News Release

Fossil Butte National Fossil Day

Date: October 2, 2019
Contact: Kim Acker, 307-800-8404

Fossil Butte National Fossil Day Celebration

Kemmerer, WY – Fossil Butte National Monument will be celebrating National Fossil Day on Saturday, October 12^th, 2019. This annual event is held across the nation to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. National Fossil Day is part of Earth Science Week, dedicated to expanding understanding and appreciation of earth sciences and encourage stewardship of the earth.

Visitors of all ages can celebrate by coming out to Fossil Butte National Monument for the unique opportunity to help prepare real fossil specimens. The fossil preparation lab will be open to the public and rangers will teach visitors about the tools used to uncover 52 million year old fossils. Visitors can then try their hand at fossil preparation. “Being able to see science in action is a highlight for any visit to Fossil Butte,” says Superintendent Angela Wetz, “but actually getting to participate in helping uncover these fossils is incredibly special.” This free event will run from 9am to 3:30pm.

As of October 6^th, the monument will restore its winter operating hours. The visitor center will be open from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The picnic area and scenic drive will remain open as long as the weather allows.





Fossil Butte was set aside to protect diverse, abundant, and well-preserved fossils from the Eocene Epoch in the Green River Formation. It is also home to a high desert sagebrush ecosystem. The visitor center, which displays more than 300 fossils, will be open daily from 8:00am-4:30pm starting on October 6^th. For more information about Fossil Butte, visit www.nps.gov/fobu, call 307-877-4455, or follow #FossilButteNPS on social media. There is no charge to enter the monument.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.