This year, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Join us in the celebration! Below is the schedule of events.

Saturday August 22

Admission to the monument is free.

Ranger-led programs will be offered throughout the day.

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds will host a free seminar, The History of the Founding of Florissant Fossil Beds NM (teachers can receive credit, fees apply). Reservations required

40th Anniversary Celebration

11:45 a.m. - Welcome & opening remarks - Superintendent Keith Payne

12:00 p.m. - Connection to the Land - The Special Relationships of People with the Florissant Valley

The Ute Nation - Carolyn Forster
The Paleontologists & Homesteaders - Dr. Herb Meyer
The Landowners - Mr. Toby Wells & Mr. Tim Singer

1:00 p.m. - The Fight to Save Florissant Fossil Beds: A Grass Roots Perspective - Dr. Estella Leopold

1:30 p.m. - The Significance of the Florissant Case on the Concept of Property Rights - Gov. Richard Lamm

2:00 p.m. - What Happened in the Courtroom - Mr. Tom Lamm

2:30 p.m. - The Strategy of the Court Battle and the Impact of the Courts in Shaping the Environmental Movement - Mr. Victor Yannacone

3:00 p.m. - Concluding Remarks - Superintendent Keith Payne

5:30 p.m. - Anniversary Dinner, at The Nature Place. Advance reservations are required. Contact the monument for more information.

Sunday, August 23

Regular admission fees apply.

Ranger-led programs will be offered throughout the day.

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds will host a free seminar, History of the Paleontology of Florissant Fossil Beds NM (teachers can receive credit, fees apply). Reservations required