The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds

History and Culture Open House
2019-07-27 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
History and Culture Open House (regular entrance fees apply)
Saturday, July 27, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Celebrate the history and cultures of the Florissant valley. Take a tour of the homestead, learn why someone once tried to saw apart a petrified stump, and learn about tribal connections with the area.

History & Culture Open House at FLFO
2019-07-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Celebrate the history and cultures of the Florissant valley. Take a tour of the homestead, learn why someone once tried to saw apart a petrified stump, learn about tribal connections with the area.

Night Sky Program
2019-07-26 20:30 - 22:30 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friday, July 26, Night Sky Program, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.

Science Open House & Junior Ranger Day at FLFO
2019-06-29 10:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Learn about the ongoin research taking place at Florissant Fossil Beds including geology, paleontology, biology, hydrology, astronomy and much more.
Get behind the scenes tour of different science projects.

Science Open House
2019-06-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Science Open House and Junior Ranger Day at Florissant Fossil Beds Saturday, June 29, 2019 Learn about the ongoing research taking place at Florissant Fossil Beds including geology, paleontology, ecology, wildlife biology and more. Meet scientists and learn about their research. Get a behind the scenes tour of a working Paleontology Lab. Kids (and former kids) can earn a Junior Ranger badge by visiting the science stations and completing their Junior Ranger Book.
Science Open House Schedule :
Botany/Flower Walk, 9:00 AM, Join Master Gardener Carolynne Forster for a 1-hour hiking exploration of the wildflowers and fauna of the area.
Geologic Trail Hike, 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Join a geologist (Dr. Wayne Orlowksi or Dr. Herb Meyer) for a 1.5 hour walk on the 1-mile Geologic Trail to get an in-depth understanding of the area’s unique geologic history.
Paleontology Lab Tours, 10:00/11:00/12:00/1:00/2:00, get a behind the scenes tour of a working paleontology lab. Tour space is limited. Sign up for tours in the upper level of the amphitheater behind the visitor center on the day of the event. First come first served.
Science Stations, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Meet geologists, biologists, paleontology/geology interns, and ecologists at the Science Stations located in the upper level of the amphitheater behind the visitor center at Florissant Fossil Beds.
Birding Hikes, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Join volunteer interpretive rangers Stu and Ellie as they lead you on a guided bird hike.
Junior Ranger Activities, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Visit the Fossil Learning Lab (Yurt tent in picnic area) and participate in hands-on science activities including rock sorting, demonstration excavation, puzzles, looking through microscopes and other activities.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
News Release
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
15807 Teller County Road 1
Florissant, CO 80816
Release date: Immediate
Contact: Jeff Wolin
Phone number: (719) 748 – 3253 ext. 202
Date 6/11/2019
(719) 748-3253, ext. 202
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

15 for 50 Hiking Contest at FLFO
2019-06-01 08:00 - 2019-09-02 17:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
June 1 to Labor Day
Hike all 15 miles of trails and earn a prize.

Memorial Day Weekend Activities
2019-05-25 10:00 - 2019-05-27 16:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 – 27, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Throughout the day, a variety of ranger-guided activities will be offered including interpretive talks, ranger-guided talks, tours of the Hornbek Homestead, and the Fossil Learning Lab. Please call (719) 748-3253 ext. 202 for times.

Kids to Park Day
2019-05-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, May 18, Kids to Park Day – Be a Scientist! , 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Celebrate Kids to Park Day (former kids welcome too). The Monument is celebrating with a fun science day. Join us for a variety of hands-on science activities such as birding, searching for fossils in our demonstration fossil pits, making fossils, visiting the Learning Lab, hiking with your family, or earning one of three different kinds of Junior Ranger Badges.

Jurassic Travel through Sight & Sound - WP Symphony
2019-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Ute Pass Cultural Center
Come enjoy the music and stop by and visit us at the Friend’s table.
6:00 PM – Displays & Costume Contest
7:00 PM – Music of the Jurassic Period.

Night Sky Program
2019-05-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friday, May 3, Night Sky Program, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.

