Fossil Fest

Marine fossilsNEWPORT – Do you like agates? Have a fossil from the beach you can’t identify? Curious about the woolly mammoth bones unearthed recently at an OSU construction site? Head to Newport this Saturday for Fossil Fest at the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Visitor Center, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The annual event features special displays, lectures and activities, and a chance to swap stories with other fossil fans.

Special guest lecturer Dr. William Orr, an emeritus anthropologist from the University of Oregon, will speak at 1:30 pm on “Lagerstatten: World Class Fossil Sites,” in the Hennings auditorium. The lecture will focus on what makes certain fossil sites so valuable, both in the United States and abroad. He also will sign copies of his books, Oregon Fossils and Geology of Oregon.

A lecture by Guy “The Oregon Fossil Guy” DiTorrice will focus on “Douglas Emlong – Fossil Pioneer, Fossil Dreamer,” starting at 11:30 am in the auditorium.

And special guests Loren Davis and Dave Ellison of OSU will speak at 3 pm  about the recent discovery of fossilized mammoth bones at OSU’s Reser Stadium, complete with photos of the massive bones.

Also included: Fossil displays and hands-on activities by the North American Research Group, fossil displays from Lincoln County presented by Kent Gibson, and information for participants on great coastal spots for finding fossils.

“We’d also encourage any visitors to bring in their own fossil specimens for identification help,” said Bill Hanshumaker, an OSU marine educator and outreach specialist with the Hatfield center.

Learn more:

Print Friendly, PDF & Email