NEWPORT, Ore. – Have you found an interesting fossil on an Oregon beach and wondered about its origin? Are you curious about what other treasures can be found on our shoreline?
Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center will hold a special event on Saturday, Feb. 12, called “Fossil Fest.” It will feature William Orr, known as Oregon’s pre-eminent paleontologist, and co-author of the book, “Oregon Fossils,” with his wife, Elizabeth. Published by the OSU Press, it is considered the definitive book on the state’s paleontology.
The Hatfield center is located on the south side of Yaquina Bay, just below the Hwy. 101 bridge. Visitors are encouraged to bring their fossils, or other beach finds, to the center on Feb. 12, and Orr will attempt to identify them.
He also will give a presentation at 1:30 p.m. at the center called “Digging up the King’s Valley Groundsloth.”
Other activities for Fossil Fest include a fossil swap and special displays staffed by the North American Research Group.
The HMSC visitor center, operated by Oregon Sea Grant, is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is by a suggested donation.