Poetry Discovery Program
2019-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, April 20, Poetry Discovery Program, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (FREE)
Join volunteer interpretive ranger Steve Veatch for an interactive poetry workshop. Participants will learn about different forms of poetry, participate in a hike and outdoor observations, and then create their own poems based up on nature and history’s inspiration. Meet at the visitor center. Be prepared to go on small hikes outside. Dress in layers and wear appropriate shoes for hiking on trails.

Fee Free Day at FLFO
2019-04-20 09:00 - 16:30 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will waive its entrance fee for National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day.

Night Sky Program
2019-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friday, April 5, Night Sky Program, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.

Winter Track Detectives
2019-03-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, March 16, Winter Track Detectives! 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Join an interpretive park ranger for a guided hike (up to 2 miles) to discover the clues left behind by the Monument’s wildlife. As a track detective, you might encounter tracks, scat, feathers, rubs, burrows, and much more left behind by birds, coyotes, elk, and badgers or perhaps even see some of the wildlife in person. Dress in layers and be ready to walk on uneven ground and possibly snow. Meet at the visitor center.

Night Sky Program
2019-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friday, March 8, Night Sky Program, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.

HIke for Your Health
2018-02-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Sunday, February 25, Hike for Your Health, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Join park volunteer interpreters on a guided hike up to 3 miles in length. This is a hike just for health. Enjoy the healing and restorative powers that your national park area can provide. Dress in layers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Please be prepared with good foot gear. Weather permitting, call (719) 748 – 3253 for up to date information on the hike. Meet at the visitor center.
There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS

A Winter Poetry Walk
2018-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, February 24, A Winter Poetry Walk, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Learn to write a nature poem. Join volunteer interpreter Steven Veatch and discover your inner poet. The program will begin inside the visitor center with a brief discussion on poetry writing techniques. Meet at the visitor center.
Participants will then explore part of the Monument while hiking on easy nature trails (less than 1 mile). During the walk experience the Monument’s spectacular paleontological marvels and collect “picturesque” words, explore language, and create an optional three-line haiku while enjoying the winter day. The afternoon is an exceptional opportunity to be immersed in a natural setting and unleash individual creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS

Great Backyard Bird Count
2018-02-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, February 17, Great Backyard Bird Count, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Friends of Florissant Fossil Beds along with many partners will host a citizen science event. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and make a difference for birds. There will be two opportunities to join a scientist and help count birds. The times are 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM or 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM. You may participate in one or both if you would like. Meet at the visitor center.
There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS

Night Sky Program
2018-02-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friday, February 16, Night Sky Program, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.
There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call

Hike for Your Health Saturday, Feb 10
2018-02-10 12:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Saturday, February 10, Hike for Your Health, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Join park volunteer interpreters on a guided hike up to 3 miles in length. This is a hike just for health. Enjoy the healing and restorative powers that your national park area can provide. Dress in layers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Please be prepared with good foot gear. Weather permitting, call (719) 748 – 3253 for up to date information on the hike. Meet at the visitor center.

Fine Arts Festival
2017-08-13 08:00 - 18:00, 2017-08-12 08:00 - 18:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds is holding the 2nd annual Fine Arts Festival at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument August 12th and 13th from 8 am to 6 pm. World renowned artists and regional artists will have art for sale to support refurbishing the Fowler education center at the Monument. Meet some artists throughout the weekend .There will be special kid art activities and all usual Monument hikes and educational opportunities throughout the weekend. Park admission is $5 per adult 16 and over. Children are always free.
We are honored to have world reknowned artist Mort Solberg as our featured artist. Ken Shanika, nationally recognized and local artist, has assisted in the development of the art festival which started last year for the National Park Services’ Centennial Celebration. Works will include oils, watercolor and pastel representations of the Monument and the greater Pikes Peak region.
The refurbishing of the Fowler Educational Center is of particular importance to the Monument this year. The approximately $8,500 needed to restore the septic and water system will allow the building’s use for youth education programs, home base for elk walks and adult education programs as well as a staging area for fire crews when needed.
As the federal budget tightens and the National Park Service needs to prioritize the most critical needs maintenance projects, our local Monument needs assistance from the Friends to improve and maintain the infrastructure that is nonessential to Monument function. By purchase of artwork and your attendance at the Monument you support the ongoing mission of the National Park Service and our local Monument to preserve, protect and educate.

