Penn Dixie Chronicle

A newsletter of the Penn Dixie Paleontological Outdoor Education Center Hamburg Natural History Society

Founded to Protect and Promote Education

March/April 2015 about our Natural Resources Volume 23, No.2 MARCH PROGRAMS HELP SEND A CHILD TO A SCIENCE SUMMER DAY CAMP! Every child deserves a chance to attend summer science camp and have the opportunity to enjoy new experiences. Unfortunately, there are many children in our area for whom attending summer camp is not an option because of financial limitations.

Penn Dixie would like to change that for 10 deserving girls and boys, 8-12 years old, by taking part in the United Way’s Buffalo Niagara’s Day of Giving “Spring It On 24-hour Give-a-Thon” from 8 a.m. March 19 to 8 a.m. March 20.

The goal is to raise $1,800, which would allow 10 children to attend one of Penn Dixie’s three one-week-long camps: “Science Adventure Camp”, “Dinosaurs, Fossils and Nature” and “Summer Science Safari” which are held during July and August. The Dinosaur camp will have children experiencing Penn Dixie and Evangola State Park for two days and Past & Present Rock Shop one day. The Summer Science Safari children will experience Penn Dixie and Evangola State Park for two days and Reinstein Woods Nature Center for one day. Dates and program information are available at www.penndixie.org.

In these camps, children learn about the natural sciences through hands-on programs, investigations, inquiry, and dis- covery, which will foster their creativity, teach them about the world of science that surrounds them, improve their social interaction, and give them a chance to make lifelong friendships.

To accomplish this goal we need your donation, so please take part in the ‘Spring It On’. Make a donation and help us send these 10 children to an educational and fun-filled experience they will remember all their lives. The link to make a donation is http://www.springiton.org/penndixie. Thank you for your support! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PENN DIXIE EXHIBIT AT UNIVERSITY DAY OF SCOUTING Penn Dixie will have an exhibit at the Greater Niagara Frontier Council University Day of Scouting on Sat- urday, March 7, 2015, from 9 am-2 pm at the Erie County Community College North Campus. Penn Dixie will be promoting programs, events, and Scout programs to Boy Scouts, Webelos, Cub Scouts, and their leaders. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PENN DIXIE EXHIBIT WILL BE AT THE BUFFALO GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S 47th ANNUAL GEM-MINERAL-FOSSIL SHOW MARCH 21-22 The Penn Dixie will display fossils, program information, the fossil dig for children, and astronomy information at the Buffalo Geological Society’s 47th Annual GEM-MINERAL-FOSSIL SHOW on Saturday, March 21 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, March 22, 10 am to 5 pm in the Market and Grange Buildings at the Erie County Fairgrounds. The theme of the show is FLUORITE: ‘FACES OF A CRYSTAL’. There will be minerals, fossils, and other geological speci- mens on display, along with demonstrations, dealers in minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, gems and more. The famous Mini-Mine for children and Grandpa’s Corner doing crafts will also be available. Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, 14075 (716)627-4560

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PENN DIXIE PROGRAMS

The Penn Dixie Site Volunteer Training Session is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2015, from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon in the Gateway Executive Office auditorium at 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell. Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, a non-profit educational organization, provides programs and events in fossil collecting, geology, astronomy, birding, wetland investigations and studies, and the natural sciences, is currently recruiting enthusiastic and responsible individuals to help support on-site and off-site programs. This could be your perfect opportunity if you…

• Want to make a difference in your community. • Are looking for a hands-on volunteer organization. • Have three or four hours available each month. • Need to fulfill community service hours. • Are seeking teaching or mentoring opportunities.

As the demand for programs continues, the need for additional volunteers also increases. This is a great opportunity to introduce children and adults to the world of natural sciences available in our region. Families from over 41 states, Washington, D.C., and 14 countries visited Penn Dixie in 2014. Penn Dixie has a variety of programs, exhibits, and events that suc- ceed through the volunteer efforts of individuals, groups, students, scouts, Robin Harris, Rick Batt & Linda Bastedo seniors and retirees. Public days and programs are available for schools, helping introduce Penn Dixie to children and scouts, families, individuals, physically and mentally challenged, and visi- adults at the Erie, PA, Gem- Mineral-Fossil tors from around the world. Over 4,100 feet of paved trails provide access Show for wheel chairs, walkers, strollers, and wagons for visitors, along with a bridge connecting the northern and northeastern trail sections on the site. In 2014, 460 events reached over 123,792 children and adults. Visit the Penn Dixie website: www.penndixie.org for information on the volunteer program. Reserve a spot in the Penn Dixie training session: (716) 627-4560. Pre-registration is requested to have sufficient train- ing booklets available. Free for Penn Dixie members. Non-members are $30/person. Students and adults of all back- grounds are welcome! You can make a difference! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Four Worlds, One Country: A look Into the diverse Treasures of Ecuador”

Penn Dixie is pleased to have Abigail LaPlaca, of the University of Buffalo, speak on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Of- fice, 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219. Ms. LaPlaca had a great opportunity to spend a semester in Ecuador and South America for her Undergraduate Program at UB.

The wonders of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rain- forest, the coastal region, and the Galapagos Islands come together on a tiny piece of South America. Come travel to zero degrees latitude and learn about the incredible features of Ecuador and Peru! We will look into the fantastic geographical and ecological diversity of these areas, the accomplishments and cultural rich- ness of the Incans and other indigenous peoples, and the intere sting chemistry of ancient and modern cultures brought together in their societies today!

Ms. LaPlaca’s illustrated presentation is open to the public – including children, families, students, scouts, and groups are welcome. No pre-registrations are required. $5 per person and Penn Dixie members are free. Visit the website www.penndixie.org or call (716) 627-4560 for ad- ditional information and directions. Penn Dixie membership and program information will be available at all the lectures.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 PENN DIXIE PENN DIXIE WILL BE OPEN FOR EXHIBIT WILL BE SPRING BREAK MARCH 28-APRIL 12 AT THE HAMBURG FOR FOSSIL COLLECTING & CHAMBER OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS

COMMERCE TRADE FAIR ON Penn Dixie will be open on March 28-April 12 for fossil collecting Mon.-Sat, 9 am-5 pm & Sun. 10 am-5pm, but MARCH 27th will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 5. During Easter Penn Dixie will be a sponsor and have an exhibit in the Break there are six different Spring into Nature programs Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair on Friday, being offered, a different program each day the week be- March 27, 2015, from 1-8 PM in the Grange Building at the fore Easter and the week after. On Saturday, April 4, there Erie County Fairgrounds. Penn Dixie will have fossils on will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children. All these programs display, program information, and the fossil dig for children. are available on the website www. This trade Fair will be featuring over 40 HCC businesses. penndixie.org or by calling (716) There is FREE parking and FREE admission for all. 627-4560 to request information to be sent. The Spring Into Nature ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ programs require pre-registration which may be done by calling (716) PENN DIXIE EXHIBIT AT TOWN OF 627-4560. EVANS ENVIRONMENTAL DAY ON ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MARCH 28 Penn Dixie will have an exhibit at the Town of Evans Envi- TELESCOPES WILL FOCUS ON ronmental Day on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 9 am-5 MARS, VENUS AND A VARIETY OF pm in the Evans Volunteer Fire Department on Rt. 5 in Evans. Program information and the fossil dig for children CONSTELLATIONS IN THE PENN will be available. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIXIE SKIES ON MARCH 28th Telescopes will be scanning the skies at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, NY, on Saturday, March 28, 2015, beginning at 7:30 PM. Telescopes, with filters, will be available to view sun- spots and solar flares before sunset. After dark, telescopes will focus on the Penn Dixie Skies to view Mars and Venus in the west, the Pleiades M45 (7 sisters) in the southwest, and famous Orion’s Nebula M42. a Half moon will be to the right of Cancers Bee Hive cluster M44 and the bright planet Jupiter to its left, the Winter Triangle in the south, and the Spring Triangle rising in the east, and a variety of other constellations.

