Night Sky Program at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Activities Planned at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in November:

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open year round. During November, the Monument is open every day of the week from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Here are some of the activities taking place this month:

Fee Free Weekend, Saturday/Sunday November 11-12, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. In honor of Veterans Day, entrance fees at all 417 national park areas will be waived for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 11 – 12. Florissant Fossil Beds offers a beautiful landscape and historical features where you can reflect on the public lands, history, and stories that make up our national heritage.

Friday, November 17, Night Sky Program, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the Visitor Center.

There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, two short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit the park website: www.nps.gov/fl



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center Grand Opening

Shortly after Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was established 44 years ago, plans were made to build a visitor center. Four decades later, those plans finally have been fulfilled with the recent completion of a new visitor center and research facility complete with new, interactive exhibits and an updated theater. The park plans to celebrate with a fee free, grand opening weekend Saturday, June 15 and Sunday June 16.

On Saturday, June 15th, activities will take place between 10:00-3:00 and all begin at the visitor center. Visitors will have an opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the paleontology lab and collections area. Tours of the building’s sustainable energy technology will be offered. There will be an opportunity to meet many of the scientists who have studied Florissant’s fossils. Dr. Estella Leopold, one of the scientists and recent winner of the Paleontological Society Medal, will be available to sign the recent book which she co-authored, “Saved In Time: The Fight to Establish Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado.” The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will be providing light refreshments. Park Rangers will be leading walking tours, science demonstrations, and ranger talks throughout the day. Award-winning musician and Park Ranger Jeff Wolin will be performing a children’s concert at 12 noon.

Sunday, June 16th, the celebration will continue with light refreshments being served from 10–3, tours of the paleontology lab and collections area from 11–1, building technology tours from 10–2, and a full day of ranger guided walks, talks, and demonstrations.

For those interested, a small ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Friday morning at 10:00.

For more information please contact the park at (719) 748-3253.

The Monument is now open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day.

To learn more about the new visitor center, and a complete schedule of the opening visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument’s website. More details also are available from the monument at (719) 748-3253.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com