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Last updated: December 2, 2014
The permits for the Dinosaur Park improvements have finally been completed. This will now allow contracts to be solicited. The beginning of construction is still uncertain.
Spring Break Camp Dates are the weeks of March 30 and April 6, 2015.
Last American Dinosaur exhibit is now open.
CSX has received permission to expand the Virginia Ave. Tunnel. This may be important. There have been rumors for years that dinosaur bones were found when the tunnel was built. It is also very close to the Capitalsaurus discovery site.
Last updated: November 7, 2014
A nearly perfect hand claw of a large theropod was found by Max Bovis. As far as is known, it is unique for the park finds.
Dinosaur Camp dates for 2015 are now posted at www.dinosaurfund.org.
Grace Johnson donated her dinosaur bone to the Smithsonian in a ceremony on National Fossil Day.
The "Last American Dinosaurs" opens at Natural History this month.
A tunnel being dug at the McMilan Reservoir site will be monitored for dinosaur fossils as it will pass through Potomac Group Sediments.
Dinosaur Park will be featured on the Marshall March 2015 Calendar.
Last updated: October 4, 2014
A very rare tooth from a large Carnosaur was found by a visitor early in the summer but the tip was missing. In September the tip was found by another visitor. This is a validation of our policy that no important fossils should be allowed to leave the park with the finder.
National Fossil Day 2014 events will be held Wednesday October 15 inside at Q?rius from 10am to 2pm in the Natural History Museum. No charge to participate.
Dates for Dinosaur Camp 2015 are the weeks of 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 6/15, 6/22 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31.
Paleontologist Dr. Paul Sereno will speak at 7:30p October 16 at National Geographic Society. There is a substantial charge to attend. The lecture is associated with an exhibition Spinosaurus which runs through April 12, 2015.
The fossil bone found at Dinosaur Camp by the 5 year-old girl will be presented as gift to the Smithsonian. We hope to make the presentation as part of National Fossil Day events.
Last updated: September 4, 2014
College Park Scholars made their annual workday on August 28. They were an excellent group, did a great clean-up job and found several fossil pine cones.
Max Bevis excavated a large as yet unidentified piece of dinosaur bone at the Open House on August 16.
Dinosaur Camp is over for 2014 but will be back in 2015. Dates to be published soon. At the last Dinosaur Camp of the summer a five-year old girl who said she wanted to find a dinosaur bone, made a very rare find; a partial tibia of a theropod. It was particularly rare because it was found in late Cretaceous marine sediments.
National Fossil Day 2015 is October 14. Details next month.
"Last American Dinosaurs" opens in November 2014 at Natural History.
Last updated: August 2, 2014
On July 19, 2014 Dinosaur Park set a record attendance of 226 signed in visitors.
The last Dinosaur Camp of 2014 will be the week of August 4, 2014.
Last updated: July 2, 2014
At first June open house a visitor made a rare find - a large carnivore tooth.
Camp dates remaining: Weeks of 7/7, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18.
Registration still open for week of July, 14th for ages 10-14. Contact College Park Academy (240) 696-3206. No adult required.
Turtle fossil featured in June edition of "Ecphora".
The mural sketch for Dinosaur Park has been completed by Greg Paul. Funding source is being sought to complete the project.
The Department of the Interior has placed 4 new Tyrannosaurus skulls in the Rex Room at the Smithsonian. It is called the "Tyrannosaurus Family Reunion" The rest of the skeletons are in the Museum Collection.
Friends of Dinosaur Park 501c3 is being organized to help fund raising for the Park. Interested Persons should contact Dr. Kranz at (202)547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com
Last updated: June 1, 2014
A recent statistical review of attendance at Dinosaur Park over last four years shows consistent number of visitors over three thousand visitors per year.
Dinosaur Camp dates for Summer 2014 are the weeks of 6/16, 7/7 7/21, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18.
College Park Academy Dino Camp lead by Dr. Kranz is the week of July 14. To register and for details contact Marcy Cathey @ 240-696-3206.
During Dinosaur Camp in June, 2004 a fossil turtle was found embedded in rock. Finally by 2013 it was cleaned and exposed by Robert Weems. The Turtle fossils is now at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomon's Island, Maryland. The specimen has to be determined to be a new species JUDITHEMYS KRANZI, honoring Dr. Peter Kranz for his years of cooperation with Dr. Weems. The publication is "Paleogene Chelonians from Maryland and Virginia " PaleoBios 31(1) 2014
In Early May 2014, Dr Kranz was contacted about another potential turtle fossil in Accokeek, Maryland. This has turned out to be an excellent specimen of ASPIDERETOIDES VIRGINIANUS. The turtle fossil has also gone to the Calvert Marine Museum. It is currently being cleaned and can be viewed by the public.
Although the Dinosaur Hall has closed at the Smithsonian, The Dinosaur Park exhibit "Dinosaurs in Your Backyard" can still be viewed on the second floor of Natural History. It is next to the location where the temporary dinosaur exhibit will open in November 2014 ("Last American Dinosaurs").
Last updated: May 1, 2014
The bond bill has been approved. This will provide $50,000 for Dinosaur Park improvements including new fencing which will double the enclosed area for visitors. The pencil sketch for the landscape mural has been completed by Greg Paul. Max Bovis found a probable crocodile scale several inched square.
Spring Break Camp has come and gone. Summer dates the weeks of 6/16, 6/23, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4, 8/11], 8/18.
There is a report of land clearing and road work by Golden Ring and Rosedale east of Baltimore. This is a general location of earlier foot print discoveries and a plant fossil locality on Yellow Brick Road. Also, road construction south of Route 7 in Sterling, Virginia has exposed Triassic rock with potential dinosaur footprints on Loudon County Parkway.
The Smithsonian's Dinosaur Hall has closed but the Rex Room is open until October 2014 and a temporary dinosaur exhibit will be on the second floor. Although out of the way for now, the Dinosaur Park exhibit has been moved to that area already.
