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Last updated: September 1, 2024
There was virtually no interest in Dinosaur Camp this summer. No camps were held. If camps are to continue, I will try to post 2025 dates in November.
Lots of work on the Purple Line (Hyattsville) and Landmark Mall (Alexandria). No good finds yet.
Dr. Kranz made a visit to Emmitsburg in August to interview Prof. Bill Meredith in person. Professor Meredith who is now 90 years old, was the person who saved the Triassic dinosaur track displayed at the Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSMD). According to Meredith, the tracks had languished in the basement of the Science building at Mount St. Mary's College from the dawn of the 20th century until the 1960's when he was asked to clear the space. He used them intermittently for his evolution classes.
Last updated: August 1, 2024
Lots of construction activity around Hyattsville/College Park area related to University of Maryland and Metro's purple line. Also Alexandria is a another hotspot related to Amazon construction and old Landmark Mall site.
Last updated: June 1, 2024
Remaining dates for 2024 Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 6/17, 7/15, 7/2, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
NBC4 has posted "The Saga of Capitalsaurus" by Maggie More May 16, 2024 (NEWS4) The saga of Capitalsaurus, DC's official dinosaur.
Last updated: May 1, 2024
Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 6/17, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Chris DiPiazza is working on a revised illustration of Atriepus for the Emmitsburg track slab exhibit.
Vince Santucci is working on a review of dinosaur tracks of the Gettysburg Formation tracks (late Triassic, Newark Group) with the help of Rob Weems and Peter Kranz.
Last updated: April 1, 2024
"Bone Bed" at Dinosaur Park continues to yield new bones.
Summer 2024 Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 6/17, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26.
Natural History Society of Maryland is sponsoring guided trips to Dinosaur Park on April 12 and August 10.
Lots of digging still in the College Park area. Still no noteworthy fins yet, stay hopeful.
Land clearing and construction activity in the Old Landmark Mall site. This region has produced Early cretaceous petrified wood in past years. Activity also in Old Sears site in Landover Maryland may yield something.
Last updated: March 1, 2024
Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 3/25, 4/1, 6/17, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Still much digging activity around College Park area of Maryland.
Natural History Society of Maryland will hire a paid summer intern for 15 hours a week. To apply, contact NHSMD at (443) 955-4761.
Last updated: February 1, 2024
Dinosaur Camp 2024 dates are weeks beginning 3/25, 4/1, 6/17, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Natural History Society of Maryland will have its public opening of the Ice Age Exhibit on February 4. After that we will get back to work on the dinosaur track exhibit.
NBC4 will produce in February 2024 a social media blitz on the "Capitalsaurus" based on interviews with Dr. Kranz.
Last updated: January 1, 2024
A potluck was held in December for workers at Dinosaur Park. This year has seen a significant increase in workers and the discovery of a "bone bed."
Camp dates for 2024 weeks beginning 3/25, 4/1, 6/17, 7/15, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Valerie Horn and Peter Kranz searched the College Park, Maryland area where there is much construction activity. Some lignite, some moonstone, no fossils. Work is ongoing, keep looking.
Matt Carrano has had a paper accepted for publication in the journal "Cretaceous Research" in 2024. It describes associated material found at what became Dinosaur Park in the late 20th century. The paper asserts that it is the remains of a juvenile Acroncranthosaus. Maybe a new species. Several people including Dr. Kranz helped find the bones.
Capitalsaurus Day, January 28 will be celebrated this year in a blog post by NBC Diana Paulsen, author.
Last updated: December 1, 2023
The "bone bed" is still yielding new finds.
Current dates for Dinosaur Camp 2024 are weeks beginning 3/25, 4/1, 6/17, 7/15, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Last updated: November 1, 2023
Spring Break Dinosaur Camp will be the weeks beginning March 25 and April 1 2024. Additional dates in April 2024 may be added in the future. Dates for Summer Camp will be posted next month (December 2023).
Work on the Emmitsburg dinosaur foot print exhibit has resumed now that National Fossil Day 2023 has passed.
Last updated: October 1, 2023
Large bones are still coming from the dig site at Dinosaur Park.
National Fossil Day 2023 is Wednesday October 11. Smithsmonian's Program at Natural History 10:30AM to 1 PM.
Last updated: September 1, 2023
Dr. Kranz is collaborating with the society (NHSMD) on a PowerPoint presentation about the footprint slab from Emmitsburg, Maryland as well as interpretive signage for an interactive exhibit.
Bone bed" continues to produce additional bones.
