Museum of the Earth visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the formation, collection, and significance of fossils from the Green River Formation, which is famous for its abundant and diverse fossil record created 50 million years ago.  Not only will visitors learn about and see the fossils, they also will discover why fossils have relevance to us today and why geological treasures, like the Green River Formation, need to be protected as national monuments.

The Green River Formation developed during the Eocene period in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, which at that time were covered by vast lakes.  Buried in ancient lake sediments that then fossilized, fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals in the Green River Formation are exceptional for their abundance and detail of preservation.  The Hard bone and cartilage sections as well as the more delicate portions of the creatures often missing in fossils, are abundantly found in many impressions from this amazing rock formation.

This exhibit also gives visitors the chance to engage with and learn more about ancient climate changes.  They will learn how climate changes affected the land and led to the formations seen today.  Additionally, they will have the chance to consider how the study of past systems like the Green River Formation can inform climate change as it relates to our future.

Come fishing for fossils and reconnect with the fish of today by looking at the fish of yesterday!