College Park Academy will have a variant of Dinosaur Camp the week of July 14, 2014. Dr. Kranz will headline the program. For details and registration contact Sarah Zolad at 917-627-7921.
"Capitalsauras" was featured on national television on April 19, 2014 Rachel Maddow Show. The piece was about State Fossils.
Last updated: April 2, 2014
Spring Break Camp will run only the week of April 14. Summer dates: Weeks of 6/16, 6/23,7/7, 7/21, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18.
T. Rex Room opens April 15. Runs through October 20. Building open until 7:30pm Easter Week. Dinosaur Hall closed after April 17. Baird Auditorium Tickets $25.00 call 202-633-3030.
Bond Bill got favorable hearing. Money will go toward a fence enclosing more area for visitors at Dinosaur Park.
There is an exhibit for Dinosaur Park at the south bound I-95 rest stop north of Laurel, Maryland.
Last updated: March 2, 2014
A cold winter should lead to lots of frost heave. Good hunting!
Dinosaur Camp dates for April, 2014. Weeks of 4/14/ and 4/21. Rembember: Dinosaur Hall closes end of April, 2014 (See below).
The Wankel T. rex which was delayed in October 2013 will arrive on April 15, 2014 at Natural History. Check out many events around its arrival. April 28, 2014 is set for the closing of Dinosaur Hall.
A long awaited event has now happened. Dinosaur Park visitors finds are now online at www.dinosaurfund.org. If you have wondered what you found or where it is, you should now be able to look it up. In the future, pictures may be posted.
Come out to Annapolis on March 8 at 10AM to support the Dinosaur Park bond bill. Money will be used to have additional fencing and landscaping at the Park. Event is at Miller Senate Building (SB511/HB654).
Sometime in early March there will be an article in the Washington Post Express newspaper about Dinosaur Camp.
On Earth Day April 22 from 11-2pm Riderwood Community in Silver Spring, MD will host a program with Dr. Kranz.
Last updated: February 1, 2014
All the cold weather has lead to a great deal of frost heaving at the Park. If there are some heavy rains, there will be an excellent renewal of the surface, which would produce some exciting discoveries.
Dinosaur Camp dates are the weeks of 4/14 and 4/21 for Spring Break (Reminder! The Smithsonian's Dinosaur Hall will be closed by Summer. Spring Break should be your last chance to see it). Summer dates are the weeks of 6/16, 6/23, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18.
Annual Arlington Camp Fair will be Friday February 21, 2014 from 6-8pm. (Location: TJ Community Center 3501 S. 2nd St Arlington, VA 22204). Dr. Kranz will be there to answer questions about Spring Break and Summer Camp. As usual, he will have dinosaur fossils with him.
Last updated: January 1, 2014
Saturday December 21 was unusually warm. Visitors stayed for awhile, at about 3:15pm one of them found a well preserved tailbone from a theropod. This was one of the best finds of the year.
April 14 and 21 Dino Camps will be your last chance to see the Smithsonian Dinosaur Hall. make plans now.
Capitol Hill Montessori School plans to celebrate "Capitalsaurus Day" (January 28, 2014).
Last updated: December 20, 2013
Engineering studies for Phase II development are done. Plans have been submitted for approval. Work may begin in late Spring 2014.
Dinosaur Spring Break Camp Weeks are April 14 and 21. These are the last weeks to see the old Dinosaur Hall before it closes for five years. Summer dates are the weeks of June 16 & 23, July 7 and 21, August 4,11,& 18.
Dinosaur Hall will close sometime in April, 2014. Once it is closed, some temporary exhibits are planned including the Wankel T-Rex, Backyard Dinosaurs (Dinosaur Park fossils), and perhaps "Hatcher" the Tricerotops.
When the new exhibit opens the dinosaurs will be incorporated as part of the history of life exhibit.
Currently the Smithsonian has a picture taking exhibit which is 3D dinosaur. You can see yourself back in the Age of Dinosaur. Pictures can be purchased but the exhibit is free.
Last updated: November 7, 2013
On October 15 David Hacker and Dr. Kranz attended MNCPPC budget hearings and made the case for an operating budget.
Spring break camp held the weeks of April 14 & 21 2014.
National Fossil Day activities were cancelled because of the Shut Down.
ATHA is planning to print Dinosaur Trail Brochures.
Engineering studies are complete. Phase 2 of Park Development should be completed by Summer 2014. The annual budget hearing for Parks budget will be October 15, 2013 at 7PM at 7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington, Maryland. If you wish to support continued funding, come and join us. The handicap parking space was repaired on September 30.
National Parks we site down at present but I have personal communication that National Fossil Day is still on.
The Program at the Chesapeake Children's Museum will happen whatever the Federal Government situation.
GSW Fossil Trip will happen rain or shine on Sunday, October13.
Greg Paul has received a grant to do a preliminary sketch for a mural to be placed at the Dinosaur Park. Mural will depict the environment there 115 million years ago.
Dinosaur Camp dates for 2014 are the weeks of June 23, July 7 and 21 August 4. Other possible dates may be June 16, August 11 and 18. Important reminder: the Dinosaur Hall at the Smithsonian will close for at least 5 years starting Spring 2014. There will be some temporary dinosaur exhibits probably including the new T rex, but if you want to see the old hall you are advised to sign up for Spring Break Dinosaur Camp the seek of April 14 and 21st.
PSW will have no October 2013 meeting. First meeting is third Wednesday of November at 7PM.
The Shut Down has delayed the arrival of the Wankel T. Rex.
Last updated: September 13, 2013
College Park Scholars (UMD) did an outstanding job on Park clean-up on August 29th.
National Fossil Day Program will be held on the Mall outside the Natural History Museum from 10am-2pm. It is free and the public is welcome. The program will be Wednesday October 16th, 2013.
The Geological Society of Washington Fall Field Trip will be lead by Dr. Peter Kranz. It will cover Cretaceous sites in Prince George's County, Maryland. The program is open to the public. The trip will begin at 8:30am at the Fort Washington Marina Parking Lot. There will be a modest fee charged to participants. See GSW website for additional details.
