WAYNESBORO – Geologist Jeri Jones will lead a field trip, “Exploring Local Wonders” on Saturday, May 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center in partnership with the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club, the trip is open to those age 8 and up.
The first stop is the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Pennsylvania, where the group will take a guided tour into a once-active underground coal mine, including the hospital.
According to their website, the No. 9 Coal Mine was opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. A large vein of anthracite coal, known as the Mammoth Vein, was the main focus of mining operations.
The No. 9 Mine operated from 1855 until June 22, 1972, making it the longest continuously-operated deep anthracite coal mine in the world.
In 1992, a nonprofit group acquired the abandoned mine. After years of restoration work it opened for tours in 2002.
Those touring the mine ride by rail 1,600 feet into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guided walking tour. Visitors can examine the original 700-foot-deep mine shaft, walk the “mule-way” (where young men guided mules between the different levels of the mine), and see a miners’ hospital cut into solid rock.
The second stop is a newly-discovered fern fossil site not far from the #9 Coal Mine. This site features large slabs of rock from the Pennsylvanian age (approximately 323 million to 298 million years ago).
“This ancient shale contains fossils of plants that lived during the formation of our coal resources,” Jones said. “Several experts will be on site to assist group members.”
A collecting guide will be available for all participants to identify what they find.
The group will have lunch at the No. 9 Coal Mine pavilion – everyone should bring a bagged lunch, snacks and beverages.
A geologist for more than 45 years, Jones has conducted extensive research on Pennsylvania mining practices, authored several publications and narrated a three-part video series on regional geology known as “TimeWalk.” He has been on the faculties of several regional colleges.
Transportation will be via bus, provided, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $65 for members of Buttonwood/The Institute, and $70 for the general public. The fee covers transportation, coal mine tour admission and the guidebook. The trip will run rain or shine; meeting point provided upon registration.
Steel-tipped shoes or sturdy hiking boots/shoes are recommended (no sandals or flip-flops). Bring a hard hat if you have one. Hard hats are suggested, not mandatory, and some hard hats will be available to borrow.
Participants should also bring a hammer, newspaper for wrapping specimens, a bucket or box to place specimens and safety glasses if available. Gloves are suggested for working with coal shales. Cameras welcome.
Readers may register online at ButtonwoodNatureCenter.org, or call 717-762-0373 or email to: [email protected].
