specimens. Chairs and umbrellas are okay, too.
Additional information:
Penn Dixie Frequently asked questions
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*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.