Celebrate National Fossil Day at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
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KANAB, Utah — On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area staff will celebrate the 13th Anniversary of National Fossil Day through a series of planned activities intended to highlight the importance of paleontological resources on public lands. Visitors are invited to join paleontologists, monument and park service staff in fossil-related fun throughout the day.
“National Fossil Day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing, scientifically important natural heritage preserved on public lands, no small part of which is found right here in the Paria River District.” said Paria River District Paleontologist Dr. Alan Titus. “We hope visitors can share in some of the wonder fossils inspire as they tell the stories of our past and possibly hint at our future.”
National Fossil Day is an annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. This celebration is open to the public and will include free entertainment and activities for all ages.
The celebration will occur at the Big Water Visitor Center, located at 20 Revolution Way, Big Water, Utah, 84741, on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities will include:
- Tours of the visitor center museum with a local dinosaur expert.
- Several talks with various paleontologists from around the country highlighting area fossils.
- A make-your-own-fossil station.
- A walking-timeline of the Earth’s fossil history.
- A dinosaur excavation, food game and obstacle course.
- Adventure Guide activity book for kids.
- A scavenger hunt and fossil hunt.
- How do you measure up? A comparison activity of humans to various dinosaur body sizes.
For more information, please contact visitor center staff at 435-675-3200.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.