Two 16-inch, one 14-inch, and two 8-inch telescopes will be available for viewing. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescopes, if they like. This is also a good opportunity to learn about the variety of telescopes available before making a purchase. If anyone has questions about how to operate their per- sonal telescope, they are welcome to bring it and the Penn Dixie astronomers will help them learn how to operate it.

Families, scouts, and groups are encouraged to attend. No pre-registration required. $4/person. Penn Dixie members are free. Visit www.penndixie.org or call 627-4560 for additional information, directions, and 2011 special events, astron- omy, school tours, membership, birthday parties and volunteer opportunities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ APRIL PROGRAMS GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE AND YOU ON APRIL 2nd Penn Dixie is pleased to have Mary Jo Graham, of Erie County Community College, speak on “ Gardening For Wild- life And You” on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office, 3556 Lake Shore Road,Blasdell, NY 14219. It is no surprise that the plants best loved by humans also are favorites of wild animals. While this can sometimes be a challenge, there are ways to share the bounty among all who wish to partake. This talk offers tips and recommendations for gardening with both you and wildlife in mind. We’ll cover garden plantings, form containers to large pots and discuss critters of all sizes from insects to White- tailed Deer. Ms. Graham’s illustrated presentation is open to the public – including children, families, students, scouts, and groups are welcome. No pre-registrations are required. $5 per person and Penn Dixie members are free. Visit the website www.penndixie.org or call (716) 627-4560 for additional information and directions. Penn Dixie membership and program information will be available at all the lectures. Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560

Become a Wetland Detective! Monday, March 30th, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Monday, April 6th, 2015 1:00 - 3:00 PM Are you a future Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple? Come to Penn Dixie and investigate its murky wetland area and learn about the plants and animals that depend on it for survival. This will be a hands on adventure, with live animal encounters! (Cost $10 for not yet members $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required – limit 35) *Special Penn Dixie Family Discount $25 for all families of 4 Who Pooped at Penn Dixie? Tuesday, March 31th, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Tuesday, April 7th 2015 1:00 - 3:00 PM Join a naturalist for a hiking expedition to look for clues at Penn Dixie. We’ll search high and low for animal scat and tracks that were left behind this winter. This program doesn't stink we assure you, but what we will find just might! (Cost $10 for not yet members - $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required – limit 35) *Special Penn Dixie Family Discount $25 for all families of 4 Spring Bird walk for Beginners Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wednesday, April 8th, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Come on Downy to Penn Dixie for a hike to spot birds and their habitats. Bring your eyes, ears, binoculars and field guides if you have them. After the hike kids will have fun making a simple bird craft. (Cost $10 for not yet members - $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required – limit 35) *Special Penn Dixie All Family Discount $25 for all families of 4 What’s Beneath Your Feet? Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Thursday, April 9th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Brachiopods, Trilobites and Corals, Oh My! Uncover rock and fossil remains of animals that lived in the ocean 20-30 degrees south of the equator, 380 million years ago. These creatures lived long before dinosaurs ever roamed the earth. You will be amazed by these Devonian Fossil Discoveries! (Cost $10 for not yet members - $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required) *Special Penn Dixie All Family Discount $25 for all families of 4 Searching Penn Dixie Skies Friday, April 3rd, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Friday, April 10th, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Ever look up into the sky at night and wonder what's out there? View sunspots and solar flares. Learn what can be seen at night. Find out about telescopes to buy so you, too, can begin star-gazing! (Cost $10 for not yet members - $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required) *Special Penn Dixie All Family Discount $25 for all families of 4

Family Wilderness Preparedness! Saturday, April 4, 2015 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday, April 11th, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Learn the rule of 3’s when you enter the woods to be a Survivor! Join an experienced outdoor enthusiast as he teaches us some basic survival techniques, such as how to build a fire, and obtain water, so you will be prepared to go exploring. (Cost $10 for not yet members - $8 for members, Admission includes fossil collecting. Pre-Registration required) *Special Penn Dixie Family Discount $25 for all families of 4

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 Call Penn Dixie at 716-627-4560 to register and for directions. Visit penndixie.org for more information. PENN DIXIE EASTER EGG HUNT ON PENN DIXIE EXHBIT AT COOL KIDS APRIL 4th ECO-FEST EARTH DAY AT GENESEE Penn Dixie’s Easter Egg Hunt Extravavganza! will be held on Saturday, April 4, promptly at 1 PM, at the site. Chil- COMMUNITY COLLEGE APRIL 11th dren 12 and under will find colorful eggs hidden all around the site (limit of 2 eggs per child). Prizes for all kids, plus The Penn Dixie exhibit will be at the Annual Cool Kids games, and get your picture with ‘Tilly the Trilobite”, and Eco-Fest Earth Day Event at Genesee Community College more. Non-member children $10, member children-$8, in Batavia on Saturday, April 11, from10 am-2 pm. This non-member adults-$9, member adults Free. Easte Egg event focuses on recycling, environmental good practices, Hunt Admission includes fossil collecting. No pre-registra- ecology, and features many nature and outdoor education tion required. Event will be held rain or shine. Bring your centers. Penn Dixie will have fossils on display, program own basket. Call (716) 627-4560 for information. information and the popular fossil dig for children. This is a well-attended event that makes many families aware of Penn Dixie and the many activities available in Erie County.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: GREAT PLACES TO SEE “DOWN UNDER” GEOLOGY AND MORE ON APRIL 16th Penn Dixie is pleased to have Dr. Rick Batt, of Buffalo State College, speak on “ Australia and New Zealand: Great Places to see ‘Down Under’ geology and more” on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office, 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219.

The small continent of Australia and the islands that comprise New Zealand are pieces that broke off from the great continent Gondwana. Today, each has its unique geologic setting and isolated location that favor spectacular scenery and wildlife. Australia today is far from plate boundaries, so it has just one major chain of mountains down the Rick Batt with stromatolites in the background. eastern portion. The remainder, except for the northern latitudes with their rain forests, is mostly relatively low and dominated by desert. In contrast, New Zealand is situated along active plate boundaries. The Pacific Ocean plate is sub-ducting beneath the North Island, with the result that the North Island is a good place to see active volcanoes and geothermal features like geysers and hot pools. The South Island, however, is being smeared along a major transform fault, with pressure along the shear zone pushing up the high mountains of the Southern Alps.

