Geology Rocks! Field Trip 2026

SOLD OUT!

Please email jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org if you’d like to be placed on a wait list in case of a cancellation.

Geology Field Trip Explores  “Your Backyard Geology”

Annual geology bus trip with our ever-popular geologist, Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services of Spring Grove, Pa.

Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, the trip is open to those age 8 and up.

The trip is an opportunity to explore the past in our area as we discover “Your Backyard Geology” in Adams and Franklin counties. 

Planned stops include the Biglerville area, where we will examine the dinosaur-aged sandstone and shale that occurred during the breakup of the supercontinent, Pangaea.

We will also stop in Bendersville to collect basalt, a result of ancient volcanic activity at the end of the Pangaean rifting.

The excursion will move into South Mountain to visit a private property with a wonderful exposure of the ancient volcanic rocks that erupted 600 million years ago.

Next we travel into the Great Valley to Shippensburg, to discuss how limestone forms and what this area was like some 500 million years ago. 

The final stop will be the Black-Coffey Cavern in Williamson near Greencastle, Pa. The group will tour this spectacular underground attraction.

The trip is via bus, provided, and pre-registration is required. Cost for the trip is $65 for members of Buttonwood Nature Center and $70 for the general public. The fee covers transportation, an informative tour book, and cavern admission. Please bring lunch, beverages, and a small hammer and camera if you wish. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

For information on becoming a member, click here. 

Meeting point provided upon registration.

A geologist for more than 45 years, Jones has conducted extensive research on Pennsylvania mining practices, authored several publications, and narrated a 3-part video series on regional geology known as “TimeWalk.” He has been on the faculties of several regional colleges.

This program is presented in partnership with the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club, and underwritten in part by Marge Kiersz, Lucinda D. Potter, CPA, and SEK CPAs & Advisors.

Additional support provided by Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; the late Alma W. Oyer; Mary Marshall Buckey in memory of her parents, the late George and Marty Buckey; Marge Kiersz; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; APX Enclosures; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.

SOLD OUT!

Please email jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org if you’d like to be placed on a wait list in case of a cancellation.