Last updated: August 1, 2023
The largest number of and variety of dinosaur bones was found in more in more than 100 years in the Early Cretaceous Potomac Group beds. It has been referred to as a "bone bed." Most bones and teeth found in these beds are isolated individual fossils. These bones found in April 2023 at Dinosaur Park were found in a cluster. They represent a variety of taxa individuals. It is not known at present how many will ultimately be uncovered. At present several dozen have been recovered. Some are quite large, requiring heavy machinery to lift them. For the present, they are being stored by MNCPPC, the Dinosaur Park managing agency. The occasion of their discovery was serendipitous: while digging out a large leg bone which has been known for many years. The "bone bed" appears to be a lag deposit typical of stream beds.
Summer Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Last updated: July 1, 2023
Summer Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Last updated: June 1, 2023
Summer Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Last updated: May 1, 2023
During the month of April 2023 some larger than usual bones and bone fragments were uncovered at Dinosaur Park. As of now it remains uncertain what they are and what taxa they represent.
Summer Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
The Laurel Museum has opened a new exhibit of bones from Dinosaur Park.
Last updated: April 1, 2023
Spring Break camps are during April weeks beginning 4/3, 4/10, 4/17. Summer Camps weeks beginning 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Capitalsaurus story has been posted on WETA Boundary Stones local history site. Check it out here: https://boundarystones.weta.org/2023/03/03/capitalsaurus-how-dinosaur-never-existed-became-official-mascot-dc
Last updated: March 1, 2023
A report is anticipated this month on plans for expanding the range of Dinosaur Park construction, including possibly a visitor's center.
Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 6/12 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
An article about "capitalsaurus" is expected this month on "Boundry Stones", the WETA local history site.
Last updated: February 1, 2023
A planning meeting regarding progress on a Dinosaur Park Visitor Center is expected this month.
Dinosaur Camp is scheduled for weeks beginning 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Captialsaurus Day was January 28 as always. The day the fossils were given to the Natural History Museum.
A sign was added to "Capitalsaurus Court" (1st and F St SE) as part of DC Animal Alphabet project. The sign says "Capitalsaurus chasing a Falcarius."
There is a 15-minute long YouTube video "Most American Dino Ever".
Last updated: January 1, 2023
Several dozen people attended the December 17th lecture at BARC on the history of local dinosaur discovery. After which, they visited the open house at Dinosaur Park.
Last updated: December1, 2022
Dinosaur Camp will be held in 2023 during weeks beginning 4/3, 4/10, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/14, 8/28.
Dr. Kranz will lead a Maryland Natural History Society sponsored field trip on December 17, 2022. Group will meet at 10AM at the main gate of Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. After touring dinosaur related sites on the property, the group will travel to Dinosaur Park in Laurel, Maryland for the open house program. For more details please contact Natural History Society of Maryland at 410-882-5376
Last updated: November 1, 2022
Dinosaur Camp 2023 will be held in the weeks beginning April 3, 10, June 12, 19, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 14, 28.
Last updated: October 1, 2022
Feasibility study continues.
Dave, Max, Valerie and Peter toured the Luckstone quarry and visited the Culpeper Museum. Did some fossil hunting. Not much found.
Last updated: September 1, 2022
MNCPPC is financing a development feasibility study for Dinosaur Park.
Dinosaur Camp is over for 2022. New dates for 2023 likely to be posted November 2022.
Animatronic Dinosaurs at Maryland Zoo through November '22.
JP will give a presentation at Calvert Marine Museum on November 13, 2022 called "World of Dinosaur Park."
Valeri Horn is trying to arrange a field trip to the Ballenger farm in Rocky Ridge, Maryland to look for lizard tracks.
Dave Hacker has secured a space to visit Luckstone Quarry dinosaur track site. Trip will be September 24, 2022.
Last updated: August 1, 2022
A metal sculpture of a raptor has been placed in the garden area. Let's get regular care for the garden.
A vertebrae from Astrodon has been recovered from the area where the large bone was found.
Last Dinosaur Camps of 2022 start the weeks beginning August 8, 22, 29.
Last updated: July 1, 2022
Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 7/25, 8/8, 8/22, 8/29.
Last updated: June 1, 2022
Tom Dernoga has helped to get $50,000.00 for signage at the park. He is also working on getting funding for an exhibits building.
Summer has arrived. Dinosaur Camp the weeks of 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8/, 8/22 and 8/29.
Joint camp with St Stephens and St. Agnes the weeks of 7/4 and 7/11. Contact Ted Yoder 202-215-3397 to register.
The Hill School will have a pre-k paleontology week beginning 7/11, contact Jill Barefoot 786-897-0591 to register. Dr. Kranz may make a guest appearance!
