Field Trips
- What rockhounding is and why people love it
- How CCFMS field trips work
- Safety, ethics and legal requirements
- Essential forms and document
Check out the list of scheduled CCFMS and CCFMS-affiliated club field trips in the Events section.
Collecting fossils at the very popular and family-friendly mid-Devonian Hungry Hollow Quarry, South Pit
CCFMS Field Trip Kit
Complete booklet containing Code of Ethics, Health And Safety Best Practices, Detailed Responsibilities, Equipment and PPE, Checklists and Forms
Safety Gear
Recommended minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while rockhounding. Site owners, especially quarries may require different PPE.
Code of Ethics
Ensure ethical collecting for the future.
Important Notice for Ontario Rockhounds
Provincial guidelines for collecting on private or Crown land.
Field Trip Forms
Attendance Sheet, Waiver Form, Emergency Response Sheet, Calling 911 Sheet, Accident Report
Liability Insurance
Protect yourself and your club for property damage and personal injury by submitting a Liability Insurance Request Form.
Find Guidelines and Essentials for Success
What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for rockhounding?
The CCFMS Health & Safety Best Practices for Field Trips document recommends you wear the following minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of injury while rockhounding:
- Safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes when using (or near someone using) hand or power tools.
- Sturdy footwear with closed toes, good traction, and ankle support to protect your feet and reduce the risk of ankle injuries.
- High visibility clothing.
- Gloves to protect you from cuts and abrasions.
- Safety whistles so you can signal for help.
- Hard hats where overhead hazards exist.
Unfortunately, the actions of a small number of collectors—through carelessness, disrespect, or destructive behavior—have led some landowners to deny future access to rockhounds.
The CCFMS asks all member clubs and non-member mineral collectors to follow our Code of Ethics for Rockhounding to respect land owners who provide access to their property and to respect the environment.
Rockhounds must consider the following when planning a visit to collect on private or Crown land (including abandoned mines) in Ontario:
You cannot collect rocks, minerals, or fossils:
- In National Parks and First Nation Reserves
- In Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves
- From rights-of-way along provincial highways
- From rights-of-way along other roadways, if collecting is prohibited there by municipal by-laws or property regulations
- From any land where the mining rights have been withdrawn from staking, with the exception cited below.
Before collecting on any Crown land, you must check to see whether there are any claims, leases, licenses, or permits issued by the Province of Ontario. Also obtain permission of anyone holding such rights before you collect there.
Before collecting on private land anywhere in Ontario, you must have the permission of the landowner. With the landowner’s permission, you can collect from private land in Southern Ontario where the mining rights have been withdrawn from staking.
Failing to obtain required permission can lead to legal action. Collecting without permission may also cause landowners or rights holders to prohibit future access, reducing opportunities for everyone who enjoys rockhounding.
CCFMS Field Trip Forms
Each of these forms and sheets have been designed to help clubs and members be organized and safe.
Field Trip Liability Waiver
Field Trip Attendance SISO (sign-in/sign-out) sheet
Emergency Response Recommendations
Calling 911 sheet
Accident Incident Report sheet