Dr. Rick Batt and his wife, Dr. Robin Harris had the opportunity to spend several weeks in Australia and New Zealand early last summer (the onset of winter there), taking numerous pictures including the ones that will be shown here. They traveled through portions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand before begin- ning their itinerary in Australia (more a “fly about” instead of a “walk about” since it’s such a huge place). Some of the areas that will be highlighted in this presentation include the North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula, geo- thermal features, and a little hill with a long name; the South Island’s Southern Alps and Christ Church, the site of an earthquake that caused major damage in 2011; and, in Australia, areas around Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne, Perth, Shark Bay (home of some living stromatolites), Darwin (with nearby Kakadu National Park), Uluru (Ayer’s Rock), Cairns (access to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rain forest), and Brisbane.

Dr. Batt’s illustrated presentation is open to the public – including children, families, students, scouts, and groups are welcome. No pre-registrations are required. $5 per person and Penn Dixie members are free. Visit the web- site www.penndixie.org or call (716) 627-4560 for additional information and directions. Penn Dixie membership

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560

! ! EARTH DAY 2015 AT PENN DIXIE APRIL 18th The 2015 Annual Earth Day cleanup and planting of trees and shrubs will be held at Penn Dixie on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 9 AM. Bring gloves, a change of shoes, and dress for the weather. This event will run rain or shine. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. A dumpster will be available for all debris collected. This is a good opportunity for scout or school service hours. Free admission for those who participate in the Earth Day cleanup and plantings. If you have a shrub or tree you would like to donate please bring it along. For information, call (716) 627-4560. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ASTRONOMY AND PLANETARIUM NIGHT AT WILLIAMSVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL APRIL 22nd Penn Dixie and the Williamsville North Space Planetarium are collaborating on an astronomy-planetarium night on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, beginning at 6 PM. Penn Dixie telescopes will be available to view the Williamsville Skies to observe a crescent moon, Venus, Jupiter, and a variety of constellations. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes, especially if they have operational questions or are learning about what type of telescope to purchase.

The Planetarium Show, The Making of a Star and her Entourage, will be presented at 6:30 and 7:15 PM. Dis- cover how human thought and understanding has change dramatically over the centuries and come explore how stars form and how x-rays from the forming star may impede the formation of planetary systems. Weather permitting; Penn Dixie will have telescopes available for all to view the planets and constellations.

This is a free program. No pre-registrations required. The Williamsville Space Planetarium is at 1595 Hopkins Rd. (near Dodge), with the planetarium entrance on the south side of the building off the parking lot. Call (716) 627-4560 for information and directions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11th ANNUAL MEMBERS ONLY CINCINNATI FIELD TRIP APRIL 23-26th

Penn Dixie has scheduled a Members Only field trip to the Cincinnati, OH area to collect 500 million-year old Ordovician fossils. Permission has been secured to collect in the St. Paul, IN, quarry on Friday, April 24. We are working on a couple of locations for us to collect trilobites, echinoderms, brachiopods, and a va riety of other fossils. On Friday evening, for those interested, we will attend the Dry Dredgers monthly meeting at the University of Cincinnati. The locations are still being final- ized and hopefully we will be visiting a new location in Indiana. Those who participated in the nine previous April trips had a great time and all found trilobites and a variety of other fos- sils. The trip is scheduled for April 23-26, 2015 departing on Thursday morning and returning on Sunday. Participants will be car-pooling for this trip. There will be a $15 charge/member to attend this trip. Additional information on hotel, sites to visit, and reservations can be obtained by leaving a message on the Penn Dixie phone at (716) 627-4560 or email jbpendix@gmail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SPRING BIRD WALK AT PENN DIXIE APRIL 26th The first Spring Bird Walk at Penn Dixie will be on April 26 at 9 AM. Marilyn O’Connell, of Wild Birds Unlimited, will lead those participating in a tour of the site to view some of the 143 nesting and migratory birds that have been identified at the site. Bring binoculars, boots, and dress for the weather. The Penn Dixie Bird List may be downloaded from the Penn Dixie website at www. penndixie.org. The next Spring Bird Walk will be led by Marilyn O’Connell, of Wild Birds Unlimited on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at 9 AM.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 TELESCOPES VIEW MOON, JUPITER, & A VARIETY CONSTELLATIONS IN PENN DIXIE SKIES ON APRIL 25th

Penn Dixie telescopes will focus on Venus high in the west, a half moon just un- der and to the right of the Bee Hive Cluster M44, Jupiter, the Big Dipper, and use the pointer stars Dubbe & Merak to locate the North Star Polaris, and a variety of other constellations at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, NY, on Saturday, April 25, 2015, beginning at 7:30 PM.

Telescopes, with filters, will be available to view sunspots and solar flares prior to sunset. Two 16-inch, one 8-inch and a variety of other telescopes will be avail- able for viewing. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescopes, if they like. Penn Dixie volunteers will also help visitors learn how to operate their own telescopes. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the variety of tele- scopes available before making a purchase.

Dress for the weather. The public is invited and children are encouraged to attend. $4/person, HNHS members are free. No pre-registrations are required. Call (716) 627-4560 for additional information and/or visit the web site at www. penndixie.org for directions, program, and membership information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PALEOLITHIC ART: CAVE PAINTINGS FROM FRANCE AND SPAIN

Penn Dixie is pleased to have Carol Miller, of Lockport, speak on “ Paleolithic Art: Cave paintings from France and Spain” on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gate- way Executive Office, 3556 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219.

Cave paintings, sculptures, spear throwers, 35,000-year old carv- ings, 25,000-year old jewelry. Paleolithic art is all this and more. Highly developed art did not appear in our lifetime; it has been around for thousands of years. Come and hear for yourself.

Paleolithic speaker, Carol Miller, will present a one-night review of her popular five-week Paleolithic Art session. She will discuss the sudden appearance of art approximately 35,000 years ago. Top- ics include cave paintings from the well-known caves of Altamira, Lascaux, and Chauvet, as well as a few lesser-known caves. The review will also include etchings, sculptures, portable art, jewelry, and the popular Venus figures.

Carol is a retired microbiologist, having worked in clinical and veterinary medicine, sales, and clinical instruction. She now devotes her time to the more enjoyable pursuits of quilting, writing, photography, traveling, and teaching for fun. She has given classes on Paleolithic Art at various venues in and around Lockport.

