Climate change? Yes indeed – the one thing that never rests! As we roll back the clock of time you'll be entering an Era of tropical climates where we'll place you on the shores of the Ordovician Sea – a world teaming with ocean creatures and coral reefs. Our exploration will conclude with a search for ancient invertebrate fossils and a giant coral specimen that you simply must see!

This pdf document contains the specific directions for reaching our featured Lesson Site as well as a detailed explanation of its geologic story. Mileage to the site as well as its specific coordinates are listed on the header above and also in the lesson document. Roadmaps and other learning aids can be found at the Lesson Resources link in the menu and are helpful to have handy in the field. Please print this document and take it with you or read it thoroughly before departing. Exercise extreme caution at the lesson site and along roadways.

Are you ready. . . . Let's Go!

S. V.  Fogarty   &   W. R.  Stevens

*Mileage starts at the intersection Colorado Bvd. and US 14A near Spearfish.

Note the position of the Whitewood Formation. Age and thickness of geologic formations are approximate.

Ordovician Fossil Guide (Print)

These fossil guides will be useful in identifying specimens you may find in the rocky rubble along the base of the canyon walls. You can print out the guides at either the Lesson Resources page or from here directly. They will be helpful if you decide to engage in some fossil hunting.