Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois (ESCONI)

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ESCONI September 2025 Paleontology Meeting – “Show and Tell”

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ESCONI

There were some very interesting things on display at the September 2025 Paleontology Meeting. The theme of the night was “Show and Tell”. We had over 20 attendees with everything from Mazon Creek to crinoids to nautiloids to a large model of a Velociraptor.

John Catalani, Paleontology Study Group chairman, gave us a preview of his November presentation on Gonioceras. That’s going to be an interesting presentation. He also had a classic German paleontology journal.

A detailed fossil of a crinoid displayed on a wooden surface next to a quarter for scale.
A speaker holding a book stands in front of a classroom setting, while attendees listen attentively. Several tables are covered with fossil specimens and materials related to paleontology.

Tom Williams came a long way to show us some amazing crinoids and a very nice Gonioceras. I’m sorry I forgot to bring mine…

A person holds a large fossilized rock with distinct layered patterns, standing in a classroom setting.

Seth Jones and his family brought in a 3-D printed model of Velociraptor mongolienis. The skeleton was incredibly detailed and Seth has plans to make it even more true to life. He learned quite a bit doing the project… did you know that velociraptors, like birds, do not have shoulder sockets? They also had limited range of motion in their arms.

Three children posing with a detailed 3D printed model of a Velociraptor skeleton at a paleontology event, with a palm tree in the background.
A group of four people posing with a detailed 3D model of a Velociraptor skeleton on display at a paleontology event.

Katherine had an array of her micro-fossils on display. They were amazing!

A woman seated at a table displaying an extensive collection of micro-fossils in circular containers, with a few trays prominently arranged in front of her.
A display of various micro-fossils arranged in trays, showcasing multiple circular specimens under glass encompassing Mazon Creek finds.

Chris Cozart brought a huge Archimedes bryozoan and some nice crinoids.

Fossilized vertebrae embedded in a rock slab, showcasing details of an ancient creature's spine.
A collection of fossil specimens displayed in a box, including various stone pieces with visible fossils and labels, showcasing paleontological finds.

Mazon Creek highlights included a breathtaking cone (Lepidostrobus), shrimp (Lobotelson), and a Macroneuropteris/Odontopteris in transition from Pete Rock.

Close-up view of a fossilized specimen showing detailed textures and patterns, likely from a Mazon Creek exhibit.
Fossilized shrimp specimens displayed on flat stones, showcasing their detailed structures.
Two fossilized leaves displayed together, showcasing detailed impressions on a dark rock surface.

A possible insect from Marty Houdek.

Close-up of two fossilized shells, showcasing their detailed textures and patterns.

Very nice plants and animals and a large chunk of shale with concretions from the Mazon River by Chris Berg.

Fossilized specimens displayed on a wooden surface, including various shapes and textures resembling plant imprints and geological formations.
A collection of fossilized specimens including several stones with visible imprints, likely from marine organisms, displayed on a flat surface.

Other Mazon Creek material…

A collection of various rocks displayed in a clear plastic container.
A collection of fossil specimens displayed on a red tray, including leaf impressions and various other fossilized items.

Andy Jansen had an interesting glacial stone filled with cephalopods.

A close-up view of a rock with visible fossilized remains and textures, placed on a wooden surface.

It was a great time with plenty of interesting conversation! If you missed it, join us next time!

A group of attendees at a paleontology meeting is gathered around a table, examining various rocks and fossils, while one person closely inspects a specimen.
A group of attendees seated at tables during the September 2025 Paleontology Meeting, with rocks and fossils displayed on the tables.
A group of attendees sitting at tables during the September 2025 Paleontology Meeting, with display boxes of fossils and materials visible.
A group of people gathered around tables at a paleontology meeting, examining various fossils and artifacts. Some attendees are engaged in conversation while others showcase specimens.
Two individuals posing for a photo at a paleontology meeting, with a neutral background.
Two men sitting at a table in a meeting room, one examining fossils in a box while the other stands nearby.
A group of attendees seated at tables, observing a presenter who is showing fossils and discussing paleontological topics at a meeting.
Two men seated at a table during the Paleontology Meeting, one wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, and the other in an orange shirt. They appear engaged in conversation.
Two men engaged in conversation during the September 2025 Paleontology Meeting, with attendees and tables in the background.

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