Ms. Miller’s illustrated presentation is open to the public – including children, families, students, scouts, and groups are welcome. No pre-registrations are required. $5 per person and Penn Dixie members are free. Visit the website www.penndixie.org or call (716) 627-4560 for additional information and directions. Penn Dixie mem- bership and program information will be available at all the lectures. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WELCOME TINA RIMBECK TO THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE BOARD We welcome Tina Rimbeck, from the Buffalo Sabres, to the HNHS Board of Directors. She was appointed by President Felice Krycia and approved by the HNHS Board members to fill a vacancy on the Board. She will be officially elected to the Board by the Penn Dixie membership in the November 2015 an- nual elections. Please welcome Tina when you meet her.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Calendar of Events ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ complete calendar available on the website www.penndixie.org

MARCH March 31, 2015 – 1 PM, Spring Into Nature March 7, 2015 – 8:30 AM- 2 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at Program“Who Pooped at Penn Dixie?,” for children the Boy Scout University Day of Scouting and adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for March 14, 2015 – 8:30 am-12 Noon, Penn Dixie Volun- families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or teer Training. Call (716) 627-4560 or call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. email [email protected] for information and/or registration. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ March 14, 2015 9 AM-2 PM, Penn Dixie presentations at APRIL 10th Anniversary of Tech Savvy girls STEM Program April 1, 2015 – 1 PM, Spring Into Nature Program “Spring Bird Walk for Beginners,” for children and March 18, 2015 – 7 PM, “Four Worlds, One Country: adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per A Look into the Diverse Treasures of Ecuador,” by Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for Abby LaPlaca, University of Buffalo, an illustrated pre- families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or sentation in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Of- call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. fice 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations required. April 2, 2015 – 1 PM, Spring Into Nature Program “What’s Beneath Your Feet,” for children and adults. March 21-22, 2015 – Penn Dixie exhibit at Buffalo Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Penn Dixie Geological Society Show in the Grange and Market member, Special Family discount $25 for families of 4. Buildings at the Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg New Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627- York. 4560 for information and/or to register. March 27, 2015 – 1-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at Ham- April 2, 2015 – 7 PM, “Gardening for Wildlife and burg Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair in the Grange You,” by Mary Jo Graham, Erie County Community Building at Erie County Fairgrounds. College, an illustrated presentation in the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., March 27, 2015 – 6-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at Union Blasdell, NY. $5/person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No Pleasant Elementary School Science Night, Hamburg, pre-registrations required. NY April 3, 2015 – 1 PM, Spring Into Nature Program March 28, 2015 – 9 AM-2 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at “Searching Penn Dixie Skies,” for children and adults. Town of Evans Environmental Day at Evans Fire Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Penn Dixie Dept. member, Special Family discount $25 for families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627- March 28, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn 4560 for information and/or to register. Dixie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets and constellations. Dress for the weather. No pre-regis- April 4, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program trations required. $4/person, Penn Dixie Members FREE “Family Wilderness Preparedness!,” for children and adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per March 28-April 4 & April 6-12, 2015 – Penn Dixie Open Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for during Spring Break, Mon- Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM & Sunday, families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or 10 AM–5 PM, Adults $9 and children 12 & under $7, chil- call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. dren 2 and under & Penn Dixie members FREE. April 4, 2015 – 1 PM, Penn Dixie Easter Egg Hunt for March 30, 2015 – 1 PM, Spring into Nature Program children. Children only get to find two eggs. $10/ non- “Become a Wetland Detective” for children and adults. member children and $8/Penn Dixie members, Adults Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Penn Dixie $9, and Penn Dixie Members free. Prizes for all children. member, Special Family discount $25 for families of 4. Fossil collecting for all included. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627- 4560 for information and/or to register.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 April 6, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program “Become a Wetland Detective!,” for children and April 18, 2015 – 9 AM, Earth Day at Penn Dixie. Volun- adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per teers welcome & have free admission to collect fossils. Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or April 22, 2015 – 6 PM, Williamsville North Planetarium call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. Show and Astronomy Night with Penn Dixie telescopes at the Williamsville North Space Planetarium, 1595 Hop- April 7, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program kins Rd. Public welcome. No pre-registrations required. “Who Pooped at Penn Dixie?,” for children and FREE program. Children, families, scouts and students adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ welcome. Call (716) 627-4560 for information. Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or April 23-26, 2015 – 11th Annual Penn Dixie Members call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. Only Cincinnati Field Trip. Please email jbpendix@ gmail.com or call (716) 627-4560 for information. April 8, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program “Spring Bird Walk for Beginners,” for children and April 25, 2015 – 7 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn Dixie adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets and Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for constellations. Dress for the weather. families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or No pre-registrations required. $4/person, Penn Dixie call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. Members FREE. April 9, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program April 26, 2015 – 9 AM, Spring Bird Walk at Penn Dixie “What’s Beneath Your Feet?,” for children and adults. led by Marilyn O’Connell, of Wild Birds Unlimited. Bring Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Penn Di- binoculars, boots, and dress for the weather. Free pro- xie member, Special Family discount $25 for families of gram. No pre-registration required. Children welcome. 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. April 29, 2015 – 7 PM, “Paleolithic Art: Cave paintings from France & Spain,” by Carol Miller, an April 10, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program illustrated presentation in the auditorium of the Gateway “Searching Penn Dixie Skies,” for children and Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/ adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for required. families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. April 30, 2015 – 6-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit, fossil dig, programs, and telescopes at Ellicott Elementary April 10, 2015 – 6-8 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at South School, Orchard Park. Davis Elementary School April 16, 2015, 7 PM, “Australia and New Zealand: MAY Great places to see “Down Under” geology & May 2-November 1, 2015 – Penn Dixie Public Days for more,” by Dr, Rick Batt, Buffalo State, an illustrated fossil collecting, Sat. 9 AM-5 PM & Sun. 10 AM-5 PM. presentation in the auditorium of the Gateway Execu- Visits may be scheduled at other times. Adults $9 each, tive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/per- children 12 & under $7, children 2 & under and Penn son, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations Dixie members FREE. required. May 3, 2015 – 9 AM, Spring Bird Walk at Penn Dixie April 11, 2015 – 10 AM-2 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at led by Marilyn O’Connell, Wild Birds Unlimited. Eco-Fest Earth Day Event at Genesee Community Bring binoculars, boots, and dress for the weather. Free College, Batavia, NY. program. No pre-registration required. Children welcome. April 11, 2015 – 10 AM, Spring Into Nature Program “Family Wilderness Preparedness!,” for children and May 3, 2015 – 1-4 PM, Penn Dixie Geology Merit adults. Pre-registration required. $10/person, $8 per Badge Day. Registration must be made through the Penn Dixie member, Special Family discount $25 for Greater Niagara Frontier Council. families of 4. Visit www.penndixie.org for information or call (716) 627-4560 for information and/or to register. May 15, 2015- 7 PM, “Utah Long-necked Dinosaurs; Myths & Mysteries,” by Joe ‘PaleoJoe’ Kchodl, of April 16, 2015, 7 PM, “Australia and New Zealand: Midland, MI, an illustrated presentation with some speci- Great places to see “Down Under” geology & mens, in the auditorium of the Gateway more,” by Dr. Rick Batt, Buffalo State, an illustrated Executive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/ presentation in the auditorium of the Gateway Execu- person, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations tive Office 3556 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell, NY. $5/per- required. son, Penn Dixie members FREE. No pre-registrations required.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 May 16, 2015 – 9 AM, Penn Dixie’s 11th Annual ‘Dig with the Experts’ at the site. Email [email protected] June 13, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn or call (716) 627-4560 for information and to Dixie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets register. Penn Dixie Members $25 and non-members and constellations. Dress for the weather. $4/person, $30. Penn Dixie Members FREE. No pre-registrations required. May 16, 2015 – 7:30 PM, Astronomy Night at Penn Di- xie Site. Telescopes will be available to view planets and June 13, 2015 – 11 am-5 PM, Penn Dixie exhibit at constellations. Dress for the weather. $4/person, Penn Great Lakes Experience at Dunkirk sponsored by the Dixie Members FREE. No pre-registrations required. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service May 17, 2015 – 1-4 PM, Webelo Geology Activity June 14, 2015 - 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 24th Annual Penn Badge Day. Registration must be made through the Dixie Nature Cruise Tour. Call (716) 627-4560 for reg- Greater Niagara Frontier Council. istration information and cost or visit www.penndixie.org. Limited space available. JUNE June 7, 2015 - 1 PM to 4 PM Children’s Day June 28, 2015, 2015 - 11 AM to 4 PM – Celebrate Children’s Day at Penn Dixie! Special fun “Big Toys, Trucks and Bikes Event” events for children and their families, prizes for children’s Fossil collecting, viewing of sunspots, and a “Big Toys contests, viewing sunspots and other astronomy activi- Event” fundraiser! Sit in your favorite truck, explore a ties, fossil identification, and more! variety of vehicles, and have your picture taken in your Adults $9 each, children 12 and under $7, children 2 and favorite vehicle – check web site for details. Adults $9 under & Penn Dixie members FREE. each, children 12 and under $7, and children 2 and under & Penn Dixie members FREE. Penn Dixie has 4,100+ June 13 - September 8, 2015, Penn Dixie open for feet of paved trails for wheel chairs, walkers, strollers, fossil collecting 7-days a week. Visit www.penndixie. and wagons. org or call (716) 627-4560 for directions and information. Adults $9, Children 12 & under $7, Penn Dixie members FREE. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2015 SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR BOYS & GIRLS 8-12 YEARS OLD 2015 SCIENCE ADVENTURE DAY CAMP AT PENN DIXIE The Penn Dixie Site will be offering a five-day, 9 AM to 3 PM, Science Adventure Day Camp, for 8-12 year olds July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7, and August 17-21. The campers will explore geology, fossils, astronomy, weather, ecology, and rocketry at the Penn Dixie Site. The rates are $180 per camper for non-members, and $155 for family members. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www.penndixie.org or by leaving your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected]. Pre-registration is requested.

