From the Classroom to the Capitol: Bucktail Students Advocate for New State Fossil Designation
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— Ecology students from Bucktail Area High School made a compelling presentation to the Clinton County commissioners during their bi-weekly work session on Monday, February 10, 2025, advocating for a change to the Pennsylvania state fossil from the Trilobite to the more locally significant Hynerpeton Bassetti. The students outlined their plan to pursue legislative change by sharing information about both fossils and seeking the commissioners’ support in presenting their case to state representatives.
The students highlighted their goals to raise community awareness about Pennsylvania’s unique paleontological heritage, advocate for the preservation of fossil sites within the state, and illustrate the legislative process to the Bucktail student body through their campaign for a new state fossil designation.
Several Bucktail High School students attended the commissioner’s meeting, three of whom delivered a presentation that combined their learning experiences in their ecology class and their roles in student government. Kedda Bissman is an 11th-grade student enrolled in ecology and is also a member of the student government. Seniors Martin Lewis and Madison Mason are also in ecology and hold leadership roles in student government, with Lewis serving as president and Mason as vice president of public relations.
The students began their presentation with slides showcasing their recent ecological activities, which included a river study with the Game Commission, trout stocking, and flower planting at the local Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) building.
After illustrating the hands-on learning and projects from their ecology class, the trio underscored the main reason for their visit: to seek the county commissioners’ support in their pursuit to change the Pennsylvania state fossil to a rare fossil that can only be found in the state.
The presentation detailed the origins of the current state fossil and the fossil the students are proposing as its replacement.
A trilobite is a prehistoric sea creature that lived hundreds of millions of years ago, and its fossils can be found on every continent. These small, hard-shelled animals crawled along the ocean floor and were similar in appearance to today’s horseshoe crabs.
The Hynerpeton, on the other hand, is an ancient creature that existed over 300 million years ago in the rivers and ponds of Pennsylvania. Fossils suggest Hynerpetons were two to five feet long, resembling something between a large salamander and a small crocodile. They are believed to be among the first creatures to evolve and transition from living in water to living on land.
The students emphasized that while trilobite fossils are commonly found in the U.S., the Hynerpeton is a rare fossil that can only be found in Pennsylvania.
“Trilobites, in general, are found in 46 other states, so it’s very common,” Lewis explained.” We want to make Pennsylvania unique,” he emphasized.
The first Hynerpeton fossil was discovered in 1993 at the Red Hill fossil site in Hyner by paleontologists Edward Deshler and Neil Shubin. The Hynerpeton’s scientific name, “Hynerpeton Bassetti” means “the creeping monster from Hyner.”
Given the Hynerpeton’s uniqueness to Pennsylvania, the students believe it is a more fitting state fossil. They have sought support from the county commissioners to assist them in preparing to present their initiative to state representatives, educate the community about Pennsylvania’s geological and paleontological heritage, and, ultimately, make history by getting legislation passed to officially designate the Hynerpeton as the state fossil. They aim to achieve this goal in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary in July.
By undertaking this project, the students are not only applying the knowledge gained in their ecology class but also leveraging their experience in Bucktail’s student government. The project also serves as a practical demonstration of the legislative process for their peers involved in student government.
This initiative aligns with America’s 250th commemoration in July by showcasing Pennsylvania’s important role and contributions as the “Keystone State.”
Doug Rowe, curator of the Red Hill Field Station and Fossil Display Museum, attended the meeting to support the students and extend an invitation to the Field Station. The facility not only showcases various fossil displays but also serves as a hands-on laboratory for students. To explore the history and science of local fossil sites, visit the Red Hill Field Station at 196 Main Street in North Bend, located on the second floor of the Chapman Township building, from Friday through Sunday. For more information, call (570) 923-2404 or email ndrowe42@gmail.com.
As the nation approaches its pivotal anniversary, these Bucktail High students hope their initiative will make history, demonstrating how small-town efforts can play a role in reshaping state legacies and educating future generations.
