135-1 3, 2, 1, Action!: Advances in Communication through Digital Methods within the National Park Service

Session: Science and Stewardship of U.S. National Park Service Paleontological Resources

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

The National Park Service (NPS) plays a vital role in paleontology, with 18 national parks founded specifically to protect fossil resources and 288 service areas overall containing fossil specimens within outcrops, museums, and/or cultural contexts. Outside of direct scientific research, the NPS also provides excellent opportunities for outreach and education, as well as professional development for both students and community members. One such effort co-hosted by the Paleontological Society (PS), known as the NPS-PS Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program, provides up-and-coming geoscientists with the chance to aid NPS staff with fossil inventory, investigations, paleoart, community outreach, large-scale educational projects, and other opportunities. Recently, the Paleontology in the Parks Program sponsored the creation of NPS webpages focused on the process of fossilization, prepared by a team of experienced educators and an outreach-enthused graduate student. Additionally, the student created a ~20 minute informational video detailing how to formally assess and gather data upon documenting a newly discovered fossiliferous locality within NPS areas for staff members who may not be trained geoscientists or paleontologists. Collaboration with knowledgeable staff members, geoscientists and paleontologists currently on staff within several national parks/monuments, and accomplished educators within these endeavors has produced valuable informational sources for park staff and augmented the NPS mission in their service to the public, as shown by metrics for all associated educational webpages.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10993

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