2015 Dinosaurs, Fossils & Nature Science Summer Day Camp at Penn Dixie, Evangola State Park & Past & Present Science & Nature Store The Dinosaurs, Fossils & Nature Science Summer Day Camp will be held from 9 am-3 pm, July 13-17 and August 10-14 for 8-12 year olds. Campers will be at Penn Dixie Monday & Tuesday; Past & Present on Wednesday, and at Evangola State Park on Thursday and Friday. Geology, fossils, dinosaurs, and nature will feature the week’s activities. The rates are $180 per camper for the week. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www. penndixie.org or by leaving your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected]. Pre-regis- tration is requested. 2015 Summer Science Safari Summer Day Camp at Penn Dixie, Evangola State Park, Reinstein WoodsThe summer Science Safari Summer Safari Day Camp will be held from 9 am-3 pm, July 27-31 and August 24-28 for 8-12 year olds. Campers will be at Penn Dixie on Monday & Tuesday; Evangola on Wednesday & Thursday; and Reinstein Woods on Fridays. Geology, fossils, wetlands, and nature will feature the week’s activities. The rates are $180 per camper for the week. The registration brochure is available on the Penn Dixie web site at www.penndixie.org or by leav- ing your name and mailing address at (716) 627-4560 or email jbpen- [email protected]. Pre-registration is requested. Summer Day Camp programs and registration forms are available on the Penn Dixie website. Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 CHARITABLE GIVING PLANNING WITH THE NEW YEAR As the New Year begins, many taxpayers attempt to streamline their finances to ensure that transactions that can be deducted on their tax return are completed in a timely way. This includes making gifts to charities. Do you plan to include your retirement assets in charitable donations? If so, consider how it may affect your finances. In some cases, it can be more beneficial to name the charity as a designated beneficiary of your retirement account, rather than giving the assets during your lifetime. The Hamburg Natural History Society/ Penn Dixie is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, a charitable organization. In this uncertain economic climate, the HNHS/Penn Dixie is going to be more dependent on new and additional sources of funding. A Charitable donation is a gift made by an individual or an organization to a non-profit organization, charity, or private foundation. Charitable donations are commonly in the form of cash, but can also take the form of real estate, motor vehicles, appreciated securities, or other assets and services. Charitable donations often represent the primary source of funding for many charitable organizations and non-profit organizations. Most charitable donations made by an individual will provide him or her with an income tax deduction. For more information contact our financial consultant Michael Brown, of the allW Street Financial Group, at (585) 507-2596. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HELP MARKET PENN DIXIE You, as a member are the best form of marketing that Penn Dixie has available. Please encourage your scout groups, schools, day care cen- ters, recreation departments, visitors, families, friends, and neighbors to experience Penn Dixie. Many are unfamiliar with this world-class outdoor educational, cultural, recreational, and tourism attraction in Hamburg. Please help recruit new members and encourage your company and civic organization to help support Penn Dixie. Admissions and memberships are important source of revenue that help support programs, events, summer day camps, off-sit programs, and Penn Dixie operations. Your support is greatly appreciated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PENN DIXIE IN-SCHOOL AND ON-SITE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE Busing costs prohibiting getting your students to Penn Dixie for a hands-on experience? Penn Dixie staff will visit your pre-school, day care center, libraries, after school program, and science nights. A variety of natural science programs in fossils, geology, rocks and minerals, and birds may be brought directly to your facility. Call (716) 627-4560 for information, scheduling and costs. Please leave your phone number and brief message and we will get back to you ASAP.

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BOOK YOUR SCHOOL AND/OR GROUP FIELD TRIP TO PENN DIXIE NOW FOR A HANDS-ON OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE IN 2015 SSchool and group field trips to visit Penn Dixie for the Spring and Summer of 2015 are now being booked. Have your students, chil- dren and adults experience an outdoor classroom in fossils, geology, and nature. Field trips are the best way to learn, experience, and see science first hand. Please call (716) 627-4560, if you are interested in scheduling your class to visit to collect fossils, learn about what the area was like 380 million years ago, and the local geology.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 11th ANNUAL DIG WITH THE EXPERTS ON MAY 16TH

There were several slabs with multiple complete trilobites collected during the 2014 ‘Dig with Experts’ event. The experts will excavate an area for this program and show you how to split the shale to discover some complete speci- mens. Although a large complete trilobite is the goal, there are other unique fossils besides trilobites that can be found at Penn Dixie. Cephalopods, carbonized wood, fish remains, crinoid calices, and other specimens may be found with careful excavation and preparation. Join us on Saturday, May 16th when HNHS Cincinnati members Dan Cooper, Don Bissett and their team will show you how complete trilobites can be found. The program will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cost will be $25/Penn Dixie member and $30/non-member. This will be a fun event and a chance to find some other interesting fossils that have been preserved in the rocks at Penn Dixie. In addition, PaleoJoe, of Michigan, will be having a ‘Utah Long- necked Dinosaurs; Myths & Mysteries’ presentation the night be- fore on May 15 at 7 PM in the auditorium of the Gateway Execu- tive Office, not far from the site. This is a presentation for children and adults. Plan on attending both events. Participants in the “Dig” should bring gloves, a crack hammer, chisels, a pry bar, safety glasses, a small shovel, newspaper, paper towels, Elmer’s glue & water, and a collecting bag or flat for your specimens. Dan and Don have been collecting at Penn Dixie for many years and know some of the good areas to collect. Five Penn Dixie members from Michigan are already signed up for the ‘Dig’. If you are interested in signing up for this program, please call (716) 627-4560 or email [email protected].

