Field Trips |
Page Last Updated: 9/29/2019
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Local Places of Interest (Members & Non-Members)
By: Sara Beth Phillips Past GMSVP Field Trip Coordinator
If you are visiting the area and want to venture off onto some side trips relating to geology and mineralogy, here is a list of a few suggestions. You do not need to be a member of the club to take part in these activities they are open to the public.
#1) Cornwallis’s Cave – Water Street, Yorktown, VA – (Sandstone Cave)
No admission fees – open all year round; 15 minute free parking
Cornwallis’s cave, located along the water front, is reported to have been the hiding place of Cornwallis during the siege at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War in 1781.
#2) Fantasy – 10117 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23605
Store that sells rock and mineral samples, as well as other interesting items.
Open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 7:00pm; closed on Sunday
#3) Stick Stone & Bone – 1675 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Store that sells rock and mineral samples, as well as other interesting items.
Open 12:00pm to 4:00pm daily
#4) York River State Park – 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available.
(source: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river.shtml#general_information)
#5) Chippokes Plantation State Park – 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, Virginia
Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes Plantation also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.
(source: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/chippokes-plantation.shtml#general_information)
#6) Merchants Millpond State Park – 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938
An "enchanted forest," primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss - this is Merchants Millpond State Park. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Together with upland forests, these environments create a haven for wildlife and humanity alike.
(source: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/memi/main.php)
Richmond Area
If you happen to be going to the Richmond area, check out these locations.
#1) Stone Goddess Rock Shop http://stonegoddess.com/
#2) Packard’s Rock Shop https://www.facebook.com/pages/Packards-Rock-Shop/133562766693975
By: Sara Beth Phillips Past GMSVP Field Trip Coordinator
If you are visiting the area and want to venture off onto some side trips relating to geology and mineralogy, here is a list of a few suggestions. You do not need to be a member of the club to take part in these activities they are open to the public.
#1) Cornwallis’s Cave – Water Street, Yorktown, VA – (Sandstone Cave)
No admission fees – open all year round; 15 minute free parking
Cornwallis’s cave, located along the water front, is reported to have been the hiding place of Cornwallis during the siege at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War in 1781.
#2) Fantasy – 10117 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23605
Store that sells rock and mineral samples, as well as other interesting items.
Open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 7:00pm; closed on Sunday
#3) Stick Stone & Bone – 1675 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Store that sells rock and mineral samples, as well as other interesting items.
Open 12:00pm to 4:00pm daily
#4) York River State Park – 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available.
(source: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river.shtml#general_information)
#5) Chippokes Plantation State Park – 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, Virginia
Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes Plantation also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.
(source: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/chippokes-plantation.shtml#general_information)
#6) Merchants Millpond State Park – 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938
An "enchanted forest," primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss - this is Merchants Millpond State Park. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Together with upland forests, these environments create a haven for wildlife and humanity alike.
(source: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/memi/main.php)
Richmond Area
If you happen to be going to the Richmond area, check out these locations.
#1) Stone Goddess Rock Shop http://stonegoddess.com/
#2) Packard’s Rock Shop https://www.facebook.com/pages/Packards-Rock-Shop/133562766693975
2019 Field Trips
Upcoming 2019 GMSVP Field Trips:
Below are scheduled 2019 field trips. These trips are for GMSVP MEMBERS ONLY. If you are interesting in going on any of these trips, please contact Bo Mulcahy at bomulcahy@gmail.com before the due date listed by each trip. If you are not a member and would like to become one please complete our membership application and either mail in or attend one of our monthly meetings.
Below are scheduled 2019 field trips. These trips are for GMSVP MEMBERS ONLY. If you are interesting in going on any of these trips, please contact Bo Mulcahy at bomulcahy@gmail.com before the due date listed by each trip. If you are not a member and would like to become one please complete our membership application and either mail in or attend one of our monthly meetings.
Please check your email for details on club field trip announcements as well as the current newsletter.
- Graves Mountain Rock Swap and Dig October 4th - 6th, 2019 Lincolnton, Georgia Official Field Trip of the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association
- Pipsico Scout Reservation Surry County, Virginia Miocene and Pliocene Fossils November 22 – 24, 2019 Official field trip of the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association
Below is information on the type of field equipment and supplies you may need for a field trip. Check with the Field Trip coordinator on what you may need before each trip. Also ask if there is an age limit if you have young children that plan on participating.
Typical Field Equipment and Supplies List:
Suggestions? If you know of an interesting field location or a good collecting site, please do not hesitate to contact the clubs Field Trip coordinator Lisa Cumming at "lcumming1223@gmail.com". We are open to any new ideas or locations.
Field Trip Waiver Download File
Typical Field Equipment and Supplies List:
- hard hat (sometimes required) * see hard hat safety note below
- steel toed work boots (sometimes required)
- safety goggles (sometimes required)
- rock hammer
- crack hammer and chisel
- plastic bucket (for big samples)
- small containers (for small samples)
- tissue paper (to wrap delicate specimens)
- gloves (leather)
- knee pads
- water and snacks
Suggestions? If you know of an interesting field location or a good collecting site, please do not hesitate to contact the clubs Field Trip coordinator Lisa Cumming at "lcumming1223@gmail.com". We are open to any new ideas or locations.
Field Trip Waiver Download File
2019 Field Trips
Willis Kyanite Mining Field Trip Sept 2019
The annual trip to the Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine was a great time with several club members in attendance. Here are some highlights for this years trip.
The annual trip to the Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine was a great time with several club members in attendance. Here are some highlights for this years trip.
