🪨 Free Rock, Mineral, and Fossil ID Night at UTC – October 5th in Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s geology program is opening its doors to curious neighbors and collectors across the Sequatchie Valley region and beyond. Whether you’ve found a mysterious stone on a hike along the Cumberland Plateau, picked up something interesting at a local creek, or simply wonder what’s hiding in your backyard, this free identification event offers a rare chance to connect with experts who can help you understand what you’ve discovered.

🗓️ When It Happens

The event takes place on Monday, October 5th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The two-hour window gives you flexibility to stop by at whatever time works best for your schedule.

📍 Where to Go

Head to the 1st floor of Grote Hall on the UTC campus in Chattanooga. Enter through the gray double doors from parking lot 10. Free parking is available in lot 10 after 5:00 p.m., making it easy to drop in without worrying about parking fees or hassle.

✨ Why You’ll Want to Be There

Rock and fossil collecting is a quiet passion for many people across the region-hikers who find unusual stones on trails, families exploring creek beds, and longtime collectors with boxes of “cool stuff” they’ve never been able to identify. 🔍 This event removes the mystery. UTC’s geology experts will examine whatever you bring and tell you what it is, where it likely came from, and why it matters. For kids, it’s a hands-on science experience. For adults, it’s a chance to finally answer questions that have lingered for years.

💡 What to Bring

Bring any rocks, minerals, or fossils you’d like identified. There’s no entry fee, no registration required, and no judgment about what you bring. Whether it’s a single stone you found last week or a collection you’ve been building for years, the geology team is there to help you understand it.

❤️ Why This Matters Locally

The Sequatchie Valley and surrounding Cumberland Plateau region sit atop some of Tennessee’s most geologically rich terrain. Residents and visitors regularly encounter interesting stones, fossils, and mineral formations during outdoor activities-hiking, gardening, construction, or simply exploring. 🏔️ Most people have no easy way to learn what they’ve found. This event bridges that gap, connecting community curiosity with university expertise. It also strengthens the relationship between UTC and the broader region, showing that the university’s resources are open to neighbors who want to learn.

🎟️ How to Attend

Simply show up during the event window with whatever you’d like identified. No tickets, no RSVP, no cost. The geology program will be ready to help. If you have questions beforehand, you can reach out to UTC Geology directly through their social media or the university.

If you’ve got a collection gathering dust, a stone from a memorable hike, or a fossil you’ve always wondered about, mark your calendar for October 5th. Bring a friend or family member-this is the kind of free, low-pressure community event that often surprises people with how much they learn. 🌟