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE Do you need to renew your membership? Check the mailing label and if it has 2014 above your name, your membership is up for renewal. Penn Dixie memberships are on a calendar year basis. Memberships in the HNHS are needed to help support the programs and operations of the Penn Dixie Site. Consider increasing your membership to the next level this year. The HNHS needs to triple its membership to help support the educational programs and operations of the Penn Dixie. If all the memberships could recruit or gift one or two new memberships this fall, it would be of great help to the HNHS. If each membership renewal included an extra donation of $25 to $30, this could also help close the society’s budget deficit. Your support is needed to help keep Penn Dixie moving forward. The HNHS wants to continue to offer new and interesting programs while maintaining and continuing to develop the site. Your support is needed to make certain that this happens. You can make a difference!!

NEW MEMBERSHIP AND ADMISSIONRATES BEGIN IN 2015 The HNHS/Board has voted to increase membership rates in most categories in 2015. The Student, Senior, Indi- vidual, Family, Grandparents, Associate and School memberships will all increase by $5 in each category. These new rates will take affect on January 1, 2015. Current members and new members may renew at the existing rates and save a few dollars, if done before December 31, 2014. The admission rates will also be increasing in 2015 for fossil collecting for adults to $9 each, children 12 and under will be $7, and children 2 and under and Penn Dixie members will be free. The Winter/Spring lecture series will be increased to $5 per person and the astronomy programs will be $4 per person in 2015. The increase in the membership and admissions is necessary to help cover the increased operational, program, insur- ance, marketing, and other costs required to keep Penn Dixie operating and developing new programs and facilities.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 24th PENN DIXIE NATURE CRUISE JUNE 14TH

Make your reservations now! The Nature Cruise will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Boarding for the cruise will begin at 8:30 AM at the entrance to the Erie Basin Ma- rina, departure is promptly at 9 AM, and return to the dock at 12 Noon. The cruise will provide views from the harbor, , the , the locks, and the Black Rock Canal as we travel along the Buffalo waterfront. This will be a great op- portunity to view the 410-ft. tall wind turbines that have been installed on the former Bethle- hem Steel site and other changes being made on the Buffalo waterfront. Experts in aquatic biology, birding, fisheries, and geology will provide information on the formation of the lake and river, the fishing, birding opportunities, and features along the waterfront. The cost of the cruise and lighthouse tour for Penn Dixie members - $27 adults, $24 chil- dren and non-mem- ber adults - $30, children $27. This cruise generally sells out, so do not wait too long to make your reserva- tion. A confirmation letter will be sent out to all registrants upon receipt of paid registrations with directions of where to board the Miss Buffalo boat at the entrance to the Erie Basin Marina. Reg- istration forms and information may be downloaded from the website www.penndixie.org or call (716) 627-4560 and leave you name and address for information to be sent.

Canalside along the Buffalo River and the Harbor Center in the South End Lighthouse with wind turbines in the background under construction. background

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560

From Rich Switzer

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 From the Director’s Desk Executive Director: Jerold Bastedo e-mail address: [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Winter still reigns at Penn Dixie and WNY! There is probably a good 27-inches of snow pack at the site and in the area, with many drifts over 4-ft. and piles of snow approaching 10-15 ft. every- where. The depth of the snow has made it difficult for the deer and many other animals at Penn Dixie this winter. We had some great cross-country skiing at the site, although it was cold for some. The forecast is actually calling for temperatures above 32 and not soon enough for anyone. It has been a cold, long and snowy winter. Yes, winter has been here along time but Spring is in the air and we all move our clocks ahead one hour on March 7. Daylight hours are increasing and warmer temperatures will soon be here. We are optimistic about a warm and dry summer and can’t wait to hear complaints on how hot it is at Penn Dixie this summer! Penn Dixie’s winter lecture series is going well and we had some very interesting and informative presentations from Dr. Kevin Williams on Saturn, Ceres and Pluto in January. Scott Mckenzie, from Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA, provided a very enthusiastic program on Meteorites and had some meteorites for all to see. We anticipate the remaining five lectures will be just as informative and hope you can make.

Jeff Dietz, Stan Martin, and I have been working on some new programs and expanding some of the existing events. Jeff brings a lot of computer skills, new ideas, and creative approaches to teaching natural sciences. Please note the many programs that are being provided, especially over Spring Break March 28-April 12. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, at 1 PM for children. We are looking at new ideas to attract more visitors to Penn Dixie and help increase revenues for programs and operations. We welcome the new members listed in this newsletter and especially thank Gibraltar Industries, Inc. for becom- ing a Corporate Sponsor member. Membership renewals are due now and this could be your last newsletter. If your newsletter label has 2014 above your name, your membership has expired. Penn Dixie memberships are on a calendar year. Penn Dixie needs your support and if you can include an extra $25-$30 donation that would be greatly appreciated. The HNHS/Penn Dixie thanks all the donors listed in this newsletter. Donations are an important source 0f support that helps move Penn Dixie forward with the programs, events, and operations. The HNHS/Penn Dixie especially thank Carol and Gordon Baird, of Fredonia, for their $1,000 donation and Robert Ferguson, Houston, TX, for his $500 donation. All donations, regardless of the amount help Penn Dixie. If all of our memberships donated $20-$30, Penn Dixie would benefit $20,000-$30,000. The HNHS/Penn Dixie also appreciates the $5,000 of support if has recently received from the Town of Ham- burg. Erie County has just sent out their contracts for the $92,800 in support that will be received in two install- ments during the year. This support, along with earned revenues, help keep Penn Dixie operating. In 2014, the HNHS/Penn Dixie staff and volunteers provided or participated in 443 programs, events, exhibits, presentations, field trips, in-school programs, festivals, and other community activities that reached over 123,792 children and adults. In addition, staff and volunteers introduced visitors from 41 states, Washington, D.C., and 14 countries to Penn Dixie. We thank all the supporting organizations, members and volunteers! The HNHS/Penn Dixie Board and staff thank Jack Flint, who recently stepped down as treasurer and from the Board so he could spend more time with his family. He has been serving as treasurer for the past few years. The HNHS/Penn Dixie Board elected Linda Catalano treasurer. We welcome her to this new position. Penn Dixie’s annual Volunteer Training Program is on Saturday, March 14, 2015, from 8:30 am to 12 Noon. Volunteers are needed to help support the increasing number of programs and events on-site and off-site. If you are interested, or you know anyone that is interested and plan on attending, please leave a message on the Penn Dixie answering machine so we have sufficient number of training booklets for all. Penn Dixie members are FREE and non-members are $30 each. There are a large variety of activities that volunteers may help with and on the Penn Dixie website www.penndixie.org many of these are list under Volunteer Opportunities. Like working with children and adults? Volunteering can be a real rewarding experience. You can make a difference! We look forward to seeing you participating in the many programs that are being planned. Hope to see you at Penn Dixie soon! Jerry