Dr. Kranz will present a public program on dinosaurs at the Chesapeake Children's Museum in Annapolis, Maryland at 4:30pm Wednesday October 16th. Preschoolers are welcome.
Last updated: September 9, 2013
Early plans are being considered for possible indoor exhibits near the Dinosaur Park. Signs have been placed on Route 1 and Contee Road directing visitors to Dinosaur Park.
The National Park Service has opened a fossil trails website.
Smithsonian's website has an interactive painting of dinosaur life in the National Capital Region.
Last updated: August 29, 2013
Thanks to the efforts of Mary Lehman. The first of the new assistant park managers in on the job. Ben Miller has worked for the Smithsonian on local dinosaur projects. He came to the Park for the July 20th Open House and jumped right in.
Dinosaur Camp dates for August are the weeks of 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
"Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia" has been combined in a revised book with "I Can Find a Dinosaur Myself".
Last updated: August 1, 2013
Heavy rains in June should make July a good month for fossil exposure at Dinosaur Park.
Dinosaur Camp is underway. Remaining dates are the weeks of 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
National fossil trails has posted the dinosaur trail for DC and Maryland. The state of Maryland will consider adding the trail to its list of trails.
About a dozen applications were received for Park Manager. Selection of two applicants will occur in July.
Smithsonian has announced that it will get a real T. Rex skeleton for its renovated Dinosaur Hall. It will however, arrive this October for National Fossil Day.
Last updated: May 1, 2013
Dinosaur Park has some paid part-time positions starting this Summer. They include a park manager/administrator and park helpers. For details contact Dr. Peter Kranz 202-547-3326 or PG Parks at 301-627-1286 or the PG Parks web site www.pgparks.com
Dinosaur Camp Summer Sessions are the weeks of 6/17, 6/24, 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26.
Dr. Kranz will give a free lecture on May 19, 2013 Sunday 1pm 3209 Stonybrook Drive Bowie, MD 20715. The title "Discoveries at Dinosaur Park."
Dr. Kranz will give presentations about dinosaurs for at least four elementary schools during May 2013. Schools include Capitol Hill Montessori, Garfield, Malcolm X, and Friends School of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Dr. Kranz will present a public program on dinosaurs at the Chesapeake Children's Museum, 255 Silopanna Road Annapolis, MD at 2pm May 5, 2013 as part of their Dinosaur Day Celebration.
Dr. Kranz will give a dinosaur program for the public at the Greenbelt Library on July 13, 2013 at 2pm.
Last updated: April 1, 2013
According to officials at MNCPPC Phase II of Dinosaur Park improvements is planned for completion in early 2014. This phase includes restrooms and a playground.
Dinosaur Camp summer dates the weeks of 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26.
Reminder: Greg Paul to speak at PSW 7pm April 17.
Dr. Kranz will give a public lecture on May 17 on " Discoveries at Dinosaur Park". Talk is at 1pm at 3209 Stonybrook Drive Bowie MD 20715. Free but limited seating. Arrive early.
Last updated: March 2, 2013
Summer season is coming. The crowds will come. We are looking for new blood (i.e. volunteers) at Dinosaur Park. Contact Dr. Kranz at (202) 547-3326. Some part-time pay may be possible.
Spring Break Camps are the weeks of 3/25, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6.
Dr. Kranz will present a dinosaur program for kids at the Carousel Toy Shoppe 6649 Old Dominion Drive, McLean VA 22101 on Sunday March 10th at noon. This is a free public program.
Greg Paul was to a present a lecture on Dinosaur Art (?) at PSW in February but was not able to make it. The new date will be April 17 at 7pm in the Cooper Room at Natural History (maybe).
Last updated: February 2, 2013
A Schedule for the development of park has been set; Design will be done by Fall 2013; bids will go out in early 2014; work completed by Fall 2014. With luck work may go quicker.
Spring Break Camp dates the weeks of 3/25, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6. You can meet Dr. Kranz and sign up in person at 6-8 pm, February 15 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, Virginia.
"Washingtonian Magazine" ran an online article about Capitalsaurus Day in January, 2013.
The ICC has planted numerous way-finding signs for the Dinosaur Park, however, the signs will say "Dinosaur Interpretive Site".
"What's Up?" magazine will run an article about Dinosaur Park by Lisa Lewis, titled "When Dinosaurs Roamed The Earth".
Last updated: January 2, 2013
In early December engineers and architects met at Dinosaur Park to begin work on Phase Two of improvements. These will include bathrooms, a playground and amphitheater. These should be completed before 2014.
Spring Break dates the weeks of 3/25, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6
Summer dates the weeks of 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26
Dr. Kranz will present a free program on Maryland Dinosaurs on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 1:30PM at the Bel Air Branch of the Harford County Public Library, 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Last updated: December 1, 2012
Springbreak Camp dates are weeks of 3/25, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6.
Dr. Kranz will present the PSW lecture at the National Museum of Natural History, 10th & Constitution NW at 7PM on December 19th (Wednesday). Please arrive by 6:30PM. It is Free and open to the public. Title: "Discoveries at Dinosaur Park".
Last updated: November 1, 2012
On October 9th Dave Hacker and Peter Kranz once again made a plea for an operational budget for Dinosaur Park before the Planning Board. It has been three years now of no operational funds. Meanwhile, at the Park work has begun on making access to the park ADA compliant. Heavy rains from Sandy may yield new finds.
Reminder: Spring Break Camps are the weeks of 3/25, 4/1, 4/29, and 5/6.
Both Rotary events went well. Rotary has pledged continued support.
Weather was good on National Fossil Day. Attendance was up.
Dr. Kranz will speak to the Paleontological Society of Washington on December 19, 2012. Talk title " Discoveries at Dinosaur Park." Public welcome. Meet 6:30pm at Constitutional Avenue entrance of Natural History. Free.
On October 25, The Laurel Leader posted an article on the Park.
