Date: October 15, 2012
Contact: Howard Duncan, 423-569-9778
To celebrate our nation's rich fossil heritage, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Geological Institute are hosting the third annual National Fossil Day on October 17, 2012, during Earth Science Week. Visit https://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/ to learn more about fossils, find out more about National Fossil Day, or to enter the National Fossil Day 2012 Art and Photography contest.
National Fossil Day promotes awareness and stewardship of fossils, and fosters greater appreciation of their value. More than 185 partners in 48 states, including museums, federal and state agencies, fossil sites, universities, professional organizations, and avocational groups, are joining forces with the National Park Service to support this nationwide celebration. Visitors to National Park sites are reminded that fossils and all natural features are protected and may not be collected, removed or disturbed.
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will have a special program on Saturday, October 20, at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Park Rangers at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center will have some fossils common to the Cumberland Plateau available to examine and present a special program about fossils. Children will have the opportunity to earn their Junior Ranger Paleontologist Badge and have a chance to make their very own "fossil". Visitors to the Blue Heron Mining Community will be able to learn more about the important role that coal, a true fossil fuel, played in the history of the Big South Fork. For more information about these opportunities to learn about fossils and the Big South Fork, call (423) 286-7275.
