2018
April Outreach Program
On April 22, 2018 John Mellott was invited to give a 1½-hour presentation to the Obsidians Hiking Club in Eugene. The presentation focused on a) shells that can be found in Oregon (marine, freshwater and terrestrial), b) fossil shells in Oregon, and where to find them, c) invasive species threats from snails and bivalves, d) some scams involving shells that occur at some foreign airports, e) and challenges in trying to bring shells and shell fossils back to the United States from certain other countries. Thirty five or more people attended the presentation. Some brought shell fossils for identification.
June Guest Speaker
Paleontologist Guy DiTorrice, aka "Oregon Fossil Guy" presented the program “Fossil Shells of the Oregon Coast “or” You’ll Never Walk on the Beach the Same Again.” Mr. DiTorrice showed slides of many different types of fossilized shells from the Miocene Epoch, all found on Oregon beaches. We gained a new respect for the gray, rounded, seemingly nondescript beach rocks abounding on the sand, especially those that have weathered out of cliff faces. We learned that many of them contain fossils of shells that lived in the sea millions of years ago.
Oregon State Fair
Ready for the fair to open
The "shell game" is very popular.
‘Peoples Choice’ winning shell display by Joyce Matthys. Growth stages of the Florida Horse Conch.
Shell crafts display done by Betty Kronbuegel
Worldwide shells display done by Brenda Russell
2018 Shell Show Award Winners
duPont Plaque Winner
Joyce Matthys (Conidae display)
Conchologist of America Trophy Winner
Brenda Russell (Worldwide shells display)
Jean McCluskey Trophy Winner:
Joyce Matthys (Most educational display)
Thomas Hale Trophy Winner:
Jonathan Reid (Pacific Northwest shells)
Maxine Hale Plaque Winner
Betty Kronbuegel (Best shell craft display)
Oregon Society of Conchologist Plaque Winner:
Jonathan Reid (Best junior display)
Shell of the Show Ribbon Winner
Brenda Russell Beech Cone 152 mm
Dendroconus betulinus L., 1758 Conidae