Cultural Heritage and Paleontology
Touren Pope poses for a photo with the fossilized turtle he discovered on BLM with a blue sky

11-year-old Touren Pope discovers ancient turtle fossil on BLM land in Wyoming

Last fall, a routine day of rockhounding on Bureau of Land Management–managed public land in southwest Wyoming turned into an extraordinary discovery. While exploring public lands overseen by the BLM Wyoming Rock Springs Field Office, 11-year-old Touren Pope spotted what would later be identified as a fossilized turtle dating back nearly 48 million years.
Read More
features a firefighter-archaeologist on a grassy hill. Text asks "ARCHAEOLOGISTS AT WILDFIRES?" and describes how they protect cultural resources.

Firefighters and Archaeologists Collaborate to Protect Historic Mining Site during Monroe Canyon Fire

In August 2025, crews battled the Monroe Canyon fire to save a 1920s mining site. While 4 structures fell, Hotshot Captain Almanzo Wenig and his crew cleared lines and used water drops to save the final miner's cabin.
Read More
A woman demonstrates printmaking techniques to a small group gathered around a table filled with art prints and supplies in a bright room.

Artist in Residence celebrates ‘place of special value’ in southwest Colorado

For two weeks, the 2026 Artist-in-Residence Vicki Conley created four artworks inspired by the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument’s rich landscape and hosted two public outreach programs.
Read More
A student stands at an outdoor table that is covered in animal pelts and archeological artifacts

BLM Connects Crystal Springs Students to Public Lands Through Hands-On Environmental Day

Fifth‑grade students from the Crystal Springs, Mississippi area explored the wonders of conservation, geology, and natural resource stewardship during Environmental Day at Chautauqua Park.
Read More
A stone cabin with a signpost in front identifying it as a cultural resource.

Stewardship partnerships protect irreplaceable cultural resources at Richardson Homestead in Arizona

Stewardship efforts at the site brought together BLM Colorado River District staff, Arizona Site Steward Program volunteers, and a local hiking group to support preservation through coordinated, on-the-ground action.
Read More
Outdoor display table with antique diving helmet, boots, weights, nautical tools, maps, and informational signs at a historical event.

Bringing the Past Forward: Jupiter History Day Festival at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA

Despite the weather, the Jupiter History Day Festival turned out to be a day filled with positive energy, community spirit, and plenty of rain slickers.
Read More

Most Recent Stories