Last updated: May 1, 2022
A false start on a new Dinosaur Garden (living plants which are relatives of plants which were around during most of the Mesozoic). Plants which are not relatives of the ancient plants were placed in decorative, not natural patterns; will need to be removed and replaced with correct species. No other physical changes have been made.
Summer Dinosaur Camp is fast approaching. Dates weeks beginning 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
No new sites have yet been discovered. Improving economy should lead to new discoveries in the coming months.
Maryland Natural History Society has received substantial public and private funds. They plan to use the funds to expand. April 6th, Valerie Horn gave a presentation on fossil teeth. April 24th Dr. Kranz gave a talk on Maryland Dinosaurs.
Last updated: April 1, 2022
Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/23, 8/8, 8/22.
Positive signs that the infrastructure bill may lead to land cleaning. Clearing has begun near Lottsford Vista and Annapolis Road in Lanham, Addison Road and Central Ave. in Brightseat, and at Konterra and Van Dusen in Muirkirk.
Last updated: March 1, 2022
Little progress. Dinosaur Park Garden may make a start in April. Mural installation may also start in April. Development funds may also begin in the near future.
Tenant of industrial park (Shepard Supply) has placed threatening signs telling visitors to risk towing if they park in Shepard's lot.
Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/23, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: February 1, 2022
Dinosaur Park will have "Dinosaur Park Dig Days" for ages 8 and older. Fee. Dates Saturday April 9, April 23, May 28. Call 301-627-1286 for details.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Community input on Dinosaur Park development March 16, 22, 23, 24. Contact Chrstine Fanning at 202-271-3252 for details to register.
Last updated: February 1, 2022
Dinosaur Park was closed because of COVID Omicron in January 2022. It is expected to be open on normal schedule from now on.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: January 1, 2022
Dinosaur Park has not posted Open House dates for 2022. We assume they will follow last year's schedule.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: December 1, 2021
Dinosaur Park Open Houses are now Noon to 4PM first and third Saturdays of the month.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: November 1, 2021
Open Houses now on Winter schedule: 1st and 3rd Saturday Noon to 4PM.
Dinosaur Camp dates Monday thru Friday weeks beginning: 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: October 1, 2021
Dinosaur Park remains open. No reservations required for Open House.
Tentative dates for Dinosaur Camp weeks beginning 4/11, 4/18, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22.
Last updated: September 1, 2021
Dinosaur Park Open Houses continue despite the Delta variant, for the present first and third Saturdays 10am to 2pm.
Two Dinosaur Camps were held in August. 2022 dates will be posted in the Fall of 2021.
The fossil hill on Clipper Way in Oxen Hill, Maryland has eroded enough that fossils can be collected there again. Not what it used to be, but still usable.
Last updated: August 1, 2021
Currently, Dinosaur Park Open Houses are 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10am-2pm. They are free and no reservations are required. Private hours can be arranged by calling 301-627-1286. There is a fee for private tours.
Dinosaur Camp dates for August 2021 begin the weeks of 2nd, 16th and 30th. Those who wish to join should email dinosaurfund@juno.com or call 202-547-3326.
Last updated: July 1, 2021
Dinosaur open house programs have resumed on first and third Saturdays of the month. New hours 10AM-2PM not old scheduled of noon-4PM. Event is still free. No signup required. Walkups welcome. Tours can be scheduled by calling 301-627-1286.
Fossil Camp with St. Stephens and St. Agnes weeks of July 5 and July 12. Drop off camp. Only upper elementary students. Regular Family Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, and 8/30. Call 202-547-3326 to sign up or email dinosaurfund@juno.com
Last updated: June 1, 2021
Dinosaur Park will have Open Houses starting in June 2021. They will likely be on the old schedule Saturday noon to 4pm. Limited attendance. Maye tickets. Check MNEPPC website for details.
Now that buildings are re-opening, Dinosaur Camp can be possible. Tentative dates the weeks of July 19, August 2, 16, 30. Contact Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or email dinsoaurfund@juno.com for details.
Joint Fossil Camp with St. Stephens and St. Agnes will be the weeks of July 5 and 12. Camp is a dropoff camp limited to upper elementary age children. Check with St. Stephens and St. Agnes school, in Alexandria, VA to register.
Last updated: May 1, 2021
Still no opening date for Dinosaur Park
Last updated: April 1, 2021
Still no opening date for Dinosaur Park
Last updated: March 1, 2021
Still no designated opening date.
Last updated: February 1, 2021
The pandemic continues, no date for new programs at Dinosaur Park.
No dates for summer Dinosaur Camp. Still possible. Stay tuned.
