TAKO Rocks and Fossils Event

FAYETTE TAKO HOSTING ROCKS AND FOSSILS EVENT AT GOULDSBERG PARK ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23rd

Fayette TAKO (Take A Kid Outdoors) annual “Rockin’ Rocks and Fossils” event will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, 10 am – 2 pm, at Gouldsburg County Park near Hawkeye, Iowa. This event is free and open to the public. Kids and adults of all ages are welcomed; children must be accompanied by parents or adult mentors during the event.

The park contains abundant boulders, stones, and gravel, including agates and even a little bit of gold, that were all brought here from the north by glaciers and glacial meltwaters. There are interesting fossils present in the much older underlying limestone and shale layers. We’ll explore along the banks of the river, and if it’s warm enough and the water is not running too high, we’ll wade in to search for treasures and pan for gold! Come out and enjoy the day with us. Shoes that can get wet and old clothes that can get dirty would be best. Dress in layers and be prepared for a range in weather conditions. Consider bringing a hat, work gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, drinking water, a lawn chair, and any other items you may need to be comfortable in the outdoors. If you have your own rocks and fossils you would like to know more about, you can bring them. TAKO board members Bruce Fink and Dr. Kata McCarville will help you identify your finds, and be the presenters at the event.

Gouldsburg County Park is located at 18649 Sunset Rd, Hawkeye, IA 52147, three miles north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 18 (230th Street) and County Road W14 (Rose Rd.) We will meet up in the primitive part of the campground – turn left before you cross the bridge to the developed campground. A light lunch will be provided. Advance registration is not required.

TAKO is dedicated to providing immersive outdoor experiences including unstructured play, activities, and education to people of all ages. TAKO (Take A Kid Outdoors) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2006 in Fayette County, where we host about ten events each year. TAKO also holds events in Johnson County. Volunteers and donations to support TAKO and its programs are always welcome.