This is a classic example that there are hidden treasures to be found just about anywhere. Today we ventured to Kemmerer, Wyoming where some of the best preserved fossils can be found in the flat-topped ridges that otherwise look like a sage brush desert. This is part of the Green River Formation, an ancient sub-tropical landscape that was home to an abundance of fish, reptiles, insects, plants, birds and mammals in the Tertiary period of history, or around 37-54 million years ago. Most of the region is now a national monument and is protected to help preserve the amazing "gold mine" of fossils lying in layers under the soil.
At Fossil Butte we all participated in the Jr. Ranger program. We answered questions in a workbook as we toured the museum and watched a short video. We were excited to learn about fossils as we were planning later to visit a quarry and try fossil hunting for ourselves. The museum housed amazing examples of the variety of fossils found in the area, including a 13 foot crocodile. The end of our visit included each of us reciting a pledge to help preserve the fossils and to teach others what we had learned. We practiced cleaning a fossil and felt ready to experience a dig ourselves!
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