Saline, Pope, and Johnson Counties
Saline County has more recorded plant fossil localities than any other southern Illinois county. Fossil plant collecting localities are isolated but numerous in the area southwest of Harrisburg. Mine dumps, such as in the area five or six miles northwest of Eddyville, and many outcrops are available throughout the region. The fossils probably are associated with the Murphysboro, Delwood, Willis, Reynoldsburg, and Battery Rock Coals.
One especially good collecting area is on the south tributary of the East Branch Cedar Creek about 6½ miles south of Stonefort. The fossils are found in six feet of shale overlying the Battery Rock Coal horizon.