Paid VicPS members wll have received an email with the following information, and more detal about upcoming planned field trips.
Sept 10th Fieldtrip, Cowichan Head, Saanich
We had beautiful weather this past weekend putting our eyes to work for the RBCM to supplement the Cowichan Head Pleistocene collection with some new material that has eroded from the bluffs over the past season (see photos on the VicPS Facebook page). Dr. Richard Hebda gave us an overview (and for some, a refresher) of the relative ages of each strata, and where the marine became deltaic, etc. up through time. He pointed out the various ‘zones’ along the beach where macrofossils, plant material and marine fossils are likely to be collected, and reminded us that, in the macrofossil zone, look for bright white (bone) and black (tooth material). We did not find more fish (like the beautiful specimen posted to Nanaimo Group Fossils Facebook page last month, and in short order delivered to the RBCM), but we did find what Dr. Hebda identified as fish coprolite. Derek left with a heavier pack containing a handful of plant specimens, a feeding trace and a few tiny bone bits, and we all took away a wealth of information about the history of the bluffs and what current interpretations reveal about environmental change here on the Peninsula over that past 100,000+ years. A big shout out to newest member, Logan, for scoring the BEST find of the day…a small piece of wood perfect for carbon-dating. Logan, we’ll make sure you hear what the research on your discovery reveals!
October 15th Fieldtrip
This is the date for our next planned field trip. Details to follow once confirmed. Also, look for an announcement on a joint field trip of VicPS and VIPS to make up for one that was cancelled last year.
September 20th Meeting IN PERSON!
We begin our fall meetings with an IN-PERSON MEET & GREET and SHOW & TELL! We have not had a show and tell since COVID began in 2020, so please bring AS MUCH MATERIAL AS YOU CAN and let’s see what we can identify. Details of time and place to follow. Finding a room we can afford has been a challenge and your Council are checking out a few. If anyone is aware of a room big enough for 15-20, Internet enabled, please advise.
We will also hold a VicPS Director’s meeting on September 20th, after which we will hold a Symposium wrap-up meeting (date pending) and report out on the Symposium outcomes, including financials.
October 21st, BCPA AGM
The BCPA will hold its AGM in October. We will share the insights we get into what’s happening across BC with you after the meeting.
Welcome back from summer, and please watch for further emails with details on the planned activities above.