Last updated: October 1, 2012
A recent meeting of MNCPPC was held to review final plans before the RFP for Park development is put out for bids. The new features to be included are a comfort station, an amphitheater and landscape redesign. There is a budget hearing on October 9, 2012 at which the Park volunteers will ask once again for an operating budget for the Park.
National Fossil Day 2012 programs will be on the Mall side of the Natural History Museum from 10am-2pm on October 17, 2012.
On September 13, 2012 Ray Stanford gave a talk at Goddard about his footprint finds. Nice job, Ray!
The following weeks are proposed for Dinosaur Camp 2013: 3/25, 4/1, 4/29. 5/6, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/19. These dates as always may be dropped or increased as registration numbers warrant.
On October 10th and 13th Rotary Clubs which have participated or which have an interest in helping DinosaurPark will participate in "thank you" programs at Dinosaur Park.
The Smithsonian Dinosaurs in Our Backyard exhibit has been enhanced with the website www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/backyard- dinosaurs. There you will find information about some of our local dinosaur hunters and dinosaur discoveries.
Kirk Johnson, a paleontologist, has been named to be the next Director of the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum.
Last updated: September 1, 2012
Construction at Dinosaur Park, as well as weather has made this a challenging summer. Despite the adversity visitors continue to join us in large numbers. More than two hundred came to the most recent open house in August. The future should be more comfortable as the Pavilion is now complete and other amenities are to follow. For an update please see the lead article in the August 30, 2012 Prince George's Gazette (also posted on their online site).
National Fossil Day 2012 (the third annual) will be Wednesday October 17th on the Mall at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Dinosaur Park and DInosaur Fund will participate. For details coming later check www.nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday
The Bel Air Library will sponsor a lecture by Dr. Kranz on Sunday January 13, 2013 at 1:30pm. The program is free and open to the public.
The dedication of the pavilion at DinosaurPark and a "thank you" to local area Rotary Clubs which helped make it possible is tentatively planned for the afternoon of October 10, 2012. Details in next newsletter.
Capitol Hill Montessori will be going a number of programs with the DinosaurFund during the 2012/2013 school year.
The I-95 welcome centers between Laurel and Baltimore have asked the DinosaurFund to provide exhibits for display at both locations. We will be putting in a coordinated exhibit. Details in the future.
PG Park & Planning will hold three sessions to discuss future development plans on September 12, 19, 20. For details go to www.pgparks.com/formula2040
Congratulations to Ray Stanford who made national news broadcasts for his discovery of a fossil footprint of a nodosaur dinosaur on the property of the NASA- Goddard facility in Greenbelt, Maryland this August 2012.
Last updated: August 1, 2012
Dinosaur Park was closed on July 7th because of the extreme heat. Work has begun on the pavilion. It is expected to be completed by September. The Laurel Rotary Club is planning a picnic in September to celebrate its completion.
Dinosaur Camp's last date for 2012 is the week of August 13th.
Earlier reports that the dinosaur exhibit would be reopened at Darnell's Chance in August has not come to pass.
Last updated: July 1, 2012
Dinosaur Camp weeks of July 9th and 30th, August 13th and 27th.
Jack Horner was at the Festival only on June 27th. Exhibit continues, however, July 1 and 4-8 at Montana State Pavilion. We have invited the exhibitors to Dinosaur Park.
Two of our long term fossil sites have been wiped out. The Jackson Street site in Bladensburg was leveled by American Iron Works. The Acredale site in College Park was "reclaimed" by the County.
Last updated: June 1, 2012
Summer Camp dates are still the weeks of 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27.
The official figures for visitors to the dinosaur exhibit during March/April 2012 was 2,496 visitors and $5,064.00.
The June 2012 issue of Washington Parent has a feature article on Dinosaur Park.
Last updated: May 1, 2012
Dinosaur Camp Summer dates are the weeks of 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27.
Montpelier Mansion exhibit "Dinosaurs Invade the Mansion" was a great success. Several thousand visitors came to see the exhibit in the two-month run March/ April 2012. New venues for the exhibit will be in August, 2012 at Darnell's Chance in Upper Marlboro, MD.
On April 22 the Washington Post Sunday Magazine had a cover story on Ray Stanford and his Maryland dinosaur track discoveries. An Interesting read.
The Annual Smithsonian Folk Life Festival for summer 2012 will feature "Montana Dinosaurs".
The last PSW meeting before summer is a talk on Early Cretaceous Plants by Nathan Jud. Meet at the Constitutional Entrance of Natural History Museum at 7PM on Wednesday May 16, 2012.
Last updated: March 1, 2012
The temporary shed for storage is complete at the Dinosaur Park.
Opening Ceremonies for the Montpelier Exhibit begin at 10 AM Saturday March 3. After that, the exhibit will be open daily from 11AM-4PM until April 29th. Herbfest will be April 28.
Bond Bill hearings will be Saturday March 10 in Upper Marlboro. If you wish to testify call Matt Dernoga at (301) 780-8158 for details.
Spring Break Dinosaur Camp will be the weeks of 4/2 and 4/8.
In conjunction with the Montpelier Exhibit, there will be one weekend and one weekday evening presentation by Dr. Peter Kranz, Paleontologist. These presentations will be held at 7:30pm Wednesday April 11 and 2 pm Sunday April 15. Dr. Kranz will speak about Maryland dinosaurs and Dinosaur Park. He will also identify fossils if you wish to bring them to the program. Admission is free.
Last updated: Febuary 1, 2012
Unusually warm weather has brought more visitors than normal to the Dinosaur Park in December and January.
Spring Break Dinosaur Camp dates the weeks of April 2nd and 9th. Summer Dinosaur Camp dates the weeks of June 18th and 25th, July 9th and 30th and August 13th and 27th.
The Montpelier Dinosaur Exhibit is fast approaching. Exhibit begins March 3rd, 2012 and ends April 29th, 2012. There will be an opening party and ceremonies at 10am on March 3rd, 2012 after which visitors are invited to come to the Dinosaur Park Open House from Noon-4pm. Tentatively, there are public lectures and fossil identification days on one weekend day and one weekday evening in March. The Smithsonian has provided casts of fossil dinosaur bones for the exhibit and the Dinosaur Fund has provided actual touchable fossils for the exhibit.