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New Memberships & Donations ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WELCOME SCHOOL MEMBERS Patti Baldson & J.D. Foriest – West Seneca, NY Meadow Elementary School – North Tonawanda, NY Michael Bartz – Hamburg, NY Jeff & Betty Ann Dietz – Hamburg, NY WELCOME CORPORATE SPONSOR MEMBER Deborah Gibson – Kenmore, NY Don & Arlene Hassenfratz – Lancaster, NY Gibraltar Industries, Inc. – Buffalo, NY Tracy Jawoszewski & Family – Hamburg, NY Daniel Krisher – Churchville, NY THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR Joe & Sandy Malikowski – West Seneca, NY DONATIONS TO THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE Scott McKenzie & Family – Erie, PA Carol & Gordon Baird – Fredonia, NY Tina Rimbeck – Buffalo, NY Pat Castiglia – Orchard Park, NY Peter & Diane Szewczuk – Hamburg, NY Dr. Jean Feldman – Hamburg, NY Rod Tobin – Buffalo, NY Robert Ferguson – Houston, TX John Toner – Tonawanda, NY Hamburg Garden Club – Hamburg, NY Jason Zollinger – South Dayton, NY Make Cents Deposit Refunding – Blasdell, NY WELCOME STUDENT MEMBERS The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation – Buffalo, NY William & Regina Mastroleo – Buffalo, NY Mark Guilliams – Cedarville, OH National Fuel Gas Company Foundation – Williamsville, WELCOME ASSOCIATE MEMBER NY Betty Newell – Buffalo, NY Laurie Hogan – Buffalo, NY Pampered Chef – North Chili, NY WELCOME PATRON MEMBERS Kevin Simmons – Pottstown, PA G. Scott Thorsell – Anchorage, AK Linda Catalano – Buffalo, NY Town of Hamburg – Hamburg, NY Harold & Margaret Fabinsky – Orchard Park, NY Karl Wilson – Binghamton, NY William & Regina Mastroleo – Buffalo, NY Patricia Yuhnke – Hamburg, NY G. Scott Thorsell – Anchorage, AK THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING WHO MADE WELCOME CORPORATE MEMBERS A DONATION TO THE $1,000 BUILDING CLUB Cincinnati Dry Dredgers – Cincinnati, OH ______FUND Ferraro & Hauser, LLP – West Seneca, NY Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc. – Buffalo, NY G. Scott Thorsell – Anchorage, AK (Newest $1,000 Club Member!)

THANK YOU TO THE TOWN OF HAMBURG FOR $5,000 OF SUPPORT

The HNHS/Penn Dixie thanks the Town of Hamburg for their $5,000 of support for the programs, events and operations of the Penn Dixie. Penn Dixie provides many events that attract visitors from throughout NYS, across the country and from around the world to Hamburg. In 2014, Penn Dixie had visitors from 41 states, Washington, D.C., and 14 counties. In addition to the on-site programs, Penn Dixie provides many programs throughout Hamburg and for the residents and visitors to the area. In 2014, Penn Dixie provided or participated in in 443 events that reached over 123,792 children and adults.

THANK YOU TO ROBERT FERGUSON, THANK YOU TO CAROL & DR. GOR- HOUSTON, TX, FOR HIS DON BAIRD FOR DONATING $1,000 DONATION OF $500 TO THE HNHS/PENN DIXIE

The HNHS/Penn Dixie thank Robert Ferguson, The HNHS/Penn Dixie thank Carol and Dr. Gordon of Houston, TX, for his donation of $500 to help Baird, of Fredonia, for their continued support of the support the programs, events, and operations of programs, events, and operations of the Penn Dixie the Penn Dixie Site. Bob, long-time supporter, Site. Dr. Baird is a Life member, long time supporter, and more importantly brings his students to Penn Di- makes his annual visit to Penn Dixie to collect xie to have a hands-on opportunity to study geology, fossils and enjoys spending time on the site. He paleontology, and stratigraphy while collecting many now even has his wife collecting fossils. Thank fossils. We thank Carol and Gordon for their impor- you Bob for your continued support! tant and continued support!

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES THAT HELP SUPPORT PENN DIXIE THROUGH THEIR MEMBERSHIPS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCHOOL MEMBERS CORPORATE MEMBERS Allendale Elementary School – West Seneca, NY 3rd Rock, LLC – East Aurora, NY Bennett Montessori School (2) - Buffalo, NY Blasdell Rod and Gun Club – Hamburg, NY Casey Elementary School (2) – East Amherst, NY Buffalo Geological Society, Inc. – Buffalo, NY Cataract Elementary School – Niagara Falls, NY Cincinnati Dry Dredgers – Cincinnati, OH Eden Elementary School (2) – Eden, NY Delaware Valley Paleontological Soc.,Inc.– West Elmwood Franklin School – Buffalo, NY Chester,PA Forest Elementary School (2) – Williamsville, NY Ferrara & Hauser, LLP Forestville Central School – Forestville, NY North Coast Fossil Club – Cleveland, OH Forestville Elementary (2) – Forestville, NY Rotary Club of Hamburg – Hamburg, NY Fourteen Holy Helpers – West Seneca, NY SJB/Empire Geo Services – Hamburg, NY Genesee Community Charter School – Rochester, NY Town of Hamburg Lions Club – Hamburg, NY Hinsdale Elementary School – Hinsdale, NY Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc. – Hamburg, NY Kenmore East High School – Kenmore, NY Wild Birds Unlimited – Blasdell, NY Kenmore East Science Club – Kenmore, NY Mill Middle School – Williamsville, NY North Collins Jr. & Sr. High School – North Collins, NY CORPORATE SPONSOR MEMBERS North park Middle School – Buffalo, NY Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists – Bflo, NY Olmsted School #64 (2) – Buffalo, NY Gibraltar Industries – Buffalo, NY St. John Vianney School – Orchard Park, NY Hamburg Sunrise Rotary Club – Hamburg, NY St. Mary’s Elementary School – Lancaster, NY Seneca Nation of Indians – Irving, NY SENSES Foundation School – Buffalo, NY CORPORATE BENEFACTOR MEMBER Silver Creek Elementary School (2) – Silver Creek, NY U.S. Energy Development Corp., LLC – Getzville, NY Southside Elementary School (4) – Buffalo, NY South Davis Elementary School – Orchard Park, NY Union Pleasant Elementary School (2) – Hamburg, NY The Penn Dixie Site/HNHS Wales Primary School – East Aurora, NY gratefully acknowledges the Westminster Community Charter School (2) – Buffalo, NY Williamsville East High School – East Amherst, NY financial support of: The Hamburg Gaming/Buffalo Raceway The PATRON MEMBERS Erie County Cultural Resources Linda Catalano – Buffalo, NY The Garman Family Foundation Amy Choboy – Fredonia, NY The Penfold Family Foundation Jane D’Agostino – Williamsville, NY National Fuel Gas Foundation Donna & Robert Dusel – Hamburg, NY The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation Harold & Margaret Fabinsky – Orchard Park, NY The Federal Aviation Administration Ferrara & Hauser, LLP Gibraltar Industries Kevin Hogan – Hamburg, NY Bryan Hann – Hamburg, NY and all those who helped make grants avail- Mary Hughes, East Amherst, NY able for the Penn Dixie Site, including the Tom & Joan Johnston – Hamburg, NY Corporate members listed above. William and Regina Mastroleo – Buffalo, NY Robert Shoemaker – Cockeysville, MD G. Scott Thorsell – Anchorage, AK Daniel Tack – Honeoye Falls, NY Peter & Manya Warn – Williamsville, NY ______

