Ithaca's spectacular gorges are among the most fossil-rich places on Earth, providing abundant evidence of our prehistoric past. Leading our exploration of the area's rocks, fossils, and past and current flora and fauna is Warren Allmon—geologist, paleontologist, naturalist, director of Ithaca's Paleontological Research Institution and the Museum of the Earth, and professor in Cornell's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

Our field trips will average about three miles a day and require some vigor, including the ability to wade a stream and climb steep steps without difficulty. We'll visit many dramatic new sites, so veterans as well as newcomers are welcome.

This program is part of Cornell’s Adult University (CAU), which offers education vacations designed and led by Cornell faculty. Programs include off-campus travel adventures and weeklong on-campus summer courses open to all, including Cornell alumni, families, and friends.

For more information and to register, visit cau.cornell.edu, e-mail cauinfo@cornell.edu, or call 607.255.6260.