Plant and insect fossils and petrified tree stumps are the main attractions at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. But, many visitors leave remembering the unique human history. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers: feuding tour operators, a story about Walt Disney and an inspiring story about a single mother and her homestead.

Show Notes found at: https://www.virtualkamper.com/pwpr8/

Podcast Resources:

* Plan your Florissant Fossil Beds Trip
* Florissant Fossil Beds NPS website
* Patreon – We hope you love Podcasts with Park Rangers as much as we love working on this passion project! Consider joining our Patreon where we host exclusive content for our Patrons!
* Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
* “National Fossil Day” – Jeff Wolin

Topics Covered

* About Ranger Jeff Wolin
* About Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
* How The Fossils Were Formed
* Paleontology at Florissant
* Current Research
* Excavations at the Monument
* The History of Tourism at Florissant Fossil Beds
* Other Strange Tourism Stories
* The Homestead Act of 1862
* A Modern Single Mother’s Inspiration
* Who Discovered the Fossils?
* How Did Florissant Fossil Beds Become a Monument?
* What Is The Importance of Small Parks like Florissant Fossil Beds?
* Ranger Jeff’s Love For Florissant Fossil Beds And The National Parks
* Songs for the Junior Ranger
* Volunteer Efforts at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
* Thanks to Our Listeners – Let’s Connect More!
* Disclosure

About Ranger Jeff Wolin
Jeff is the Lead Interpreter at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, CO. Ranger Jeff grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and didn’t experience the outdoors until after high school. In the boundary waters of Minnesota on a camping trip with a friend, things just clicked.
Jeff started as an intern with the Student Conservation Association at Isle Royale National Park in 1991. He found an advertisement for the SCA in the Geography building of his college, and he wrote in to get a catalog of possible place he could be an intern. And since he had been to Isle Royale and loved it, he chose a position there.
He tapped into his love of nature and wanted to share that with others!
About Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds is an hour west of Colorado Springs, CO. The monument is located in the mountains surrounded by rolling hills and meadows.
When most people arrive, they are unsure what to expect because it isn’t obvious at first. At the Visitor Center, people can meet with the rangers and get a better understand what there is to see.