Fossil Sorting Sessions
Join us for exciting microfossil sorting sessions where you can help advance paleontological research while discovering tiny treasures from millions of years ago! These sessions are open to anyone interested in getting involved in palaeontology and provide a unique opportunity to work with microscopes and contribute to ongoing scientific research.
About Our Fossil Sorting Sessions
Our microfossil sorting sessions are collaborative research activities where volunteers use microscopes to search for tiny fossils that aid the ongoing research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak at the University of Calgary. We examine matrix (soil) from various geological formations, including the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation from the Middle Eocene period (about 50 million years old).
These sessions take place at Mount Royal University room B140 , where we have access to high-quality microscopes and laboratory facilities. The work contributes directly to ongoing paleontological research, and all fossils found are kept by the University of Calgary for their research collection.
What to Expect
- Use microscopes to examine sediment samples
- Learn to identify microfossils from experienced volunteers
- Contribute to real scientific research at the University of Calgary
- Work in a friendly, supportive environment with other fossil enthusiasts
- Discover fossils that are millions of years old
What to Bring
- Tweezers or a small paint brush for picking tiny fossils
- A pen to label your finds
- Enthusiasm and patience for detailed work
Requirements and Guidelines
- Age Restriction: Due to the delicate nature of this work, only participants 12 years and older are allowed
- Experience: No prior experience is required - we welcome beginners!
- Registration: While registration is not required, we recommend contacting our coordinator to confirm attendance
- Research Contribution: All fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research
Location
Sessions are held at Mount Royal University in their laboratory facilities. Room locations are specified for each session. Maps and parking information are available on the Mount Royal University website.
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and laboratory facilities for these important research activities.
Registration and Contact
While registration is not required for fossil sorting sessions, we recommend letting our coordinator know if you're planning to attend. This helps us inform participants if we need to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances.
Contact Mona Trick, our Fossil Sorting Coordinator by e-mail at giftshop@albertapaleo.org or phone at (587) 578-4579.
Upcoming Fossil Sorting Sessions
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils!
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils!
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils!
Sunday, November 23, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Past Fossil Sorting Sessions
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Winter, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. Join us as we use microscopes to search the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene, about 50 million years old) of Saskatchewan to find teeth, scales, skull elements and other fossils from mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We will be using microscopes in room B140 in the Main Building of Mount Royal University from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- March 2, 2025
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to participate. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be turned over to Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak for their research. We want to thank Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Location
Mount Royal University Room B140
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Winter, 2025
Sunday, February 2, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. Join us as we use microscopes to search the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene, about 50 million years old) of Saskatchewan to find teeth, scales, skull elements and other fossils from mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We will be using microscopes in room B140 in the Main Building of Mount Royal University from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- February 2, 2025
- March 2, 2025
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to participate. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be turned over to Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak for their research. We want to thank Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Location
Mount Royal University Room B140
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Winter, 2025
Sunday, January 26, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. Join us as we use microscopes to search the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene, about 50 million years old) of Saskatchewan to find teeth, scales, skull elements and other fossils from mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We will be using microscopes in room B140 in the Main Building of Mount Royal University from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- January 26, 2025
- February 2, 2025
- March 2, 2025
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to participate. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be turned over to Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak for their research. We want to thank Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Location
Mount Royal University Room B140
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Winter, 2025
Sunday, January 12, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. Join us as we use microscopes to search the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene, about 50 million years old) of Saskatchewan to find teeth, scales, skull elements and other fossils from mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We will be using microscopes in room B140 in the Main Building of Mount Royal University from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- January 12, 2025
- January 26, 2025
- February 2, 2025
- March 2, 2025
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to participate. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be turned over to Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak for their research. We want to thank Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Location
Mount Royal University Room B140
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Autumn, 2024
Sunday, December 1, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by searching the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan to find tiny fossils. We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University because construction has closed the room we used previously. Join us from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- December 1, 2024
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be used to aid their research.
Stay tuned to the December Bulletin for the dates of the microfossil sorting sessions in January and February, 2025, when we will be once again searching using microscopes for tiny fossils.
Location
Mount Royal University Room B140
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Autumn, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by searching the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan to find tiny fossils. We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University because construction has closed the room we used previously. Join us from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- November 17, 2024
- December 1, 2024
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be used to aid their research.
Stay tuned to the December Bulletin for the dates of the microfossil sorting sessions in January and February, 2025, when we will be once again searching using microscopes for tiny fossils.
Location
TBD
Fossil Sorting
Search for Microfossils this Autumn, 2024
Sunday, October 20, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
by Mona Trick
Aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by searching the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan to find tiny fossils. We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University because construction has closed the room we used previously. Join us from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:
- October 20, 2024
- November 17, 2024
- December 1, 2024
We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.
Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be used to aid their research.
Stay tuned to the December Bulletin for the dates of the microfossil sorting sessions in January and February, 2025, when we will be once again searching using microscopes for tiny fossils.
