Arc of Heritage

Geoheritage Highlight!

Geoheritage is the connection between people, societies, and cultures to the geology of Earth’s landscapes, rocks, and fossils. Along this trail, you will see examples of how these connections have been realized at Florissant and how the values of people toward the landscape have changed over time. Tribal people “lived off the land” for their subsistence. Early settlers discovered fossils that helped make Florissant world famous. Discoveries by scientists created the heritage of scientific knowledge about Earth’s history. Students come to Florissant to learn about Earth’s past. Landowners found economic values by developing tourist attractions at the petrified forest. Many people saw the value of protecting this landscape and its fossils for future generations to study and enjoy, which is now the purpose of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. 

 

A valley with a rich and varied history!

NPS/SIP: Mariah Slovacek

Changing Values over Time

Past human activities on the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (FLFO) landscape are part of the Monument’s heritage. The previous occupants of this area related to this land differently, reflecting different cultural and societal values. Through time, we can see these changing activities and relationships as a kind of “Arc of Heritage” that reflects a diversity of values and perspectives.

 

The heritage of the monument symbolized as an arc.

Michael Kelly/SIP:Mariah Slovacek*

The heritage story began with tribal people who developed deep cultural and subsistence connections to the land through generations, but were forcibly removed from the land, against their will, in the late 1800s. The subsequent settlement of the area brought economic leveraging of the land which was valued by homesteaders, loggers, fossil-collectors, ranchers, and real estate developers. Today the National Park Service values preservation and protection of the landscape through stewardship and scientific research within a world class fossil deposit.

 

The Midland point found at the monument. (FLFO 11766)

NPS

Ancient Tribal

Ancient ancestors of Tribal people lived in this landscape and made use of its resources as long as 10,000 years ago. A Midland Point was discovered in 2017, documenting the human use of this landscape in the distant past.

 

An old advertisement for one of the petrified forest attractions. It features a photo of an old two story lodge with cars parked out in front.  It also features the background of a tree covered hill.

NPS

Economic Uses

Historic economic values fueled mining, lumbering, ranching, and fossil-selling on this landscape.

 

Samuel Scudder, one of many scientists who studied Florissant’s fossils.

Courtesy of Harvard University Ernst Mayr Library Archive

Scientific Discovery

Early scientific explorers realized the unique value this area offered to furthering our understanding of the Earth and its history. Scientists like Samuel Scudder have described up to 1,800 species making Florissant fossil beds one of the richest deposits in the world.

 

The iconic arrowhead used by the National Park Service which features artwork of a tree, lake, bison, and mountain with snow on it and the words "National Park Service."

NPS

Protection

In 1969, this area was protected as a national monument by the actions of concerned local residents, scientists, lawyers, and politicians. Florissant became a landmark case in the environmental movement of the late 1960s and helped shape the values of that time.

 

L to R: Garrett Briggs (Southern Ute Indian Tribe), Clyde Vicenti (Jicarilla Apache Nation) and Cassandra Atencio (Southern Ute Indian Tribe) at the Monument during a consultation meeting.

NPS*

Modern Tribal

Tribes maintain their connection to the Monument’s landscape and continue traditional activities that reflect their cultural values of preserving and honoring the land.

 

The front sign greeting visitors to the monument.

NPS

Stewardship

The concept of geoheritage is growing. It recognizes past values and activities but emphasizes the values of preservation, education, research, recreation, and tourism.