10-06-2026 10:25pm

Guided Fossil Collecting at Caesar Creek Highlights Ohio Earth Science Week

Beth Callahan Editor

(Photo courtesy of ODNR) Participants investigate a shale outcrop with an ODNR geologist during a geology hike in celebration of Earth Science Week.

WAYNESVILLE, OH — Warren County residents will have an opportunity to search for fossils at Caesar Creek State Park this month as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ celebration of Earth Science Week.

ODNR geologists will lead a guided fossil collecting event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville. The program is one of several educational events planned across Ohio in connection with Earth Science Week 2026.

Earth Science Week officially runs Sunday, Oct. 11, through Saturday, Oct. 17, although the Caesar Creek program will take place the following day.

This year’s theme, “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society,” focuses on the role geoscience plays in identifying, mining, refining, transporting and responsibly using minerals considered important to everyday life and the economy.

“We hope Ohioans will join ODNR in this annual campaign that inspires a passion for earth science and a love for our natural world,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.

In addition to the Caesar Creek event, ODNR geologists will lead programs elsewhere in the state, including a sinkhole hike Oct. 11 at Wellington Park in Dublin; fossil tours Oct. 13 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus; and a geology talk and ADA-accessible hike Oct. 15 at Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve near Urbana.

“Earth Science Week is an excellent opportunity to engage in the connection between geoscience and our daily lives,” said D. Mark Jones, division chief and state geologist of Ohio.

Jones said the ODNR Division of Geological Survey provides earth science information and data to help Ohioans make informed decisions regarding the state’s future.

ODNR is also offering a limited number of Earth Science Week teacher toolkits for Ohio educators, including homeschool teachers. The kits include experiment instructions, posters, activity sheets, a calendar and other classroom materials. The kits are free while supplies last, although a $5 shipping charge applies.

Teachers may order a toolkit or other educational materials by contacting the Geologic Records Center at 614-265-6576 or geo.survey@dnr.ohio.gov.

Additional information about Earth Science Week programs is available through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.