All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. Park Paleontology news provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources.
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Wind Cave National Park
Article 1: Wind Cave Paleontological Resource Inventory
The first paleontological resource inventory for Wind Cave National Park was undertaken during 2022. Paleontology intern Theo Herring documented paleontological localities at the surface and within the cave. The final paleontological resource inventory report for Wind Cave National Park will be available in April 2023. Read more
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Curecanti National Recreation Area
Article 2: Utilizing Trace Fossils to Fill in Paleoecological Gaps at Curecanti National Recreation Area
Paleontologist Ryan King, professor at the Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO, has been documenting Mesozoic vertebrate fossil localities in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Among the paleontological resources Ryan has documented at the recreation area are fossil dinosaur footprints and skin impressions. Read more
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Waco Mammoth National Monument
Article 3: Expanding Access to Learning about Paleontology through Interpretive Programming in Spanish at Waco Mammoth National Monument
Leonardo Maduro-Salvarrey was recruited as an interpretation and education intern at Waco Mammoth National Monument during 2022. Leo helped to coordinate educational outreach to Spanish speaking visitors to the monument interested in learning about the fossils. Read more
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Petrified Forest National Park
Article 4: Petrified Forest Brings the Funk with the World’s Oldest Fossil Caecilian
Paleontologists at Petrified Forest National Park continue to expand the understanding the biodiversity of the Late Triassic Chinle Formation through new fossil discoveries. A recent publication reports on the occurrence of the world’s oldest fossil amphibian known as caecilians. Read more
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Article 5: Fifty Years of Adventures in Paleobotany: A Tribute to Herb Meyer
The adventures of paleobotanist Herb Meyer, recently retired from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, are presented in this tribute to the monument’s paleontologist. Dr. Meyer undertook cutting edge research and mentored dozens of young paleontologists leaving an important legacy at the monument. Read more
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Article 6: One Hundred Years of Bryce Canyon–Over Fifty Million Years of Fossils
Paleontologist Tut Tran began working at Bryce Canyon National Park to help document the park’s Late Cretaceous paleontological resources. A number of important fossil discoveries were made at the park during Tut’s tenure leading to some partnerships with other paleontologists in Utah. Read more