Last updated: January 1, 2021
Dinosaur Park still closed. Pandemic abides.
Last updated: December 1, 2020
No fixed schedule for reopening Dinosaur Park programs.
There will be no Spring Break Dinosaur Camps. Summer camp may happen, but all depends on the pandemic.
Dr. Kranz continues to search for new fossil sites. As yet, no luck.
Last updated: November 1, 2020
Dinosaur Park remains closed to the public. No firm opening date.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp not set yet because of pandemic.
Last updated: October 1, 2020
Still no definite date for re-opening of Dinosaur Park.
Low commercial activity means nothing new for fossil sites.
Last updated: September 1, 2020
Dinosaur Park still has no re-opening date.
No Dinosaur Camps were held in 2020. Perhaps Spring 2021.
No new fossil sites found.
Research on Arthur Bibbins and the Goucher Museum Project continues. No certain date known for opening Goucher Campus Library
Last updated: August 1, 2020
Dinosaur Park was still closed in July 2020. Same is expected for August 2020. No opening date at this time.
No Dinosaur Camps were held in July 2020. Some modified version may happen in August 2020.
Last updated: July 1, 2020
Federal site and buildings are still largely closed. This is a problem for Dinosaur Camp as they are a major resource. No June camps were held. Early July camps cancelled along with Fossil Camp. Late July and August dates may happen or happen in some modified form. Possible dates weeks beginning 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 8/31.
Last updated: June 1, 2020
No Dinosaur Camps will happen until the Federal Government opens up. Therefore, it is likely that June 2020 will have no camp. July and August might happen.
Dr. Kranz and Valerie Horn continue to search for new local fossil sites, largely without success.
Goucher College has begun a lost museum project. The purpose is to document and recover information and perhaps objects. From when "The Women's College of Baltimore", Goucher's former name, was located in downtown Baltimore on North St. Paul street. In particular Dr. Kranz will collaborate with them on documenting the work and life of Arthur Barneveld Bibbins, the former museum director. The project is under Prof. Tina Sheller and student researcher, Heather Parkin. If you wish to contribute you can contact Dr. Kranz at dinosaurfund@juno.com
Last updated: May 1, 2020
Dinosaur Park remains closed for now. No date has been set for programs to resume.
No Dinosaur Camps happened in April 2020. Summer schedule remains a theoretical possibility, but dates remain the same subject to developments.
Still no new fossil sites. Visited some of the old sites but for the most part they have not been productive.
Last updated: April 1, 2020
All Dinosaur Park activities including Open Houses were shut down by the middle of March 2020 and will be until the end of April 2020.
Dinosaur Camp will not happen until at least the later half of June 2020. Summer dates are still planned. Weeks of 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 8/31.
Dr. Kranz has been roaming the countryside, searching for new fossil sites without much success. No new localities have been located. If any one is aware of any, please let him know at dinsoaurfund@juno.com
Last updated: March 1, 2020
Winter is done. We can expect better weather and bigger crowds. New volunteers joined us in February.
Spring Break Camp dates weeks beginning April 6 and April 13. Summer dates, the weeks beginning 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 8/31. Fossil dropoff camp is only the week beginning 7/6.
Despite significant effort, few new fossils have been found this Winter. If you know of new sites, please tell us at dinosaurfund@juno.com
Last updated: February 3, 2020
Dinosaur Park Open House was canceled on January 18 because of snow and bad weather.
Dinosaur Camp dates weeks beginning 4/6, 4/13, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 8/31.
DC Camp Fair at J.O. Wilson Elementary School was well attended. Arlington Summer Camp Fair will be 6-8pm on Friday February 7 at Kenmore Middle School on Carlin Springs Road.
Fossil Camp is a drop off field camp sponsored and run by St. Stephens and St. Agnes School. This year it will be the week of July 6. Age group upper elementary students. Open to the general public. Hours 9am-3pm. Contact Summer Programs at St. Stephens and St. Agnes for details and registration.
Last updated: January 1, 2020
Summer Camp and Spring Break camp dates weeks beginning 4/6, 4/13, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 8/31.
Capitalsaurus Day 2020 is January 28, 2020. Enjoy a Capitalsaurus beer.
Summer Camp Fairs: DC Camp Fair at J.O. Wilson Elementary School 6-8pm Thursday January 30, 2020. 660 K St. NE Washington, DC 20002.
Arlington Camp Fair at Kenmore Middle School 200 S. Carlin Springs Road Arlington, VA 22204 6-8pm Friday February 7, 2020. Inclement weather date February 14, 2020.