Dutweiler Field Station

By Michael F. Sheridan

Dottie's cabin, 'The Pileated Perch'. Photo by Robert Jacobi

Dorothea C. Duttweiler, the first woman graduate in UB Geology, has deeded approximately 10 acres of her property in the Town of Holland to the Geology Department as a field station for student and faculty use. Dottie is best know to us for the establishment of a scholarship to help women geologists attend our summer field camp. The site that she has given us could become a focus for outdoor activities of the geology club and class field trips. Because this property is located along Cazenovia Creek we will have full riparian rights to the use of the stream as a geological laboratory.

The land here is heavily wooded and has been left wild for much of the past century. Many rare species of birds and other wildlife have been observed here over the years. Dottie established this property as a nature preserve in 1941 and it has been protected ever since. The rocks exposed on the property contain fossils and exhibit geologic structures that will be instructive for all geology students. The outcrops along the creek are particularly interesting with clear primary sedimentary textures and secondary joints, some with potential gas or oil seeps.

Also located on the property is a cabin, which Dottie named "The Pileated Perch". This cabin has indoor and outdoor fireplaces, sleeping quarters, kitchen and modern plumbing. Dotty will retain lifetime ownership of the cabin, built by her and her father. But eventually we will obtain the cabin as well for our use as a geological facility.

Dorothea Duttweiler, Dr. Michael Sheridan and Pamela Cardoza at the Property. Photo by Robert Jacobi