Natural History

Resources in this category:

The British Shell Collectors' Club
http://www.britishshellclub.org.uk/

"The British Shell Collectors' Club, with a membership of approximately 200, was founded in 1972 and held its first exhibition in 1976. It aims to promote interest in all aspects of conchology and shell collecting and to stimulate an exchange of information and specimens. The Club strongly encourages the use of good environmental practices when collecting specimens." Member activities cover a wide range of interests, "from the scientific study of living and fossil mollusks to shell art, shells on stamps and collections of shell buttons." For non-members, the site provides an introduction to the fascinating world of shell collecting with comprehensive articles on good practices, collection care, narrative accounts of shelling trips, a picture gallery, and swap shop, among others.

Collecting and Preserving Insects
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/youthdevelopment/D...

Provides a concise illustrated description of the equipment and proper techniques for collecting and displaying insects. It includes a list of sources for supplies and reference materials.

Collecting and Preserving Insects – A Beginner’s Guide
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/xerantheum/insects.html

"Insects are everywhere and they can be found from the hottest deserts to the coldest polar regions. With the abundant supply of these invertebrates, you are sure to be able to collect insects no matter where you live and what ever season you happen to be in. This page will discuss the basics of insect collecting for the beginner and will give you tips on equipment, collecting, pinning, and preserving your collection." It has many excellent photographs of the author out in the field collecting and shows examples of his collection.

Collecting Rocks
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/collect1/collectgip.html

At this site you can learn about the different types of rocks, how to identify them, where to find them, and what equipment you’ll need to collect them. Also learn some tips from the experts on labeling and storing your collection.

Conchologists of America, inc.
http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/home/

"The Conchologists of America, better known as COA, is a society for shell enthusiasts from all walks of life, at all levels of interest." In these pages you'll find articles about shells from COA’s printed publication, American Conchologist, and information about its annual convention. Then there are frequently asked questions about Mollusks, a helpful News of New Species, and a Kids' section. There is material on shell collecting, conservation, and listings of events and clubs from around the world.

Fossils & Fossil Collecting
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/fossils/

At this site you can learn what fossils are, how they were made, and what you will need to collect them. Find out how to clean, identify, and display your collection. You can learn about the area around Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells in Central Wales which are famous for their fossils, and see examples of fossils that were found there. The site is designed for both kids and adults alike.

Mineral Collectors Page
http://www.minerant.org/

Produced by the Mineralogy Club of Antwerp, Belgium, with text in English and Dutch, this well organized site includes information about mineral clubs and collectors around the world. There is a science and education section that includes topics such as chemistry, crystallography, and physical properties. Included are several photographic galleries, primarily of fluorescent minerals and featured photographers.

Mineralogical Society of America
http://www.minsocam.org/

The official webpage of the Mineralogical Society of America has a wealth of information about the organization and the study of rocks, minerals, and crystals. Some interesting areas include a collector’s corner, ask-a-mineralogist, and mineralogy for kids. There are also sections about its publications, awards & grants, and other resources.

Minerals of the United States
http://www.tigerminerals.com/

Created by mineral collectors, Bob and Susan Weaver, this site is an on-line display of their collection from around the United States. Click on a state on the U.S. map and photos of minerals collected from that state are displayed. There is also a collection of minerals from around the globe. Each photo gives the type of mineral, where it was collected, and identifies to whose collection it belongs.

SEASHELL-COLLECTOR.com
http://www.seashell-collector.com/

Although it is heavily laden with scientific names and terminology, the site’s numerous photographs and wealth of information make it a stand-out among shell collecting websites. Also included are articles with the beginner in mind, with everything from hunting for shells, cleaning and identifying them, and help with Latin names, there is something for everyone interested in this fascinating hobby.