Upcoming Events Highlight Local Paleontology Connections

Western Massachusetts’ natural history is one of epic proportions – dinosaurs loved our local landscape! In addition to the numerous year-round community-based opportunities to explore paleontology, families can take advantage of upcoming community events in order to further explore dino-centric studies, including Dinosaur Hunter, Paul Sereno!

Here in western Massachusetts, dinosaurs play a huge role in the history of our landscape.

A wealth of community-based educational resources help to support paleontological studies of all kinds, and the local connection to dinosaurs can help budding paleontologists put their dinosaur-centric knowledge into a local context.

To support locally based studies of all things dinosaurs, families can utilize learning opportunities offered by two upcoming events.

Future paleontologists, fossil lovers, rock hounds, and regular science-curious folks alike can see fascinating specimens up close and personal at the 19th Annual Jewelery, Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale! Hosted by Greenfield Community College, the event showcases specimens from all around the world, both for close observation and for purchase. In addition to perusing displays, families can take part in hands-on activities, watch demonstrations, and explore rock- and fossil-themed books. The Jurassic Roadshow will be on hand to spotlight the traces of dinosaurs who once graced the local landscape, and a series of speakers will highlight Spanish pyrite and the training of astronaut geologists for older learners. Held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, from 9:30am-4pm, the event is free and will take place in GCC’s dining commons.

Older learners can explore paleontology further at a special event offered through the Springfield Public Forum. Dinosaur Hunter Paul Sereno will speak at Springfield Symphony Hall on Sunday, November 22, 2015, at 4pm, offering a rare and unique opportunity to hear about paleontological discoveries firsthand from one of the world’s most accomplished paleontologists. Sereno, whose accomplishments include finding the earth’s first dinosaurs, is a professor of paleontology, evolution, and anatomy at the University of Chicago. Sereno has discovered dinosaurs on five of the seven continents, and has made numerous significant contributions to the field of paleontology. This family-friendly is great for teens who have an interest in paleontology.