Bucktail Students to Present Proposal for New State Fossil at Public Event April 15
FARWELL –Students from Bucktail Area High School’s Student Government and Ecology class are preparing to make history. On April 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., they will officially present a proposal to Pennsylvania state legislators to designate a new state fossil: Hynerpeton bassetti. The presentation will take place at Bucktail Area High School, located at 100 Bucktail Avenue, Renovo, PA 17764, in Chapman Township. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and support the students’ efforts.
Their goal? To replace the current state fossil—the trilobite Phacops rana—with Hynerpeton bassetti, a unique fossil discovered locally at the Red Hill Fossil Site near Hyner, Clinton County.
This prehistoric creature, estimated to have lived around 360 million years ago, was discovered in 1993 by paleontologists Dr. Edward “Ted” Daeschler and Dr. Neil Shubin. The name Hynerpeton combines “Hyner” with the Greek word herpeton, meaning “creeping animal.” It marks a crucial evolutionary step in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.
The students’ project is part of a larger local initiative inspired by America250PA—the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Beth Whitty of Clinton County government proposed the idea as a way to recognize regional heritage in a meaningful and lasting way.
In February 2025, The Record published an in-depth article highlighting the students’ journey. As science teacher Joshua Day explains, the students are embracing the opportunity not only as a learning experience but also as a chance to create real change.
A Fossil of Local and Scientific Significance
Hynerpeton bassetti was one of the earliest tetrapods—four-limbed vertebrates that ventured out of the water. Student Makenna Stone described it as resembling a small alligator, though it was only about two to three feet long, had no scales, and lived in swampy, forested areas along the ancient Susquehanna River.
Classmate Martin Lewis added, “It had shoulder blades and strong bone density. This was a muscular creature that made one of the first steps from water to land, losing its gills in the process.”
The fossil currently recognized by the state, the trilobite Phacops rana, was named Pennsylvania’s official fossil in 1988. Though historically significant, Phacops rana is not unique to Pennsylvania. As student Matti Mason pointed out, it can be found across the northeastern U.S. and in parts of the world.
From the Classroom to the Capitol
Mr. Day’s students are actively engaged in outreach to build support. Their strategy includes presenting the idea to the Clinton County Commissioners, speaking with local school boards, and sharing the story with their peers. Eventually, they hope to bring their case to Harrisburg to propose amending the 1988 law that designated the trilobite as the state fossil (Act of December 5, 1988, P.L. 1113, No. 138).
The group also hopes to connect with the paleontologists who discovered Hynerpeton bassetti, adding an expert voice to their cause.
“This is an opportunity for students to leave a permanent mark on Pennsylvania history,” said Day. “One day they’ll be able to say, ‘We did this.’”
Approximately a dozen students are involved in the initiative—driven, curious, and committed to making science and history come alive for themselves and their community.
