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My journey to becoming a paleontologist started as a six year old, exploring the beaches and cliff faces exposed along the Chesapeake Bay.
If you are interested in paleontology, I encourage you to look up paleontology resources in your area. I've provided some information below on Calvert Cliffs to help people in the southern Maryland area get started.
About the Calvert Cliffs:
The Calvert Cliffs span roughly 25 miles along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland. These cliffs are comprised of marine fossils dating to the Miocene epoch (~20 to 7 million years old). The sediments preserve abundant, diverse marine communities with more than 600 known species, including sharks, rays, bony fish, whales, dolphins, seals, crocodiles, turtles, birds, crabs, clams, snails, and so much more. Read more here.
Safety Disclaimer!
It is important to stay aware of your surroundings while fossil hunting along the cliffs. These cliffs are actively eroding and can collapse in rapid landslides. Keep an eye out for fractures and overhangs. Be extra careful after storm events and during seasonal changes when there are large temperature shifts. Finally, remember that it is illegal to dig into the cliff face. If you find something embedded in the cliff, contact the paleontologists at the Calvert Marine Museum, so they can safely and legally excavate.
Where to find fossils along the Calvert Cliffs?
There are a few different places accessible to the public along Calvert Cliffs (see links below). For more information check out the paleontology resources available at the Calvert Marine Museum.
One of the best ways to get access to new sites is to join a fossil club. Learn more about the Calvert Marine Museum Fossil Club.
If you are looking for some guidance during your fossil hunt, you may want to consider booking a tour with Megalodon Adventure Charters or Chesapeake Heritage and Paleontology Tours.
Tips for successful fossil hunting:
Look up local tides. Try to go during low tide when there is more beach exposed.
Develop your search image. Look up the types of fossils you can find before going out so you know what to look for.
Target gravel beds. The water accumulates things of similar size together, so look for fossils where you see piles of rocks and shells.
Try sifting the gravel beds. Cheap dollar store sifters or colanders work great.
Ask for help. Learning with others is a great way to become a better collector. Join a local club or an online social media group.
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