Part of a series of articles titled Park Paleontology News—Vol. 18, No. 2, Fall 2026.
Article
Stewardship of Paleontological Resources in the National Park Service: A Commitment to Stand the Test of Time
Courtesy Nathaniel Valentine
Early Beginnings of Stewardship
When I was 13, I visited a National Park Service (NPS) site for the first time: Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. Having immigrated to the United States a year earlier, I had yet to develop an interest in geology or paleontology. However, I began to develop a fascination with the many parks of the NPS. It was at Golden Gate National Recreation Area that I saw the national parks as a powerful symbol of the United States. This institution preserves world-class natural and man-made beauty for the benefit of the public.
My interest in geology sparked when I visited the Grand Canyon National Park a year later. Standing at the viewing platform on the North Rim, I pondered how long it took to carve the canyon and how my own life paled in comparison. I started to view my life through the lens of geologic time and to consider how I would best spend my time on Earth.
I figured out the answer during my first year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2023, while pursuing a degree in geology. It was in my “Geology of National Parks” course that I was once again exposed to the geology and paleontology of the national parks. Among the sites I learned about is Fossil Cycad National Monument, the park I decided to focus on for my class project.
As online sources were scarce, I contacted the head paleontologist of the National Park Service, Dr. Vincent Santucci. I wanted to inquire further about the park’s history and to provide additional sources for my project. To my surprise, Dr. Santucci responded the same day and happily conversed about my interest in the lost NPS site. Thus began my involvement with the NPS paleontology team and my interest in pursuing a career in NPS paleontology.
The Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program Experience
In fall 2024, the Paleontological Society posted an opening for the Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program. I applied for the position and was fortunate to be selected during my sophomore year. I realized that this was an amazing opportunity to refine my research skills and network with paleontologists in the NPS and in academic institutions. Through the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Aubrey Bonde, paleontologist for the Southern Network Parks, I learned how to conduct research for the NPS.
I quickly learned that the NPS encompasses more than 430 official sites (433 as of August 2026) and is divided into 32 different Inventory and Monitoring networks. Each park has its own unique four-letter acronym, and close to 290 sites have confirmed paleontological resources (289 as of August 2026). Parks may be designated under a handful of types, such as a national park, national monument, national seashore, national historic site, etc. In addition to the administrative designations, I familiarized myself with the fossils at each park and the current management practices for these non-renewable resources.
The project I joined was a comprehensive inventory of paleontological resources in coastal areas of parks. I helped identify and assess the processes that affect the condition and stability of paleontological resources across 45 fossiliferous coastal units. Many factors affect fossils: sea-level rise, wave action/tides, hurricanes and other storms, atmospheric rivers, tsunamis, barrier island migration, beach renourishment/dredging, and vandalism/unauthorized collection. The collaborative nature of the project helped ensure that as many factors were taken into account as possible for each park.
Trials and Triumphs of Research
During my two-year involvement in this project, unexpected challenges delayed progress. The experience taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability in research. It is a lesson I internalized and carried forward. Through the program, I was able to attend my first national conference, the 2025 Geological Society of America conference in San Antonio, Texas. There, I presented a poster on my current progress.
I was grateful for the opportunity to listen to other paleontologists’ work and to network with fellow undergraduates who could be future research peers. In addition, I was able to scout and talk to potential graduate school mentors and discuss possible projects for my upcoming Ph.D.
The Project That Opened Doors to More Opportunities
Through my firsthand experience with research setbacks, I was selected by the Paleontological Society to help support future funding for paleontology research. My work led to my institution’s nomination for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and I became a finalist for the state of Nevada. These opportunities were all possible through my participation in the Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program.
As I continue to develop my skills as a paleontologist, I aim to maintain my long-term commitment to the stewardship of paleontological resources in the NPS. I developed the view that public service is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time commitment. In my mission, I seek to help develop a national consensus on the NPS’s role in preserving fossils and natural history.
A Lifetime Commitment to Stewardship
I strive to continue the mission of the NPS to "preserve unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values" of the agency, including fossils, "for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." My time as a Paleontology in the Parks fellow provided an introduction to my future career. I plan to continue my involvement with the NPS and further my study of fossils present in the parks. Through my efforts, I hope to help ensure the continued preservation of paleontological resources in the 21st century and beyond.Last updated: October 28, 2026