Estabrook Park 09/30/22

[Tales From the Shale]

I went to Estabrook two days ago just because I was in the area. I've hit this area multiple times before. Despite its low fossil yield I think it's an excellent place to start for any new fossil hunters getting into the hobby.

 

 

 

The sole outcrop to be found here lies under the bridge overlooking the river rapids. It extends for roughly 30-45 feet. There are soils in the area that occasionally produce small bits of brachiopod and crinoid stem fragments as well. However I mostly keep to the main rock outcrop.

 

 

 

Your most common finds within the park are tons of brachiopod fragments. If you're lucky, you'll find a complete one. 

 

 

 

 

I also frequently find dissarticulated crinoid stem fragments and ossicles, most are so small I usually dont collect them.

 

 

The third and final fossil I've encountered were small (usually) bluish gray bryozoans. They can be found alone or mixed into hashplates with crinoids and brachiopods.

 

I've heard of people finding trilobites such as Eldregeops and some unidentified taxa. I haven't collected any of these yet, however any newcomer could. One person I correspond with at my university claims to have found Placoderm remains from Eastmanosteus, but I have no evidence for that claim.

 

 

 

Regardless the easy to access location and ammentities from the park make this spot excellent for people who have young children.

Just be wise with your collecting, and stick to non hammer collecting, as the authorities frown upon that within the park.

 

[Gene Stidham]

Hello! New to the forum, and to fossil hunting.

 

I just moved to Milwaukee, WI from Maryland, and I have always been fascinated by fossils.

 

Found my first fossil last week at Lakeshore Park!

 

I have some time early Saturday morning, and after seeing this post, will be headed to Estabrook Park to see what I can find!

 

Other than not bringing any hammering tools, any other recommendations?

 

Gene

 

 

[Tales From the Shale]

On 10/5/2023 at 10:27 PM, Gene Stidham said:

Hello! New to the forum, and to fossil hunting.

 

I just moved to Milwaukee, WI from Maryland, and I have always been fascinated by fossils.

 

Found my first fossil last week at Lakeshore Park!

 

I have some time early Saturday morning, and after seeing this post, will be headed to Estabrook Park to see what I can find!

 

Other than not bringing any hammering tools, any other recommendations?

 

Gene

 

 

You're gonna find small material mostly. Stick to the outcrop underneath the boardwalk.