President's Message

2024-2025 Season

Rain, Rain, Rain... There is always something protecting the fossils.

As I write this to you the Peace River is still about 5 feet above levels safe for hunters to return for screenwashing and snorkeling. Here in Central Florida, we received record rainfalls in August and by the second week of September had already met that month’s average rainfall. It’s not raining everyday any longer, but there is more precipitation in the forecast. Some insistent SCUBA divers are getting into the rivers, but for the most part, we’re just washed out right now. The water will go down, eventually. If we can get through another month or so without a hurricane maybe we can begin to pull off TBFC’s normal monthly river events. In the meantime, check out TBFC’s limestone quarry and Bone Valley Fossil Farm field trips.

The crowd at TBFC’s first meeting of the season was good with about 80 fossil enthusiasts in attendance to listen to Dr. Bob Sinibaldi talk about prehistoric fishing technologies. There were lots of fossilized artifacts included in the presentation, so everyone loved it. I thank Dr. Bob for all that he does for TBFC.

TBFC awarded special recognition plaques to TBFC members Lawrence and Katura Cotton (siblings). Lawrence and Katura put on several educational “skits” through the season. Performed with great enthusiasm, good research and artwork, TBFC members appreciate and look forward to their presentations.

Happy Birthday, Fred!

We celebrated the 57th anniversary of Fred Hendershot’s 29th birthday at the September TBFC meeting (you do the math). Fred is a Director, Field Trip Leader and though he has submitted his annual letter of resignation, it was once again voted down unanimously. Try again next year Fred!

Read the Chronicles each month (Members Only), check the calendar here on the TBFC website, and follow us on Facebook. Also, please be very cautious while venturing out into the rivers and creeks. There’s nothing in those rivers worth dying for.

Happy Retirement, Dr. Bruce MacFadden

I want to say congratulations and good luck to retiring Distinguished Professor and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Dr. Bruce MacFadden. Dr. Bruce came to the University of Florida/Florida Museum of Natural History in 1977 and has spent most of his working life in Florida paleontology.

He is the author of countless books and peer reviewed articles. Grant money drives science and Dr. Bruce has been successful in procuring nearly 50 grants totaling almost $40 million to be used in scientific research. Just as important to us, the amateur paleontologists, he has been a good friend. Please see the article on Dr. Bruce MacFadden in this issue of the Chronicles.

Rest in Peace, Dr. Barbara Purdy

In closing, I must acknowledge the recent passing of Dr. Barbara Purdy. Dr. Purdy was a good friend to citizen scientists and always believed we deserved a place in archaeology where amateurs haven’t been as accepted as on the paleontology side. Dr. Purdy presented for TBFC on many occasions, well into her 80s. Dr. Purdy shattered glass ceilings in archaeology being one of the first women to be accepted in what was a male dominated science, consequently opening doors for countless ladies who have followed in her footsteps. We will always miss her.

Important Dates TBFC’s season starts off with our first field trip on September 4, meeting on September 7 and takes off running. There are currently over 40 paleo activities to keep you busy between now and May of 2025, so get out there and enjoy TBFC’s paleo community! A list of all the paleo dates for this season can be found in the September issue of the Chronicles! Upcoming dates for field trips and other events will be added to the website monthly.

I hope to see you all at the October meeting. To all of you kids, and kids at heart, “BOO”. Have a great Halloween!

Good Hunting,

Missed a meeting or just want to watch it again? You can view our past meeting recordings or live streams in the playlist below (Also found in the About section):