Opportunities to Celebrate National Fossil Day
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District invites the public to celebrate National Fossil Day through three planned activities on Oct. 13 and 17, highlighting public land paleontological resources and the important information they offer.
This year’s free events include:
Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science: The BLM will contribute to the kid-friendly activities being planned by the Museum and NMSU, including fossil painting, dinosaur coloring, photos with “Stan” the T. rex and more. In addition, children will earn their BLM Junior Ranger Badge by learning about geology and fossils located on public lands in their backyard.
Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument: The BLM will lead a guided hike to the Discovery Site, containing fossilized organisms and plants. The hike will begin at the second parking area of the Monument at the intersection of Shalem Colony Trail and Rocky Acres Trail. BLM Paleontologist Colin Dunn will lead the 3-mile hike to the Discovery Site of the Monument, which is on rough and rock terrain. No reservations are required to participate.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science: As part of the Active Galaxy Lecture Series, the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science presents Paleontology in New Mexico. Dr. Kate Ziegler, a BLM-permitted consulting paleontologist who works to bridge the divide between protecting fossil resources on public lands and accomplishing industry and development objectives, will explore the “ins and outs” of fossilization, highlight some favorite New Mexican dinosaurs, and discuss what it’s like to be a practicing paleontologist.
As a special recognition day (Oct. 17), National Fossil Day celebrates the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations.
For more information on these events, the public can call the BLM at 575-525-4300 or the Museum at 575-522-3120.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.