Dozens of children and adults from the local area, as well as those visiting from afar, filled the Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center in Big Water, Utah, on Oct. 8 as it hosted Fossil Day activities aimed at helping people learn about fossils, paleontology and dinosaurs.    

On the ground, there were several activity stations where participants could learn by doing a variety of activities. Along both sides of the walkway from the parking lot, a timeline explained to visitors what existed from the early days on Earth to modern times.

Upon arrival, each visitor received an “Adventure Guide” booklet that guided them through the different activities in the book and on the ground. At each ground-based activity, stickers were handed out that could be placed in the center of the booklet, showing completion of the activity. Other activities in the booklet involved looking around the visitor center facility and answering questions.

At the “Evolve or Perish” game, participants used a pair of large foam dice to figure out if their dinosaur evolved and survived or not. Aspiring paleontologists could dig for a dinosaur, make their own fossil or make dinosaur prints on the patio floor with sidewalk chalk. Another table called “Dino Food” explained how some dinosaurs were only vegetarians and others only ate meat.

Inside the visitor center, paleontologists spoke about fossils and dinosaurs, especially those that are known to exist in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and elsewhere in Utah. Speakers included Alan Titus, Randy Irmis, Merle Graffam and Scott Richardson. Some of the dinosaurs represented in models and paintings had been discovered and named for some of the speakers.

Last October, a similar event called Dinosaur Day was held at the same venue.  

This year’s event was a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, allowing the public to learn about the fossils of the area with interactive games and activities.

Several volunteers from the Page and Big Water area helped with the event. Many participants said they hoped this successful event will continue every year.

For more information, contact the Big Water Visitor Center at 435-675-3200 and the Glen Canyon Conservancy at www.canyonconservancy.org/.