APS is a nonprofit organization of amateur fossil enthusiasts and professional paleontologists who are interested in the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge

of fossils and the rich natural history of the

State of Alabama.   

 

Membership is open to anyone who shares the interests

of the Society. We expect our members to conduct their activities in accordance with our code of ethics.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!

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Roadside Geology of Alabama!

The long-awaited book on the geology of Alabama as viewed from roadcuts across the State is in press - you can pre-order your copy today!  APS will host a book signing at our May meeting and Mark will give our June lecture with an overview of this great new book.

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Restoring Birmingham's Famous Red Mountain Cut

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Bryson Stephens, Director and Chairman of the Board of EBSCO Industries, who spoke to APS on March 7th on his vision for the restoration of the Red Mountain Cut and the former geologic walkway, has moved forward with the creation of the Red Mountain Cut Foundation. Many of you have seen the dramatic cleanup work that has taken place at the Cut over the past 3 months with the removal of years of vegetation. There is a lot more to come! Below is a statement by geologist Dr. Bill Thomas, who also spoke to APS about the geology of the Cut, that will be published in GSA Today asking for letters of support for their ongoing fundraising effort.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THE GEOLOGY IN THE RED MOUNTAIN CUT IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA?

     If so, we want to hear from you. The cut through Red Mountain, opened in 1969, exposed a complete stratigraphic succession from Upper Cambrian to Middle Mississippian, including many scientifically interesting details, such as marine invertebrate fossils of several ages, volcanic ash beds, and the famous Birmingham hematitic iron ores. The beds dip southeastward from the late Paleozoic Birmingham frontal ramp anticline, and two steep normal faults break through the stratigraphy. One of the faults has abundant evidence of fault movement during deposition of the Upper Silurian beds, including soft-sediment slumps and flows, followed by later displacement. Initially, a scientific walkway was constructed on one bench of the deep cut and displayed these geologic features for geologists, students, and the general public. Unfortunately, over time, the walkway has deteriorated and is now inaccessible.

    Plans are underway to clear the cut and build a new walkway entirely through the cut, along with geologic displays and explanations. The work has already begun with clearing dense vegetation, which grows rapidly in the climate of Alabama. Planning and design are underway for construction of the walkway and for geologic displays, and the new plan includes funds for maintenance to insure the future of this geologic educational resource. A foundation is being established to manage the project and to seek grant funds. You can help by sending letters of endorsement that we can use in support of our grant proposals. In return, we offer you an opportunity to visit a unique geologic resource in the near future. We would like to have testimonials from as many states and nations as possible. Please write to—

• • By mail:

Red Mountain Cut Foundation

5724 Highway 280 East

Birmingham, AL 35242

Attn: Mary Jane Webb

• • By email:
    TO:      Mary Jane Webb mjwebb@ebsco.com
    CC:      Carla Burnham cburnham@ebsco.com 
    Bryson Stephens bstephens@ebsco.com

• All letters of support are welcome. We suggest:

  • Content speaks to the educational value the Red Mountain Cut and the importance of long-term access.

  • Expresses support for the efforts of the “Red Mountain Cut Foundation”.

  • Be in color on letterhead and be signed.

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