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Phones out of order
The visitor center phone line is not working reliably. If you are unable to get through to the staff during business hours, click the More link to email visitor services and a ranger will contact you as soon as possible. More »
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Changes to Visitor Service Due to Sequestration
Due to mandatory, across-the-board budget cuts, some visitor services in this park have changed. Please check the Plan Your Visit section for more information. More »
Collections
The museum at the John Day Fossil Beds is specially staffed and equipped to collect, identify, prepare, and preserve rare fossil specimens from the last 50 million years. After being processed, specimens are carefully indexed, catalogued and stored so they can be retrieved and studied by researchers from all over the world. For paleontologists, collection facilities are like libraries—places where information and knowledge can be obtained and used.
After being catalogued specimens are placed in drawers in cabinets. The secure storage room is climate controlled to avoid any possible damage from excesses of humidity or temperature.
All specimens are numbered, identified, and classified.
Once storage processes are completed, specimens are available to scientists for study and publication.
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Did You Know?
Paleobotanical field work helps scientists at the John Day Fossil Beds learn about ancient climates.