Stratford Cliffs are a part of the Calvert Formation, a rare geological phenomenon along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region, the cliffs were formed when land replaced an ancient sea.
Fossils found here are composed of compacted marine plant and animal matter dating from the Miocene Epoch, approximately 17 to 10 million years ago. Fossilized remains found at this site indicate a sea filled with primitive shark-toothed porpoises, salt-water crocodiles, sea cows, gopher turtles, rays, whales, and sharks. Thousands of shark teeth found along this area attest to the frequency of the sharks, the largest among them being Carcharodon megalodon, or Giant White Shark, with teeth measuring 7 inches or more.
Most of the land along the shoreline is privately owned, and public access is severely limited, so we are fortunate to have this opportunity. Our site is part of the Stratford Hall plantation owned by four generations of the Lee family, and now cared for by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation. The estate encompasses 1900 acres of farmlands and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River.
Travel time: Located in Montross, VA (on the south side of the Potomac River, adjacent to Westmoreland State Park), The site is an estimated 3-hour drive from Baltimore. Carpooling is encouraged, but guests are responsible for their own transportation; NHSM cannot provide rides. A link to a carpool app will be shared for participants looking to join up for the drive.
Difficulty: This field trip is moderately strenuous, involving hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. Depending on what storms may have impacted the river, there could be washed-up trees and debris on the beach, as well as broken glass. There could be a few scramble spots. However, if you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. This is a rain-or-shine event.
What to wear/bring:
- Please wear closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. We strongly encourage you to bring waders, as the water may be high and it is often cold.
- Pack snacks, water, and a brown bag lunch, if you get hungry.
- Do you have a scoop, a screen, small shovels, sieves, etc.? Bring them!
- Metal detectors are not allowed.
- You may want to bring a set of dry clothes, in case you get wet.
Age Restriction: This event is not for young children. Stratford has a minimum age requirement of 8 years old.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than one week before the date of the event will result in a refund, minus a 5% processing fee. No refunds can be issued within a week of the event, but the registration can be transferred to a friend.
If NHSM cancels this event, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.