2017 Field Trips
Willis Kyanite Mining Field Trip Sept 2017
The annual trip to the Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine is now in the history books. Several members of the club join other Virginia rock clubs to attend this event.
Willis Mountain is what's known as a monadnock. The kyanite exposure resisted weathering and, as the surrounding area was eroded and weathered away, the mountain outcrop was left standing. This is very much like the famous Graves Mountain kyanite mine in Georgia. The center of the mountain has been mostly mined away. What you can expect to find is white kyanite blades in the massive kyanite quartzite; pyrite; quartz; hematite with some iridescence, red mica, green mica, apatite and possibly some blue kyanite and pale green trolleite. Some of the white kyanite and quartz here have a beautiful light blue fluorescence and the apatite is yellow so bring your short wave lamp and blackout cloth.
The annual trip to the Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine is now in the history books. Several members of the club join other Virginia rock clubs to attend this event.
Willis Mountain is what's known as a monadnock. The kyanite exposure resisted weathering and, as the surrounding area was eroded and weathered away, the mountain outcrop was left standing. This is very much like the famous Graves Mountain kyanite mine in Georgia. The center of the mountain has been mostly mined away. What you can expect to find is white kyanite blades in the massive kyanite quartzite; pyrite; quartz; hematite with some iridescence, red mica, green mica, apatite and possibly some blue kyanite and pale green trolleite. Some of the white kyanite and quartz here have a beautiful light blue fluorescence and the apatite is yellow so bring your short wave lamp and blackout cloth.
Pipsico Fossil Dig June 2017
Several members of the club participated in the bi-annual fossil dig held at the Pipsico Boy Scount Reservation in Spring Grove, VA. There was a $5 fee and a waver that needed to be signed. It was a beautiful sunny day for not only finding fossils, but also just to enjoy the surroundings.
Several members of the club participated in the bi-annual fossil dig held at the Pipsico Boy Scount Reservation in Spring Grove, VA. There was a $5 fee and a waver that needed to be signed. It was a beautiful sunny day for not only finding fossils, but also just to enjoy the surroundings.
Scufflin Farms - Prospect VA April 2017
There was a great turn out from the club for the Scufflin Farms rock collecting trip. Members found pink feldspar, amethyst, smoky quartz, and other interesting finds. It was a beautiful day for this trip, temps weren't to hot or cold and it was a partly cloudy day. The rock pit was fairly deep and there was plenty of room for everyone to dig. Members from all ages attended.
There was a great turn out from the club for the Scufflin Farms rock collecting trip. Members found pink feldspar, amethyst, smoky quartz, and other interesting finds. It was a beautiful day for this trip, temps weren't to hot or cold and it was a partly cloudy day. The rock pit was fairly deep and there was plenty of room for everyone to dig. Members from all ages attended.
2016 Field Trips
Willis Mountain Kyanite Dig Field Trip Sept 2016
Our annual field trip to Dillwyn, VA to dig at the Kyanite Mine. Perfect weather this year! This trip requires safety gear including steel toe boots, hard harts and safety glasses. A four wheel drive is also recommended. The trip begins with a security briefing from the mine owners and a waver needs to be signed.
Our annual field trip to Dillwyn, VA to dig at the Kyanite Mine. Perfect weather this year! This trip requires safety gear including steel toe boots, hard harts and safety glasses. A four wheel drive is also recommended. The trip begins with a security briefing from the mine owners and a waver needs to be signed.
April/October Pipsico Fossil Dig 2016
The April field trip to the Pipsico fossil dig was a wet one, rain gear was definitely needed. Though the weather was pretty bad, some nice fossils were found. The event is sponsored by M.A.G.M.A. twice a year in the spring and fall. If you live on the peninsula a fun way to get there is via the Jamestown Ferry.
The April field trip to the Pipsico fossil dig was a wet one, rain gear was definitely needed. Though the weather was pretty bad, some nice fossils were found. The event is sponsored by M.A.G.M.A. twice a year in the spring and fall. If you live on the peninsula a fun way to get there is via the Jamestown Ferry.
Older Field Trips
Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine Field Trip Aug 2015
The club had a beautiful day for this years Kyanite Mine field trip. Club members from different clubs got together afterwards for some socializing and a picnic at the Mine's shelter. Additional photos can be found on our Facebook Page.
The club had a beautiful day for this years Kyanite Mine field trip. Club members from different clubs got together afterwards for some socializing and a picnic at the Mine's shelter. Additional photos can be found on our Facebook Page.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Field Trip July 2015
Several members of our club ventured up to Beckley, West Virginia for a tour of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Additional photos can also be found on our FaceBook Page
Several members of our club ventured up to Beckley, West Virginia for a tour of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Additional photos can also be found on our FaceBook Page
Surry Fossil Trip June 2015
On June 13th, 2015 GMSVP joined members from the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association (M.A.G.M.A.) to look for fossils from the early Miocene to early Pliocene geologic periods along the banks of the James River at the Pipsico Scout Reservation in Surry, VA.
On June 13th, 2015 GMSVP joined members from the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association (M.A.G.M.A.) to look for fossils from the early Miocene to early Pliocene geologic periods along the banks of the James River at the Pipsico Scout Reservation in Surry, VA.
Rose River Rock Collecting Field Trip June 2014
Members of the GMSVP gathered to go rock hounding in the Rose River, riverbed on June 14, 2014.
Members of the GMSVP gathered to go rock hounding in the Rose River, riverbed on June 14, 2014.
