As a pre-Revolutionary War mining site, Mineral Hill, near today’s Liberty Reservoir, produced iron, extracting it from a thick hematite ore vein. Later, during a 19th-century expansion, copper was mined along with trace minerals like chalcopyrite and bornite, with shafts reaching 400 ft deep and employing up to 100 miners. Now, magnetite, chalcopyrite, actinolite, malachite, serpentine, olivenite and more can be collected in the numerous tailings piles.
This collecting site requires you to be physically capable of hiking the long, hilly trail and navigating the inclined terrain, approximately one mile long, on a clear path that leads to a steep incline down to the reservoir. Pack light; it is a long walk, and what you are collecting is heavier than most rocks because of its iron content.
- We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- NO BUCKETS allowed per landowner.
- Must use a backpack/bag/cart to transport your tools and rocks.
- Tools can include a rock hammer, trowel, pick/screwdriver, spray bottle, and paper towels
- Bring snacks/lunch/water, toilet paper, and bug spray.
- No safety gear is required, but sturdy hiking shoes, gloves, and eye protection are recommended.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
For more information, see the site details on Mindat at https://www.mindat.org/loc-
Our leader, Andrew Rockhound Eppig, is a prominent amateur geologist, educator, and community leader based in York, Pennsylvania. He is widely recognized across the Mid-Atlantic region for his extensive outreach efforts, public speaking, and passion for earth sciences. A founder of the Geology Club (https://www.geologyclub.org/), Andrew is also president of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies and creator of The Dirtman Report. https://www.youtube.com/@extremecodydirtman4418/videos
All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned. Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless MMNS cancels them. MMNS retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
MMNS membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Member Donation: $10
Your donation helps cover our costs in bringing this program to you. -
Geology Club Member Donation: $10
Your donation helps cover our costs in bringing this program to you. -
Non Member Donation: $15
Your donation to helps cover our costs in bringing this program to you.