Franklin County has unique 200-million-year-old features called Jurassic armored mud balls (“JAMBs”). Hopefully, many readers have heard about these. The Massachusetts Legislature is considering recognizing JAMBs as the official state “Sedimentary Structure,” in addition to over 50 other distinctly Massachusetts items such as Podokesaurus (state dinosaur), Dinosaur Footprints (state fossil), and Boston Crème (state donut).

Preserving and celebrating the JAMBs will preserve a unique bit of geological history that Franklin County is very lucky to have. This is the only place in the world to easily see JAMBs. Have you heard about this great family activity? Come to the JAMB-O-REE at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Ave A, Turners Falls, Saturday June 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m. and join the celebration of our rare JAMBs. There will be a fun multi-media presentation illustrating the origin and significance of the JAMBS as well as a geology walking tour of Turners. The GFDC will celebrate the installation of a new large boulder that includes 6 JAMBs! So, come for some fun and learn about the deep history of our Connecticut River Valley.

Indeed, please care about the state of the world, but let’s save a unique resource of Franklin County. Contact legislators, especially in the eastern part of the state where the JAMBs are not well known. The bill numbers are S. 2115 and H. 3438. You can learn more at https://ArmoredMudBalls.rocks. Our state geologist confirms that the JAMBs are indeed geologically important, rare, and worthy of recognition.Richard D. Little, Prof. Emeritus, Greenfield Comm. CollegeRDLittle2000@aol.com

Richard D. Little, professor emeritus at Greenfield Community College

Easthampton