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The Maryland Geological Society, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the collection, study, and display of all aspects of the geological sciences, is composed of amateur and professional fossil and mineral collectors. Membership is open to all and visitors to our meetings are always welcome!

May 18th Meeting

The MGS met jointly with the American Fossil Federation on Sunday, May 18th. Brief business meetings were followed by a riveting talk by Calvert Marine Museum paleontologist Stephen J. Godfrey. In his talk, titled Maryland During the Ice Age, Godfrey explained the origins of the bands of rock debris, including quartzite cobbles, that lie atop the Miocene strata of the Calvert Cliffs. These bands are, he posited, the products of river channels that flowed down from the Blue Ridge Mountains during the last Ice Age. Many of these quartzite cobbles contain trace fossils known as skolithos thought to be the fossilized remains of burrows created by worm-like creatures, dating as far back as the Cambrian. Quartzite containing skolithos are found up in the Blue Ridge. The talk featured a wonderful blend of geology and paleontology, putting into context features of the Cliffs which many local collectors may find familiar but not appreciate. Aspects of the talk are captured in the montage below.




Dues Reinstated

When the MGS met on March 16th, it was decided to reinstate annual dues and set them at $20 for the year. Dues should be submitted to MGS Treasurer Rob King, either in person at an upcoming meeting or by check following directions here.

Calendar

Next meeting: TBA
Speaker and Topic: TBA

Links to Upcoming Shows and Events of Other Clubs

A list of some fossil and mineral clubs' shows in the eastern region of the U.S. is on the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies' calendar.


About the MGS

Interested in learning some of the history of the club, who the MGS officers are, and how to join? The "About MGS" button at the top of this page provides links to pages that provide all of that information. Our meetings are an opportunity to interact with friendly and knowledgeable collectors.

Featured Story From the Web: Enduring Mystery of Spinosaurus

The largest predatory dinosaur, Spinosaurus, is at the center of an ongoing debate: was it a swimmer or perhaps just a wader or neither of these? Science writer Carolyn Gramling is the author of a fascinating article that not only explores this debate but also details the amazing history of the fossils that have been collected from this animal. The article can be found here.


Notable Quotations

Paleontologist Bretton Kent at an MGS meeting:

Amateur collectors make paleontology possible.


Naturalist Erasmus Darwin (Charles Darwin's grandfather):

E conchis omnia.
(Everything from shells.)
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