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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George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Article 1: Fossil Discovery in the Shadow of Washington’s Birthplace
An active paleontological resource monitoring program in place at George Washington Birthplace National Monument has led to the discovery and recovery of two important fossil dolphin skulls. An emergency response team supported the field collection of the fossils which were “at risk” to rapid weathering and erosion. The specimens have been transported to the Calvert Marine Museum for preparation, curation and study. Read more
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Article 2: Fossils in Focus: Using Photogrammetry and 3D Models to Highlight Recent Paleontological Discoveries at Chaco Culture National Historical Park
During the past decade paleontologists have uncovered a rich fossil record at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico. In order to share the important and interesting fossils discovered at the park, a new website was developed to feature 3-D images of a few fossils documented at the park. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 3: The Second Bank of the United States: Ordovician Fossils in 19th Century Flooring
The National Park Service preserves dozens of examples where fossils occur within the building stones of historic structures. At Independence National Historical Park, Pennsylvania, fossil rich stone quarried in Vermont are visible on the floor of the Second Bank of the United States. Read more
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Article 4: Preserving Fossils: How the National Natural Landmarks Program Advances Resource Management
A review of National Natural Landmarks (NNLs) reveals a list of 50 sites which are recognized for their significant paleontological resources. A new educational poster has recently been created to feature the diversity of fossils represented by the NNL Program throughout geologic time. Read more
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Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Article 5: A Long-Awaited New Paleontological Research Facility for Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
After many years of planning, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument will soon see the construction of a Research and Curatorial Facility. The facility will include dedicated space for fossil preparation, which will allow visitors to observe the cleaning, repair and other conservation of Hagerman fossil specimens. Read more
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Article 6: An Inventory of Fossils at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The rich fossil record at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, was the focus of a recent paleontological resource inventory. Paleontologist Scott Kottkamp dedicated three months at the park researching and reporting on the fossils from the Permian marine reef system and Ice Age fossils founds within park caves at the park. Read more
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Waco Mammoth National Monument
Article 7: First Paleontologist Hired at Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument was proclaimed a unit of the National Park Service in July 2015 to protect and interpret an assemblage of mammoths believed to represent a nursery herd. The first paleontologist for the monument, Lindsey Yann, was hired in January 2020 to help promote scientific research, resource management and public education. Read more
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Dinosaur National Monument
Article 8: Preventative Conservation of an 'Allosaurus' skull from Dinosaur National Monument
Collaboration between professional paleontology staff in two national parks helped with restoration of an important dinosaur specimen. The skull of 'Allosaurus fragilis' from Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, was recently sent to Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, for professional conservation by the curatorial staff. Read more