The following is a press release from Fossil Butte National Monument
The staff at Fossil Butte National Monument, in response to a request and encouragement from fossil quarry operators, are hosting the Fossil Lake Spring Workshop. It is scheduled for May 7, 2026 at the South Lincoln Training and Event Center, 215 WY-233, Kemmerer, Wyoming. The workshop is free to attend and open to anyone interested in Fossil Lake, so please spread the word! The workshop has two sessions: Fossil Tourism and Science.
Fossil Tourism Session 8:30–10:00 am
This session, in partnership with the Kemmerer-Diamondville Chamber of Commerce, brings together frontline staff from hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and stores with owners and employees of fossil quarries and shops. A representative from each fossil business give a 2 minutes history of their company and how it operates (e.g. how long in business, number of employees, whether they provide tourist opportunities, online sales, wholesale only, retail only, etc.). Frontline staff may ask the quarry operators the questions they get from tourists. Any frontline staff needing to return to their jobs are welcome to depart after this session, although all are welcome to stay for the Science Session.
Science Session 10:15 am–3 pm
Presentations will include what we’ve learned about Fossil Lake from the 1870s to present, volcanism (where the ashes came from), pH influence on fish ecology, taphonomy (why these fossils are so well preserved) and research in process today. Also included is a fossil ID activity to educate new employees and challenge the veterans. If you have a difficult-to-identify fossil from Fossil Lake, please bring it to show!
Intermountain Natural History Association will provide lunch for the workshop attendees. To facilitate proper meal planning, RSVP by May 5 to Arvid Aase via text or voice at 307-220-7604. Please provide your name and how many people are in your group. You may also help us help you by passing along questions you get from friends, customers, or tourists so we can provide the most up-to-date answers during the workshop.