The 2012 Arlington Camp Fair will be March 10th from 6-8pm. Come and meet Dr. Kranz and learn about Dinosaur Camp. FREE.
Bond Bill Saturday will be March 10th in upper Marlboro Council Chambers. Come and support funding for Dinosaur Park.
The Smithsonian has an iTunes App which allows people to view videos about fossils from Dinosaur Park.
Kings Dominion has added a huge animatronic dinosaur exhibit to their Park called "Dinosaurs Alive."
Last updated: January 1, 2012
The first printing of rack cards (brochures) is now available for distribution. Contact dinosaurfund@juno.com or 202-547-3326, if you have a place you would like to see the rack cards distributed.
Spring Break Dinosaur Camp dates are the weeks of April 2 and April 19. Summer dates are the weeks of June 18, June 25, July 9, July 30, August 13, August 27.
Most of the materials have been gathered for the Montpelier Dinosaur Exhibit. The main themes for the exhibit include discoveries by visitors, the origins of Dinosaur Park and, of course, the dinosaurs. There will be hands-on activities for all ages. The exhibit runs from March 3 - April 29, 2012.
Remember January 28 is as always "Capitalsaurus Day", the day the "Capitalsaurus" bones were given to the Smithsonian in 1898. Currently no special activities are planned for this year.
Last updated: December 31, 2011
On November 18th PMNCPPC presented a phased plan for the development of Dinosaur Park. Early phases include a pavilion and shed as well as water and a sluice. Later phases include a playground with dinosaur themed activities, amphitheater, a comfort station and a visitor's center. Also, the plan includes an expansion of the park fence and trails.
Dinosaur Camp for Spring Break will be the weeks of April 2 and 9th. Summer dates during June, July and August.
There is a need for volunteers for regular open houses from noon to 4pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month year round. Please contact the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326.
Last updated: November 2, 2011
On each open house day during October more than 250 visitors attended. Recent meetings with MNCPPC officials have hinted that real possibilities exist that Dinosaur Park infrastructure improvements may come as early as Spring 2012. Moreover, there is also a possibility that a staff supervisory position may also be worked out sooner rather than later. Finally, the plan for a bond bill for 2012 is moving ahead. More and better information on these and other topics such as the exhibit will be available at the next stake holders meeting which will be held at Monpelier Mansion on November 18th, 2011 at 3PM.
The fossil from the Livingston Road site (Late Creataceous Severn Fm) have been deposited with the Smithsonian.
The suggested dates for Dinosaur Camp 2012 are the weeks of 4/2, 4/9, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27. As always dates may be added or removed based on interest.
Dr. Kranz will be doing a presentation at Learning Express Toy Store in Wilmington, N.C. at 3PM Saturday November 26, 2011. See the calendar at www.wilmington.learningexpresstoys.com
Dr. Kranz and Don Creveling did a show on Dinosaur Park which can be found on YouTube. Search "The Ed Brown Show" from Bowie, Maryland Cable TV.
Last updated: October 17, 2011
Banners have been placed along the access road to Dinosaur Park. A large fossil claw (?) of a sauropod was excavated on September 21, 2011 by Smithsonian staff. The rains of the past month also revealed many other good fossils including the proximal end of a right theropod femur, a theropod claw and a phalange.
National Fossil Day 2011 is still on October 12th at the Mall side of the Natural History Museum. Events are between 10am and 2pm. "Dinosaur Train" will be present for the festivities.
A meeting was held to plan the March/April 2012 exhibit at Montpelier Mansion. There will be historical, fossil and hands-on elements in the exhibit.
The bone from Dinosaur Park is displayed at the Natural History Dinosaur Hall.
MNCPPC budget hearings are October 3rd at Harmony Hall.
Last updated: October 17, 2011
The stated plan for the end of 2011 is that grading, the placement of a concrete base and water lines will all be installed at Dinosaur Park. Attempts are being made to expand the plans if possible before Summer 2012. Major cleanup was done by the College Scholars again this year on August 29th.
The year the National Fossil Day events will take place on the Mall opposite the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History on October 12, 2011. The public is invited to join us at Dinosaur Park on the 15th for more activities.
After more than a year the owners of the Livingston Road site have been located and have given permission for the Smithsonian to acquire the fossils which have been collected there over past years.
From March 3, 2012 to April 30, 2012 there will be an exhibit for fossils and related items from Dinosaur Park at the Montpelier Mansion on Muirkirk Road and Rt.197 in Laurel, Maryland. More details to come.
Last updated: August 19, 2011
A stakeholder's meeting was held July 15th. It was attended by about two dozen participants. At the meeting MNCPPC representatives said that the money provided by Rotary had been used for various Park necessities and was no longer available for the Pavilion. They further stated that although they had $50,000 for the Pavilion etc. that they were short about $30,000 and were not able to complete the project yet. It was indicated that the water and concrete pad would be completed while they looked for additional funds. If anyone has ideas how additional funds might be gotten they can contact the Dinosaur Fund at dinosaurfund@juno.com
The last Dinosaur Camp of 2011 will be the week of August 15th.
I have recently become aware of two dinosaur books of interest. The Smithsonian is discounting Dr. Thomas Holtz's "Dinosaurs" and Gregory Paul has published the "Princeton Field Guild to Dinosaurs."
Dr. Peter Kranz will present a children's program at the Carousel Toy Shoppe (6649 Old Dominion Drive, McLean VA) on Sunday August 14, 2011 at 1pm. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested. Call 703-288-0070.
Last updated: August 19, 2011
A stakeholder's meeting will be held July 15th, 2011 at 2 PM (location to be determined). Invitation only. (Contact Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com) Invitees will be politicians and business people who can help advance the development of the Dinosaur Park and who may benefit from the advancement.
The last two Dinosaur Camps of 2011 are the weeks of July 18th and August 15th. There is room in both.
Rotary International will be sending the matching funds of $4,500.00 toward improvements at Dinosaur Park.
