On June 18th, 2026, the PhD students were invited to take part in a Research Training Day (RTD) in Lindlar. Lindlar, a small town near Cologne, is renowned for its exceptionally well‑preserved Devonian fossils. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Christine Heim, we explored the Steinhauerpfad area, where we had the chance to search for fossils dating back roughly 400 million years.

During our walk through the forest, we discovered numerous crinoid fragments (the remains of ancient sea lilies, Picture 1) as well as fossilized plant material. Despite their name, sea lilies are not plants, but marine animals closely related to starfish. They possess a stem with root‑like ends for anchoring and a crown used for filter feeding. At the time these organisms lived, the region was shaped by a warm, tropical climate.

Finding both marine fossils and woody plant remains in the same locality is particularly remarkable, as these environments are typically far apart. In Lindlar, one or several tsunamis or severe storms must have transported and deposited these materials together.

After a lunch break, we visited an active grauwacke quarry. This sedimentary rock is host to many of the local fossils, including bivalves and gastropods. The quarried grauwacke is used to produce building blocks, cobblestones, gravel, and floor slabs. Andreas Deichsel led us on an engaging tour of the site, giving us the opportunity to discover additional fossils and even take them home (Picture 2).

We give our sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Christine Heim and Andreas Deichsel for sharing their expertise and guiding us throughout the day. Our gratitude also goes to Hannah Hartung and Daniela Hülle for organizing this excellent and memorable event.