GO OUTDOORS IN 2015 ! HAVE A NEW HANDS -ON EXPERIENCE! VISIT PENN DIXIE!

! !

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 PENN DIXIE TRILOBITE POSTER

A Penn Dixie Trilobite poster of specimens collected, professionally prepared, and photographed is available for sale. Information on the back of the poster provides information on who collected the specimen. The poster was prepared by Richard Spencer. The 24x30 inch poster is available for $10 each, plus $5 for shipping and handling. Copies of the poster can be purchased at Penn Dixie and by mail order. Send your check to the HNHS/Penn Dixie P.O. Box 772, Ham- burg, NY 14075 and the poster will be shipped to you in a rolled tube. Any questions, please email jbpendix@ gmail.com or call (716) 627-4560.

THE UNITED WAY CORPORATE DONOR CHOICE PROGRAM CHARITABLE HELPS SUPPORT PENN DIXIE PLANS & The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc./Penn Dixie Site is MEMBERSHIPS recognized to receive donations through the United Way Donor Choice Program. The United Way offers this opportunity for Many corporations have estab- donors to designate all or a portion of their United Way contribu- lished matching corporate chari- tions to the HNHS. If you would like more information on how to designate your gift, please contact the United Way or call the table donation plans for their employees to make income HNHS at 627-4560. Please note that the designation should be tax deductible donations to their preferred charity or non- to the Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. The Penn Dixie profit organization. The Hamburg Natural History Society, Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center is listed as a Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that qualifies program under the HNHS. The United Way may be contacted at for these plans. Please check with your employer to see 887-2607. Donations received from this Donor Choice program if the HNHS can be added to their charitable donation are an important source of support for the Penn Dixie Site. plan. If you do not see your company listed in the lists of Thank you to all who have made donations to the HNHS under corporate members, please contact your company man- this program. ager or owner about helping support an important unique and classic educational, cultural, recreational and tourist attraction that you support. Memberships are a major supporter of the Penn Dixie programs and operations.

Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 (716)627-4560 Penn Dixie Membership Application

o New Membership o Renewal o Gift Membership from ______

Name: ______

Mailing Address: ______

______

Employer: ______

Telephone Number (Day): ______(Evening): ______

E-Mail Address: ______

Are you interested in serving on a committee? o Yes o No Are you interested in assisting us with site maintenance and cleanup? o Yes o No Are you interested in helping to run trips to Penn Dixie for groups such as school children? o Yes o No

Membership Categories 1-year 2-year o LIFE $500 o Student $25 $35 As a LIFE member you help build our endowment. (Full time K-12 or College) • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie, a copy of Amadeus o Senior (65 & up) $25 $35 W. Grabeau’s “The Geology & Paleontology of 18 Mile Creek” and 1 guided tour for up to 20 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Individual $30 $45 o Sponsor $500 per year o Family $45 $70 *Covers 2 adults and their children (up to 18 yrs. old) residing in • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour the same household per visit. for up to 20 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Grandparents $50 $85 o Corporate Benefactor $1000 per year *Covers 2 Grandparents and up to 5 grandchildren per visit. • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour for up to 100 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Associate $80 per year o Corporate Silver $2500 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and a corporate o Corporate $100 per year event day at Penn Dixie for employees and families. (Must be • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour pre-scheduled) for up to 10 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) o Corporate Gold $5000 per year o Patron $100 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and a corporate event • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 1 guided tour day at Penn Dixie for employees and families, (Must be pre-sched- for up to 10 people. (Must be pre-scheduled) uled) and Corporate logo will be displayed at major site events. o School (K-12) $180 per year • Includes a sample fossil set from Penn Dixie and 3 guided tours for up to 60 students. (Adult supervision required, must be pre- o Additional Donation $______scheduled, additional students @ $6.00 each)

o Endowment Donation $______*Please choose a membership catagory above. Check the box before the membership catagory you are applying for. All HNHS memberships, except LIFE, are good for one calendar year unless otherwise noted. All members have free access to the Penn Dixie Site during special tours and presentations and will receive our newsletter, The Penn Dixie Chronicle.

Signed: ______Date: ______

Return to: HNHS/Penn Dixie. • P.O. Box 772 • Hamburg, New York 14075 Penn Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Education Center Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. PO Box 772 Hamburg, New York 14075

FIRST CLASS MAIL

The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. was founded in 1993. Its purpose is to promote the study of the sciences with an emphasis on the field activities associated with the geological and biological sci- ences; to develop, administrate and maintain the Penn Dixie Site: Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, New York; promote a regional fossil site to foster and encourage a medium for the public to study and collect fossils; encourage and promote upper level training of in-service and pre- service teachers; and to aid in obtaining and administering funds to promote the study of natural history in the Region. Programs, monthly meetings and field trips will be announced in the monthly newsletter and local newspapers. For further information, write the Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., P.O. Box 772, Hamburg, New York 14075 or call (716) 627-4560.

STAFF Executive Director: Jerold C. Bastedo 627-4560 DIRECTORS Director of Education Jeffrey L. Dietz 627-4560 Peter Avery 688-0921 Steve Birtz 773-6386 OFFICERS Jim Eiseman 208-5467 President: Felice Krycia 649-7296 Timothy Hoelscher 649-1647 Vice President: Tammy Russsell 662-1589 Catherine Lange 913-2554 Secretary: Kim Barnashuk 504-5784 Tina Rimbeck 597-5689 Treasurer: Linda Catalano 603-9340 Patty O’Shei 912-2279

HNHS Programs Information 627-4560 Educators: Jess Martin HNHS Gateway Office 826-0788 Stan Martin Homepage: http://www.penndixie.org Mark Yetter *all phone numbers are area code 716 unless otherwise noted.