The premier local geologist Scott Southworth will give a public lecture at the US Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia on July 6th at 7PM titled "Earth History of the National Capital Region, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Dinosaurs....Oh My." No reservation required. Free.
Last updated: August 19, 2011
Final plans have been approved for the shelter, shed, pad sluice and water source for the Park. With luck installation will occur before the end of 2011.
Dinosaur Camp is filling up. Weeks 6/20, 6/27, 7/18. The week of 8/1 is no longer available. If other weeks are preferred, please contact dinosaurfund@juno.com
Holy Angels Catholic School of Baltimore will volunteer to do clean up at Dinosaur Park on June 2, 2011.
Last updated: May 10, 2011
While none of the new infrastructure is in place as of yet, money has reportedly been found to have a cement-based steel shelter and a water supply. On April 26th the Dinosaur Fund and other organizations like South Laurel Community testified for an operating budget for Dinosaur Park.
Spring Break camps were successful. Current proposed summer dates are the weeks of 6/20; 6/27; 7/18; 8/1; 8/15. People wishing to propose other dates are welcome to submit requests. Contact dinosaurfund@juno.com
The Dinosaur Fund's efforts to have the "Capitalsaurus" placed on this year's Low Number Plates in DC were not successful. However, we are told that it is under consideration for the future. This year's symbol will be the "American Beauty Rose."
The Baltimore Rotary Club has given a $450 donation toward infrastructure development at Dinosaur Park.
An article about Dinosaur Park has appeared in the recent issue of "Maryland Life" (4/14/11).
Summer is coming and there is a desperate shortage of volunteer help for Dinosaur Park open houses. If you would like to help, please call 202-547-3326.
The Dinosaur Fund has a new office and mailing address:
300 50th St. SE #103 Washington, DC 20019
Last updated: May 10, 2011
Dinosaur Park has a new fixed sign at Contee Road and Mid Atlantic Blvd.
Some of the fossils found at DInosaur Park can now be viewed online at http://collections.nmnh.si.edu/search/paleo/.
MNCPPC will hold Day of the Dinosaur Party at Watkins Nature Center Saturday April 2, 2011 from 12-3pm. 301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
National Fossil Day 2011 will be held on October 12, 2011.
Last updated: May 10, 2011
While visiting Dinosaur Park, a member of the Smithsonian Fossil Lab staff was shown the location where the Theropod jaw was found last September. Dave Hacker, a park volunteer, discovered more of the jaw while pointing the visitor to the spot. There is some interest expressed by Smithsonian staff in trying to find microfossils at the Park site. The Fossil Lab staff is expected to make a visit to the Park this Spring. MNCPPC has made some progress on the design of light pole banners advertising the Dinosaur Park. Perhaps they may be in place before Summer.
Dinosaur Camp dates for Spring break are the weeks of March 21, April 18, and April 25. For more information go to www.dinosaurfund.org
The Rotary Club matching fund for the shelter at Dinosaur Park have been approved. Thank you Rotary and Andy Ross. The Laurel Club invited the Dinosaur Fund to join them at the Laurel Mayor's Open House. We met thousands of local residents.
While at the Laurel Mayor's Open House, Dr. Kranz spoke with staff from the Laurel Museum and learned that their fossil Cycadeoid is now back on display in the children's room. Call 301-725-7975 for hours.
Last updated: May 10, 2011
The Park was covered with snow much of December and January, however, when open important finds were made. Spring promises to be a busy time of construction with a shelter, a shed and a sluice being added to the Park - We hope.
The Rotary is working on a donation to the Dinosaur Park.
The McMillan Sand Filtration site once again appears to be back on the development track. Dr. Kranz is pursuing the addition of a dinosaur park to the development plan.
The folks at education at Natural History have asked for sediment for visitors to sort. We have provided some. When the program is up and running we will provide details.
Anacostia Heritage Trail Area personnel have approached the Dinosaur Fund about developing a way to incorporate dinosaur related information into their publications and signage throughout their operating area.
Last updated: January 24, 2011
A late December meeting with MNCPPC officials has produced the following commitments:
- A shed and concrete base will be in place before Summer.
- There is a plan to place Park signs as banners on light poles and some public streets.
- There will be some Park fossil finds placed on display at some MNCPPC facilities, possibly as early as January 2011.
- A design for a shelter is being worked on and with luck it may also be installed before Summer.
- Beyond this, a title sign has been placed at the Park entrance and vests are being made available to Dinosaur Fund staff to better identify them to visitors.
At least four Rotary Clubs have already committed to contributing to building the Park shelter and more are expected. An application for matching funds was submitted to Rotary International in December 2010.
Spring Break Dinosaur Camps are scheduled for the weeks of 3/21, 4/18/ 4/25.
Captialsaurus Day is January 28th, 2011. No special events are currently scheduled, however, the Capitalsaurus has been submitted as an image for the 2011 low number plates in DC. Smithsonian's Dinosaur Tracking ran an article on Capitalsaurus (Smithsonian.com 12/28/10).
Last updated: January 24, 2011
Dinosaur Park will continue to be staffed by Dinosaur Fund volunteers under the new contract which begins December 1, 2010. The school tour signups should resume shortly. Many fossils found by the public are now in the Smithsonian and my soon appear on the Dinosaur Fund/and/or Smithsonian web sites.
Spring Break Dinosaur Camp will be the weeks of March 21, April 18, and 25, 2011. Contact the Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com for details.
The rains have more or less cleared the Livingston Road Site of straw so it is pretty much open again.
Rotary is moving ahead to get grant matching funds for a shelter pavilion at the Dinosaur Park. Dr. Kranz will be making his next presentation to the Greenbelt Club on December 14, 2010.
The Dinosaur Fund is looking for schools wishing to help with fossil finding activities both in the field and at school. Moreover, they are seeking individual volunteers to help with the public programs at the Dinosaur Park on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon til 4PM. If you, your school or your class would like to help, contact the Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com.
