It seems like forever since I went fossil hunting, like four weeks ago...that's an eternity! Last trace fossil hunting trip was to a well known fossil site called Union Chapel Mine as you see in the picture below.
This reclaimed coal mine is internationally known and has produced some excellent specimens that are displayed in museums around the world! With that said, I never knew that trace fossils could be found outside of Walker County Alabama until I stopped to inspect a 30-foot rock high wall near my home.
I didn't know it was a fossil rich ground other than I was locked into hunting for plant fossils when I arrived onsite? I was scanning the ground an impression that looked like a Christmas tree got my attention. I had no idea what it was until I posted a pic of it on a FB group page some 10 years ago. I was told by a paleontologist from Canada that the track was made by a Xiphosuran (tiny horseshoe crab resting trace fossil). Hmm, interesting I thought, so for the next 15 years I would make regular visits since I lived close to the site that produced these wonderful samples below!
Since then I have found many cool specimens, so much so it caught the eye of two paleontologist. One was from Canada who studies trace fossils and the other from the University of West Alabama who also studies trace fossils as well, and the formation these fossils were from. The UWA expert is currently researching the Parkwood Formation and will be putting together a research paper on it in the near future?
Of lately, I had some time on my hands, and what a way to spend it compiling and gathering trace fossils that had been accumulating in boxes over those years. I have given a lot away as well as donate them to the local classrooms. Hopefully a scientific paper will be written about these significant finds in our great state.
The site's present existence is in question, will it be there tomorrow and what will be its future? I really don't have the answers to the question but as long as I can get access I will save as many specimens I can for myself and others to enjoy and quiet possibly further research on that geological formation that yielded so many cool fossils!
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