Saturday May 10, 2025 at 8:30am
Join Foundations in Genesis Idaho on a biblically-based adventure to learn how catastrophic floods led to the formation of these incredible fossil-bearing sites!
Meetup
When: 8:30am – Leave by 8:45am
Where: We will gather at the Grandview Gas station 110 ID-78, Grand View, ID 83624
Overview: We will then travel caravan-style to our first stop to the Shoofly Oolite area. Then, after a short hike, we will travel to the Bruneau Woodpile to collect petrified wood. We hope to end by 1:00pm.
What to Bring
Please bring the following items if you have them:
- Plenty of Water
- Sack Lunch
- Sun protection (hats, sunglasses)
- Long pants
- Covered (close-toed) sturdy shoes for hiking on textured rock and walking in sagebrush
- Buckets and tools/gloves for digging fossils
- Binoculars, for spotting birds or other animals
This trip is considered a half-day field trip. You may leave the second site at your leisure.
Stop 1: Shoofly Oolite
The first stop requires moderate hiking for a 1-2 mile hike. There are fossil shells that are collectible at the Shoofly Oolite site. There is no shade and bathrooms are not provided (but there is sagebrush cover).
This location contains some of the largest freshwater oolite deposits in the world. Some of these formations look like they belong on the moon! Additionally, a number of rare plants and uncommon birds call this area their home. Aidan Lorenz will share about some of the creatures that live here, especially if we get to see any of them on the trip!
Stop 2: Bruneau Woodpile
The second stop will require a short drive on a dirt road to dig in loose sand/sediments for petrified wood. We will eat our personal sack lunches and dig around the sediments or surface pick petrified wood.
Consideration of heat and desert creatures, including rattlesnakes, is a reason to keep on the trail and watch for little ones (No dogs please). Due to the rare plants and fragile desert ecosystem, we will be hiking on established trails.
A suggested donation of $5 per person is recommended, or a maximum of $20 per family.
Please sign up below so that we know who is coming! We look forward to seeing you there!