Last updated: November 4, 2010
The BALTIMORE SUN printed an article about the jawbone discovery on October 4, 2010. Many other articles have followed. The new contract for the Park is ready. This means the school program at the Park will resume soon, probably before the end of the year. The Park has been open now for a year and is a big success.
National Fossil Day was attended by school groups and others from the National Capital Area. Gabrielle's and Aiden's families attended to show off their fossil finds. Rachel and Gabrielle were featured in Buddy Bison's Magazine.
The Livingston Road site is temporarily out of business because straw was spread for erosion control. There is a new vast exposure at I-495 and Richie Marlboro Road, however, preliminary reconaisance has not turned up any fossils. The area around #202 and I-495 in Landover is also undergoing major development.
The CAPITALSAURUS article appeared in the October 19, 2010 Roll Call newspaper. It has a picture of Capitalsaurus Court.
Dr. Kranz spoke to the Laurel Rotary Club on October 20, 2010. The Club plans to contact other Clubs for support and has pledged financial and in-kind support for a pavilion at Dinosaur Park.
On October 4, 2010 Dr. Kranz and Dave Hacker spoke at the MNCPPC budget hearing urging support for Dinosaur Park. A local Laurel group also urged support.
Though not truely new, Dr. Kranz has just found it. It being the signs about the fossil at the Sports and Learning Complex. They are tucked away on the far left outside the building by some picnic tables.
On September 4, 2010 during the Public Open House a young visitor found a partial theropod jaw. It is without teeth and is a juvenile. Despite these limitations it was a very important find. It was the first jaw material from a dinosaur found at the Park and the only known theropod skull element known form the Potomac Formation.
National Fossil Day will be at the Natural History Building and at 15th and Constitution on the Mall from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, October 13th. The Dinosaur Fund will display fossils at the Mall location.
Andrew Ross is presenting ideas to Rotary Clubs in Maryland who may wish to support dinosaur-related efforts. Updates will follow in later newsletters.
MNCPPC will hold a budget forum on Monday October 4th at the Sports and Learning Complex 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, Maryland at 7pm in Rooms Landover A and B. If you wish to speak you may call (301) 952-4584 or register at www.pgplanning.org Come out and support Dinosaur Park!
Roll Call newspaper will have an article on Dr. Kranz and the "Capitalsaurus" in early October.
Last updated: September 17, 2010
Thanks to the 40+ College Scholars and PG Parks for the great clean up day at the Park on August 27th. A meeting with PG Parks personnel on August 31st was very successful. All indications are that there will be a shed a cement slab added to the Park before years end. The Summer tours are over. There were dozens. Open houses continue to be well attended, usually 200+ people at each one. The next two are September 4th and 18th.
Dinosaur Camp is over for the Summer. A partial list of 2011 dates are the weeks of April 18th and 25th and June 20th and 27th more dates will be added shortly.
National Fossil Day activities will be held on the Mall at 15th and Constitution and the Natural History Museum from 10am-2pm on Wednesday October 13th, 2010. The Dinosaur Fund and Dinosaur Park will be represented.
Livingston Road has produced mosasur and pleisiosaur fossils in the month of August.
Last updated: August 17, 2010
On July 17th an estimated 250 visitors came to the Dinosaur Park Open House,the largest number of visitors to date. Despite the snowiest winter and hottest summer's ever in the Washington, DC area. Visitorship continues to rise. Moreover, important fossil finds are continuously being made by Open House Visitors and tour group participants.
The last two Dinosaur Camps of the summer are the weeks of August 2nd and August 16th.
There will be a public Cleanup Day at the Dinosaur Park during August. If you wish to help contact the Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com to register to help.
The 2010 edition of FROMMER'S MARYLAND guide lists the Dinosaur Park as a place to visit.
Dr. Kranz has made fossil kits available for use by DC Public Schools and Charter School teachers. The kits are currently being assembled by several teachers. If you wish to learn more contact the Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com.
The National Park Service is Planning a Fossil Day event on the National Mall on October 13th. Further details will be in the September and October Newsletters.
Last updated: July 19, 2010
On June 19th Dinosaur Park set a new record when 204 visitors attended a Public Day program on a single day. Also, a dinosaur leg bone from a meat eating dinosaur was found by a visitor. Later in the day a probable tail vertebra was found near the spot where Gabrielle Block found her back on November 21, 2009.
Dinosaur Camp continues with camps the week of 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30.
Dr. Kranz spoke to the Rotary Club of Towsontowne about Dinosaur Park and the Dinosaur Trail on June 30th.
Public days are still 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from noon-4pm. There is a rumor that the park may soon have a portable toilet. Let's hope.
The following camp dates are still open 6/21, 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30. The weeks of the 6/14 and 6/28 are no longer available.
An article about the Smithsonian exhibit on the local dinosaur discoveries appeared on the Baltimore Sun's front page on May 4, 2010. There is a also a website www.paleodb.org where one can see an interactive copy of the map from the exhibit.
On April 3rd 134 people came to Dinosaur Park. On April 17th, there were 115 visitors. Numerous fossils of significance were found by visitors. Park attendence is expected to continue to increase. In addition, hundreds of other visitors have come to the Park on non-public days with schools and other groups.
The summer sessions of Dinosaur Camp are scheduled for the weeks of 6/13, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, and 8/30.
There has been a renewal of interest of placing a reclining Theropod Statue (Capitalsaurus) at Garfield Park. A parent at Capital Hill Day School is helping the Dinosaur Fund raise interest and funds at the school and with Friends of Garfield Park. If you wish to help, contact the Dinosaur Fund at 202-547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com.
Friends of Dinosaur Park ahs begun soliciting volunteers and financial support for Dinosaur Park. You may contact them through the Dinosaur Fund at dinosaurfund@juno.com or 202-547-3326.
At 11AM on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 The Smithsonian Natural History Museum opened a new permanent exhibit of the fossils from DC and Maryland, featuring many fossils from Dinosaur Park. The exhibit was introduced by the Smithsonian's Curator of dinosaurs, Dr. Matthew Carrano. The exhibit highlights the contributions of local fossil collectors and researchers.
