Morocco: A Fossil Collector’s Paradise

Anyone who has ever tried to buy fossils has the same question: why are there so many fossils from Morocco? In this talk Dr. Bob Farrar, fossil and mineral collector extraordinaire, takes you on a journey through time and Morocco to figure out why it is such a fossil collector’s paradise. You’ll see fossils from trilobites, cephalopods, dinosaurs, sharks, and more! Finally, you will gain insights into how the fossil trade has shaped the lives of the Moroccans who now make their living digging for and preparing these natural treasures for sale overseas.

A native of Tennessee, Dr. Farrar is a writer and a lifetime collector of minerals, fossils, and gemstones and has traveled the world in pursuit of this hobby. He is active in several Maryland clubs and sells specimens at many shows. He holds a PhD in entomology and is retired from the USDA facilities of Beltsville, Maryland.

Natural History Society of Maryland’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors will meet to exchange knowledge and help with fossil identification, discuss fossil locations, as well as other fossil related topics. Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at the Natural History Society of Maryland. Due to COVID, NHSM is opening up this club meeting to all. Non-members are asked to donate $5. If you are a fossil enthusiast, please consider joining (https://www.marylandnature.org/club-membership/). The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible