Celebrate Our Geologic Heritage

During 2022 we celebrate the 13th Anniversary of National Fossil Day!  Join paleontologists, educators, and students in fossil-related events and activities across the country in parks, classrooms, and online during National Fossil Day.  National Fossil Day is an annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Learn more, Dig 20 Ideas Inspired by National Fossil Day.

Next National Fossil Day is
Wednesday October 12, 2022

National Fossil Day poster with brown border and scene of prehistoric forest plants and animals.

NFD 2022 Artwork

Featuring an Eocene forest in celebration of the 150-year anniversary of Yellowstone National Park and the park's fossil heritage.

drawing of a turtle-like fossil

2022 Art Contest Announced

This year's contest theme is, “The Age of Mammals in our National Parks and Monuments”

illustration of two Columbian Mammoths

Prehistoric Life of Tule Springs

Meet the Ice Age creatures that once roamed near modern day Las Vegas.

two dinosaurs walking across a dry lakebed

Age of Dinosaurs

inosaur fossils found at least 21 NPS areas encompasses everything from some of the earliest to the last known dinosaurs of North America.

Artwork depicting the Coconino desert environment and two primitive tetrapods

Fossil Footprints Across Our Parks

Take a virtual ranger-guided hike through time and across parks!

collage of partner logos

Partners Make NFD Happen

ranger-led group activity learning about fossils

Become a Junior Paleontologist

Last updated: March 6, 2022

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