Lake Channing Ash Beds
Although these are called ‘ash’ beds, geological processes have altered the thin layers of volcanic ash to a fine-grained clay called bentonite. Fossilized insects, plant material, and fish bones have all been found between the thin layers. The ‘ash’ beds are about 1-2 million years old.
 Oak leaves preserved in the fine layers of ash (bentonite). Slab is about 1 inch wide. Specimen: TMM BEG 30770. Locality: Near Channing, Hartley County, Texas. |
 Even the relics of boring insects are preserved in the thin fossil leaf. Slab is about 1 inch long. Specimen: TMM BEG 30770. Locality: Near Channing, Hartley County, Texas. |
 Along with the plant remnants were the remains of insects and tiny feathers. Slab is about 6 inches long. Specimen: TMM 1875TX48 (BEG 30770). Locality: Near Channing, Hartley County, Texas. |
 Dragonfly nymph. Specimen: TMM 1875TX48 (BEG 30770). Locality: Near Channing, Hartley County, Texas. |
 Ant. Specimen: TMM 1875TX48 (BEG 30770). Locality: Near Channing, Hartley County, Texas. |