HAYS, Kan. -- Lovers of the Cretaceous Period and self-proclaimed paleontologists have the chance to go on an expedition to the fossil-rich soil of western Kansas with Mike Everhart, adjunct curator of paleontology, and Dr. Reese Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, on Saturday, June 26.

The expedition will journey into the areas of midwest Kansas once covered by the Western Interior Sea during the late Cretaceous Period to learn about the prehistoric life in the High Plains. The story of what coaxed the Sternberg family to devote their lives and careers to this era of exploration will be discussed. The trip includes: guided tours of the Fick Fossil and History Museum in Oakley; the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace; the Keystone Gallery in Scott City; and visits to Monument and Castle Rock in Gove County.

The tour will depart from Sternberg at 8:15 a.m. and return by the end of the day. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch, snacks, plenty of water, comfortable close-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a bandana.

The fee for museum members is $25 for adults and $15 for youths 10 and under. The fee for non-members is $40 for adults and $30 for youths.

Space is limited so pre-registration is required and the deadline is June 21. To register or for more information, contact Brian Bartels at (785) 628-5502 or e-mail brian.c.bartels@gmail.com.