Geology

Fossil & Mineral Collecting

Collecting fossils and minerals is an integral part of field work for geologist. When collected in a responsible manner, properly cared for, catalogued and made available for use in a suitable museum, fossil and mineral specimens can reveal incredible secrets about the earth and have contributed significantly to the development of geology as a science, and to the understanding of geological history throughout the world. 

Places to visit:
Herkimer Diamond Mine: http://www.herkimerdiamond.com/
Ace of Diamond Mine: http://www.herkimerdiamonds.com/
Barton Garnet Mine: http://garnetminetours.com/
Penn Dixie Outdoor Education Center: http://www.penndixie.org/
18 Mile Creek: http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/18mile/body.htm

Caving

Caves have been explored out of necessity (for shelter from the elements or from enemies), out of curiosity or for mystical reasons for thousands of years. However, only in the last century or two has the activity developed into a sophisticated, athletic pastime. Caving is often undertaken for the enjoyment of the activity or for physical exercise, as well as original exploration, similar to mountaineering or diving. Physical or biological science is also an important goal for some covers.

Places to visit:
Howe Caverns: http://www.howecaverns.com/
Secret Caverns: http://www.secretcaverns.com/
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves: http://www.stonebridgeandcaves.com/
Lockport Cave: http://www.lockportcave.com/

Parks & Museum

One of the easiest ways to experience geology is to visit one of the many parks and museums located throughout New York State dedicated to the research and preservation of fossils and minerals.

Places to visit:
New York State Museum: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov
The Paleontological Research Institution: http://www.museumoftheearth.org/
Rock City Park: http://www.rockcitypark.com/
Adirondack Park & Museum: http://www.adkmuseum.org/
Buffalo Museum of Science: http://www.sciencebuff.org/
Niagara Falls State Park: http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
High Falls Gorge: http://www.highfallsgorge.com/
Ausable Chasm: http://www.ausablechasm.com/

Organizations

New York State Academy of Mineralogy http://nysam.org/

Seminars

Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Seminars http://rpi.edu/dept/ees/about/colloquium.html
Hudson-Mohawk Professional Geologists' Association http://www.hmpga.org/Events.html
Central NY Association of Professional Geologists http://www.cnyapg.org/
Central New York Paleontology Group http://paleo.cortland.edu/cnypaleo/meetings.html
Capital District Mineral Club http://www.albanyrockclub.com/node/4
Binghamton University Seiminars http://geology.binghamton.edu/seminar.html

Public Events

Rock City Park Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show http://www.rockcitypark.com/docs/Gem-Mineral_Show.pdf
Mineralfest Calender of Shows http://www.mineralfest.com/calendar.html
Long Island Mineral and Geology Society Mineral Show http://www.limineralandgeology.com/Site/Annual_Gem_Show.html
Rochester Mineralogical Symposium http://www.rasny.org/MineralSymp.htm
Rochester Gem, Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Show http://www.rasny.org/show/

Physical Setting/Earth Science Reference Guide - This document is a comprehensive collection of information, graphs and definitions pertaining to general geology as well as information relative to New York State.

Glossary of Geological Terms List and definitions of all things geological.