Local Enthusiasts Explore Geological Wonders at Danville Spoil Pile Field Trip

On a recent Monday, the 216th event of the series, ESCONI members went on a field trip to the Danville Spoil Pile, despite challenging weather. The trip was part of a series aimed at collecting fossils from the Pennsylvanian period, which is a popular activity and often fills up quickly. Despite some cancellations, the trip was beneficial for those who attended, highlighting the advantage of being on the waiting list for future trips.

The Danville Spoil Pile, about three hours from Chicago, is known for its geological significance and fossils from the Carboniferous period, specifically the Pennsylvanian subperiod. The pile is a result of past coal mining activities by the Dering Coal Company and later by the Peabody Coal Company. These operations have created a large mound of rock and shale, attracting fossil collectors.

During the trip, participants explored the 'Red Dog' shale in the spoil pile, noted for its plant fossils. This shale is unique because it was formed through past spontaneous combustion, which preserved the plant material in a fossilized state. Collectors found many of these fossils, adding to their collections.

The spoil pile also contains fossil-bearing concretions, which can be opened using the freeze/thaw method or by hammering. The freeze/thaw method is preferred as it causes less damage to the fossils. This method uses natural freezing and thawing cycles to slowly break the rock and expose the fossil inside.

The site's historical importance is underscored by its mining history. The Dering Coal Company started mining there in 1904, targeting the Herrin Coal seam. Over time, ownership and mining methods changed, influencing the landscape and forming the spoil piles. These piles provide insights into the industrial past and the environmental and biological conditions of the Pennsylvanian period.

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