Dinosaur Fund has submitted a picture of the Capitalsaurus for consideration for DC low number license plates.
Monarch Academy of Glen Burnie, Maryland is working with Dr. Kranz on dinosaur projects which will include writing a book about Astrodon.
Finally, the Sports/Learning complex in Largo, Maryland will have an exhibit on fossils found there.
Last updated: April 9, 2010
On March 6th a visitor to Dinosaur Park found a tooth from an armored dinosaur. March 20th the Park had 98 visitors in one day. The Par will be open as normal on April 13th & 17th from noon to 4PM for any member of the public to visit. Starting after Easter Week new activities like sifting may become part of the Park experience. More than 15 school and other programs have already been scheduled in April, May, June, July and August. If your group wishes to schedule a program, call 301-627-7755.
The Maryland dinosaur fossil exhibit at the Smithsonian is still expected to open in April, 2010. It was delayed because of the celebration for the new "Hall of Human Origins".
The Dinosaur Fund has organized a new Committee called "Friends of Dinosaur Park". It will raise money and volunteers to help with the operation of Dinosaur Park. If you wish to help, call 202-547-3326 or email dinosaurfund@juno.com.
Last updated: March 31, 2010
Dinosaur Park was closed the entire month of February because it was under several feet of snow. March is not looking very promising either. Perhaps March 20th will be OK.
Spring Break Camp dates are still the weeks of 3/22, 3/29 and 4/5.
Smithsonian Magazine article appeared in the February 2010 issue in the "Around the Mall" section.
Discovery News has posted a short video on Dinosaur Park. 'Prehistoric Washington DC' ran on February 28th and will be repeated March 1.
The Smithsonian is installing a dinosaur exhibition on Maryland dinosaurs which will open sometime in April 2010. On May 6th from 11-2pm there will be a Maryland dinosaur program in conjunction with the DC Science Teacher's Association at Natural History.
Dr. Kranz gave a talk about Dinosaur Park at the US Naval Academy on February 19th to the Sigma Xi Chapter.
Last updated: February 17, 2010
Three out of the six Prehistoric episodes are scheduled to air on Sunday, February 21st on the Discovery Channel:Prehistoric: Dallas @ 8 PM
Prehistoric: DC @ 9 PM
Prehistoric: Los Angeles @ 10 PM
Please check your local listings.
Last updated: February 15, 2010
Dinosaur Park will have public days February 6th and 20th from noon-4pm. One of my main reasons for wanting the park appears to be coming to pass. I have always thought that there are members of the general public who have important fossils but have not known where to take them or who to contact. On January 16th a visitor to the park brought his fossils including a very rare fossil Cycadiodea Marylandica which he said he'd been trying to have identified for years. He said it was found in Elkridge, MD ad well-known site for that type of fossil. It is to be hoped that people will continue to reveal their long unidentified specimens at park public days.
Spring Break camps are the weeks of 3/22, 3/29 and 4/5. Contact us at dinosaurfund@juno.com
Discovery News will run a story this month on Dinosaur Park. Look for it.
NPR has once again said it wants to do a story on the Park.
One other thing last month champagne affected was that I forgot to include a notice about my talk on January 11 to the GLMS of Montgomery Co. They had a short story on the program in their newsletter the Rockhounder.
The February 2010 issue of Smithsonian Magazine does indeed have a nice article on Gabrielle Block's dinosaur discovery at Dinosaur Park last November.
Last updated: January 15, 2010
The fossil tail bone discovery went viral on the web and everywhere after the AP story. There are still articles and reports appearing about it. Discovery news is preparing a piece. Scholastic already has one and Smithsonian Magazine will have an article in the February 2010 issue.
Things have not slowed down at the Park. The hits keep on coming. Although it snowed on December public days, people still came out. (reminder: Park is open 1st and 3rd Saturday each month Noon-4pm). All other times by appointment call (301) 627-7755.
On January 2,2010 despite howling winds and cold temperatures, people came out and a scout discovered a partial turtle fossil.
Dinosaur Camps for Spring break are the weeks of March 22; March 29, and April 5.
The fossil site at Livingstone Road remains open and all construction appears to have stopped for the present.
There will be a free screening of "Creation" a film about evolution with scientists in attendance at the E St. Cinema on January 13 at 7pm. If you wish to come, you must send your name to oschwarz@nas.edu to be placed on the list.
Last updated: January 4, 2010
Petition to save UBC Quarry in West Paterson, NJ from development.
The UBC Quarry in West Paterson, NJ has been a unique fossil locality for scientific research and spectacular fossils from the Passaic formation in the Early Jurassic period of NJ since the 1960's. Many discoveries over the years have yielded a great deal of knowledge to the scientific community in the area of trace fossils (ichnology) during this unique time period.
Large museums and universities have done research projects and collected at the quarry to add to their collections and preserve these fossils. Ironically most of the fossils from this quarry are in private hands and not in a museum for folks to enjoy. The quarry was once an active quarry for many years but now has been sold to a developer to create high end condos that overlook NYC.
The remaining fossils in the quarry will be forever lost if the developers are allowed to demolish the remaining section of the quarry to complete their development. No more fossils from this period will ever be able to be collected again as this is the only place in NJ that has fossils from this time period. Once this section is gone there will be no more science or fossils to be gained. There is one section of the quarry left next to Rifle Camp Park that is of scientific significance that is threatened to be lost forever due to the development of these condos.
Some of the best preserved dinosaur and reptile footprints have been found in this quarry which do not compare to any other locality from New Jersey. Dinosaur tracks and fossil trace fossils have been a very unique, rare, and are an important piece of our fossil history and deserves to be protected. The state of New Jersey has done very little to protect fossil localities compared to other states in the USA and that is why we need your help. Trace fossils are a very important part of the state of New Jersey's history just like Hadrosaurus foulki and deserve to be protected, preserved and enjoyed by future generations. Let's not make this just a memory like other fossil sites in Northern NJ.
Let's make it a preserved site forever. Time is running out and only a few months left till it is gone forever. Thanks.