Geology 12 Field Trip –Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro

Dear Parents and students –

This year’s Geology class has been given the opportunity to travel to Parrsboro, as well as Joggins and Springhill if time, energy and weather permits. The Fundy Geological Museum hosts the Parrsboro trip, and there is an overnight program that we have registered for. Our date has been set for Monday May 25th and Tuesday May 26th. The trip to Parrsboro is about 280 km one way, with approximate driving time of three hours (pit stop in Truro…). We will be taking the main highway rather than across Maitland way.

This program not only allows students to experience many aspects of paleontology, but also to explore an UNESCO World Heritage Natural site. The drive may be considered a bit long for some, but the scenery along the Cobequid Fault zone has rightfully earned the Five Islands and Parrsboro region the nickname “Little Cabot Trail” – and is full of geological surprises!

Important Information:

Dates: Monday May 25th departure; stay overnight at the Fundy Geological Museum; arrival back to school Tuesday May 26th

Travel:We will be leaving Monday morning at 9:00 – 9:30, as soon as we can get everyone and their gear loaded up. Depending on the options we choose Tuesday afternoon, we may be back at school any time around 9:30 - 10:00 pm. Finite plans will have been made by the time of the trip.

At this time I am counting on 10 – 11 people to participate in the trip, which would necessitate the use of at least three cars, or two vans. We need to consider the gear for each person that must be packed as well.

*** If you would be willing to provide a drive and be a chaperone, please let me know ASAP - we will cover the cost of your gas. You would be responsible for $32.00, which covers your cost of staying at the Museum overnight and sharing supper and breakfast etc together.

Accommodations: We are sleeping in the museum, on the floor – bring a hiker’s pad or foam if you wish. Washroom facilities are available, but not showers. You’ll survive…

Description of Program at the Fundy Geological Museum: “Jurassic Trip”

Day 1: Arrive at 12:00 – 1:00 pm

On the way – check out Mastodon Ridge! 
Initial Orientation
Field trip - East Bay
Museum video & tour
Lab presentation
Workshops: Fossil Preparation
specimen card and jewelry
Supper
Marshmallow roast
First Nations program
Sleep in the museum with the dinosaurs / Day 2:
Breakfast
Field Trip - Wasson's Bluff
Beach exploration
Joggins: UNESCO site - tour facility and beach
Gift shop
Springhill mines tour
Depart at 6:00 pm

Notes:

  • Each person will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow; air mattress if desired – we are on the floor – think old-fashion sleepover. The washroom facilities are spacious and very pleasant, but no showers are available. Sleeping spaces will be segregated with female and male students in different areas.
  • Students: We are only staying ONE night – not a week! It is expected that you will pack lightly but wisely. I will provide a suggested packing list, which will include items needed for the field trips.
  • Our program starts at 1:00 at the museum so we have some time to explore on our way – there are a few key places that would warrant a brief stop, not to mention a picnic style lunch stop (which you should have already packed)…
  • The museum program is over around 5 – 6 pm. At that time we’ll grab something for supper and head to Horton, or drop people off on the way…
  • We are fund-raising in order to offset costs – ideally each person will be able to participate and hopefully raise a substantial portion.

Contact Information:

Fundy Geological Museum: 1-902-254-3814 or 1-866-856-DINO

Organizers: Carol Corbett, Pat Welton

The following list is suggested for packing. We have limited space in the vehicles. If your pillow can be stuffed in with your sleeping bag, do so. Have all other items in one pack.

  • Sleeping bag, pj’s
  • toiletries, facecloth
  • Pillow and sleeping mattress or pad (optional)
  • Sturdy footwear – hiking boots preferred, or sneakers with a good tread; your footwear will get muddy…
  • Rain slicker or weather-resistant windbreaker
  • Brimmed hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion
  • Wool sweater or other similar garment (mid-weight fleece)
  • Warm socks
  • 1 pair jeans/ 1 pair shorts and/or fleece pants
  • 2 T-shirts
  • light pair of gloves
  • bag for laundry/wet clothes
  • camera, film, binoculars if you have a pair
  • backpack for collecting samples, a roll of toilet paper to wrap samples, plastic baggies and a marker for ID
  • notebook, pen/pencil
  • fanny pack or belt bag for snacks (optional)
  • lots of snacks for (A) road trip and evening time

(B) while out in the field – gorp, Powerbars, etc

(C) Chocolate chip peanut butter cookies for your favourite geology teacher…

  • ______
  • ______
  • ______

Parents: If you have any questions, suggestions for fund-raising and/or would like to be a driver/chaperone, please contact me (school: 542-6060 ext 2813). Updated information will follow, as we get closer to our trip.

Sincerely, Mrs. Tracy Webb