A Tale of Two Sites: Opportunities to Learn in Texas Fossil Parks

Abstract:

US fossil parks allow visitors to collect and retain fossils, while also providing informal instructional opportunities through mentors, signage, brochures, and/or visitor centers. Opportunities to learn at fossil park sites depend upon informative pre-visit websites, authentic collecting opportunities, accessibility, ease of onsite fossil identification, and visitor education.

In Texas, two fossil park sites were identified: Mineral Wells Fossil Park and Ladonia Fossil Park. An in-depth investigation of both sites included pre-site research, multiple site visits, analysis of onsite signage, and follow up interviews with individuals associated with the sites’ fossil park development. The sites vary considerably in their opportunities to learn. At Mineral Wells, visitors collect Pennsylvanian-aged marine fossils within a borrow pit of an abandoned landfill. On-site signage locates the site geologically and fossil images aid visitor identification of fossil finds; visitors have a high fossil success rate. Alternatively, Ladonia Fossil Park proved challenging to locate without signs or directives that visitors must descend to the North Sulphur River. With the absence of signage, educational opportunities depend upon whether a paleontological mentor is present. Cretaceous fossils eroding from the riverbanks also resulted in lower fossil collection success. Although both sites are highlighted on websites, Ladonia is intended as an assembly site for fossil field trips on the river. Texas fossil park visitors’ expectations and experiences can be optimized with more effective communication in the pre-visit websites, and stand-alone instructional opportunities at Ladonia Fossil Park. Importantly, these fossil parks have potential to increase public geoliteracy by educating visitors about geologic time, fossilization, evolution, and sea level changes.