Artist Trail HIke - Twin Rocks - Shooting Star Trail
2017-05-19 09:30 - 12:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
In preparation for the Fine Art Show and Sale happening August 11-13, the public is invited to participant in guided hikes specifically designed for artists. John Schwabe, Volunteer Trails Coordinator and Friends Board member will provide an in depth perspective on the trails, geography, vegetation and wildlife of the National Monument. The hikes will begin at 9:30 meeting at the Visitor Center and last until Noon. An entrance fee of $5 is required for adults. Federal /National Park Passes are accepted..
Twin Rocks- Shooting Star Trail Artist Guided Hike
Friday May 19 9:30-Noon
Bring water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes, camera, note pads, and dress for varied weather. The trail hikes are easy to moderate, some off trail, short, steep climbs may occur but are definitely optional. Pets are not allowed on National Park Trails. The hiking pace will be moderately slow to accommodate photography and questions. Artist who are participating or are interested in participating in the August Fine Art Show are encouraged to attend. Space is limited to 20 hikers. More Artist Hikes may be scheduled in June if demand continues
To sign up or for more information contact John Schwabe 719-689-3174,
Ranger Jeff Wolin 719-748-3253 ext 202

Artist Trail HIke - Hornbek Homestead
2017-04-21 09:30 - 12:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
In preparation for the Fine Art Show and Sale happening August 11-13, the public is invited to participant in guided hikes specifically designed for artists. John Schwabe, Volunteer Trails Coordinator and Friends Board member will provide an in depth perspective on the trails, geography, vegetation and wildlife of the National Monument. The hikes will begin at 9:30 meeting at the Visitor Center and last until Noon. An entrance fee of $5 is required for adults. Federal /National Park Passes are accepted..
Hornbek Homestead and Wildlife Loop Trail Artist Guided Hike
Friday April 21 9:30- Noon
Bring water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes, camera, note pads, and dress for varied weather. The trail hikes are easy to moderate, some off trail, short, steep climbs may occur but are definitely optional. Pets are not allowed on National Park Trails. The hiking pace will be moderately slow to accommodate photography and questions. Artist who are participating or are interested in participating in the August Fine Art Show are encouraged to attend. Space is limited to 20 hikers. More Artist Hikes may be scheduled in June if demand continues
To sign up or for more information contact John Schwabe 719-689-3174,
Ranger Jeff Wolin 719-748-3253 ext 202

Fee Free Day at FLFO - Veterans Day
2016-11-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States

Fee Free Day at FLFO - National Public Lands Day
2016-09-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States

Yoga Hike
2016-08-29 09:00 - 10:15, 2016-08-22 09:00 - 10:15 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Yoga Hikes Every Monday through August 29, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Join a certified yoga instructor and a Park Ranger for a 1 hour and 15 minutes, 1 mile yoga hike. This will be a hike interspersed with standing yoga poses. This program is geared for beginner to intermediate yoga enthusiasts. Meet at the visitor center.

Plein Air Art Event
2016-08-27 08:00 - 2016-08-28 17:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Friends of the Fossil Beds Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument 100th Centennial Celebration of the NPS Plein Air Art Event & Sale
After more than a year of planning, the Friends of the Fossil Beds and the Florissant Fossil Beds are pleased to be partnering with Ken Shanika, Director of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters, to host the 1st Annual Plein Air Art Event & Sale, as part of the 100thCelebration of the National Park System. The theme of the event is, “Paint Your Park.” The event will be held August 27 & 28 at the Monument. Artists will be able to paint anywhere on the park property, and will have until August 27, at 4 pm to complete their work. All of the art will be displayed in the Visitor Center, and will be for sale. Portions of the proceeds will go to the Friends of the Fossil Beds, and the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters.
In addition, Plein Air artists will also be giving art demos and speaking on the subject in the amphitheater during the two day event.
The FOFB Plein Air Committee is currently seeking volunteers and sponsors for the event. Please contact Patty Glatfelter at 719 689 3174, or Karen Ports at 719 426 2918, if you can help out.

Fee Free Day at FLFO - National Park Service Birthday Weekend
2016-08-25 08:00 - 2016-08-28 17:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
