The book is finally done. I’ve spent the past year taking and editing photos, prospecting new sites in Mazon Creek Pit 11, and creating a workable field guide to help others navigate the area. It is now available for purchase as a paperback copy accompanied by an eBook version. The eBook will be available indefinitely, but the paperback is a limited print run that will start shipping at the end of March/early April. A small number of copies will be available after this time.
Here is a sample of the 76-page Mazon Creek Field Guide
This is the 3rd version of the guide. It was previously only 35 pages, and only available as an eBook. This is the first year it was expanded significantly, and enough so to justify a small number of printed copies.
The book includes wealth of resources, maps, tips, and many photos. This modern-day field guide is here to serve as a “state of the pit,” and provide information on where concretions can still be found today. As the area gets more overgrown, fossils become harder and harder to come by. This guide shows the areas that I have found to still be producing fossils.
I hope it helps to grow the hobby and get more people outdoors and enjoying nature as much as I do.
An Overview of the Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife area and a short history of the coal mines that once operated here
Many photos of opened and unopened Mazon Creek Concretions
The Tully Monster
8 maps to large but secluded collecting areas
Photos of fossils that I have found in the past few years
is this book still available ? my mother lives in Braidwood and this would be an awesome family day
yes it is! in very limited quantities, there are only about 7 left and since it was a one time print, i underestimated the amount to be safe. i will update it now and you can buy it when you are ready 🙂 it would be best to wait until fall or spring to collect. the overgrowth and mosquitos can be quite bad in the summer!
So HOW does one obtain one of the few remaining (hardcover) books ??
I’m a high school science teacher and have collected fossils around the country. I am excited to explore this place. You available to go collecting with me this fall ??
Here is the link 🙂 http://americanfossilhunt.com/product/fossil-collecting-mazon-creek-pit-11-the-field-guide/ There are a few copies left, and it is a hard-copy, but a softcover book.
would love to plan a fall trip. I will keep you updated once the brush dies down and I might be going to Pit 11 again!
I ordered the book but can’t find how to download the PDF. It was order #1377 placed 1/30/21.