Location
TBD
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Session
Sunday, March 10, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Winter blues? You can still find fossils in the dark depths of winter at the APS microfossil sorting sessions on the following Sunday afternoons:
- January 14, 2024
- January 28, 2024
- February 11, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 10, 2024
We will be using microscopes in room B213 at Mount Royal University (Main Building) from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. We will be aiding the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by finding tiny fossils in the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan. APS is very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab. Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (tel. (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. Parking is free at Mount Royal University on Sundays.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Session
Sunday, February 25, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Winter blues? You can still find fossils in the dark depths of winter at the APS microfossil sorting sessions on the following Sunday afternoons:
- January 14, 2024
- January 28, 2024
- February 11, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 10, 2024
We will be using microscopes in room B213 at Mount Royal University (Main Building) from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. We will be aiding the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by finding tiny fossils in the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan. APS is very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab. Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (tel. (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. Parking is free at Mount Royal University on Sundays.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Session
Sunday, February 11, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Winter blues? You can still find fossils in the dark depths of winter at the APS microfossil sorting sessions on the following Sunday afternoons:
- January 14, 2024
- January 28, 2024
- February 11, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 10, 2024
We will be using microscopes in room B213 at Mount Royal University (Main Building) from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. We will be aiding the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by finding tiny fossils in the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan. APS is very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab. Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (tel. (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. Parking is free at Mount Royal University on Sundays.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Session
Sunday, January 28, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Winter blues? You can still find fossils in the dark depths of winter at the APS microfossil sorting sessions on the following Sunday afternoons:
- January 14, 2024
- January 28, 2024
- February 11, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 10, 2024
We will be using microscopes in room B213 at Mount Royal University (Main Building) from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. We will be aiding the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by finding tiny fossils in the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan. APS is very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab. Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (tel. (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. Parking is free at Mount Royal University on Sundays.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Session
Sunday, January 14, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Winter blues? You can still find fossils in the dark depths of winter at the APS microfossil sorting sessions on the following Sunday afternoons:
- January 14, 2024
- January 28, 2024
- February 11, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 10, 2024
We will be using microscopes in room B213 at Mount Royal University (Main Building) from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. We will be aiding the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary by finding tiny fossils in the matrix (soil) from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) of Saskatchewan. APS is very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab. Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (tel. (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers (with pointed ends) or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. Parking is free at Mount Royal University on Sundays.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Opportunity
Sunday, December 10, 2023 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
We wil be searching for and sorting micro fossils from matrix again this fall and winter.
In November and December, we will be sorting matrix for Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak from the University of Calgary. All of the fossils we find will be used to aid research into the Eocene of Saskatchewan. The matrix comes from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) and provides important insight into the northern fauna of this period.
All sessions will take place in room B213. There is a map available on line at the Mount Royal University website and showing parking available. The organizer for this year’s fossil sorting workshop is Mona Trick. No fee for this event. It is open to the public and it is a good family event.
Registration is not required, but if you contact me, Mona Trick, (587) 578-4579 or email giftshop@albertapaleo.org, and let me know if you are planning to attend, then I’ll be able to inform you in case we need to cancel a session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Dates:
- Sunday November 5
- Sunday November 26
- Sunday December 10
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Opportunity
Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
We wil be searching for and sorting micro fossils from matrix again this fall and winter.
In November and December, we will be sorting matrix for Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak from the University of Calgary. All of the fossils we find will be used to aid research into the Eocene of Saskatchewan. The matrix comes from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) and provides important insight into the northern fauna of this period.
All sessions will take place in room B213. There is a map available on line at the Mount Royal University website and showing parking available. The organizer for this year’s fossil sorting workshop is Mona Trick. No fee for this event. It is open to the public and it is a good family event.
Registration is not required, but if you contact me, Mona Trick, (587) 578-4579 or email giftshop@albertapaleo.org, and let me know if you are planning to attend, then I’ll be able to inform you in case we need to cancel a session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds.
Due to the use of microscopes and the delicate nature of the fossils we’re collecting, there is a minimum age of 12 for all participants.
Dates:
- Sunday November 5
- Sunday November 26
- Sunday December 10
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University
Fossil Sorting
Fossil Sorting Opportunity
Sunday, November 5, 2023 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
We wil be searching for and sorting micro fossils from matrix again this fall and winter.
In November and December, we will be sorting matrix for Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak from the University of Calgary. All of the fossils we find will be used to aid research into the Eocene of Saskatchewan. The matrix comes from the Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene) and provides important insight into the northern fauna of this period.
All sessions will take place in room B213. There is a map available on line at the Mount Royal University website and showing parking available. The organizer for this year’s fossil sorting workshop is Mona Trick. No fee for this event. It is open to the public and it is a good family event.
Registration is not required, but if you contact me, Mona Trick, (587) 578-4579 or email giftshop@albertapaleo.org, and let me know if you are planning to attend, then I’ll be able to inform you in case we need to cancel a session. No experience is required. Bring tweezers to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds.
Dates:
- Sunday November 5
- Sunday November 26
- Sunday December 10
Location
Room B213 at Mount Royal University