DEVELOPING NEW GEOLOGIC TRAIL EXHIBITS AT FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT: A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT BY GIPS

A testament to the power of strong GIP intern involvement at Florissant Fossils Beds National Monument has been the ongoing development of a geologic trail. Though the monument is best known for its petrified redwood stumps and abundant fossil insects and plants, it also showcases a wide-ranging, dynamic geologic history. First initiated in 2015, the project has since evolved through collaborative efforts from many Geoscientists-in-the-Parks /Mosaics-In- Science/ Geocorps interns and park staff. Today, visitors can walk a short, easily accessible trail and learn about the broader geology of the area. It started with an idea of adding one geology-themed trailside exhibit to a pre-existing trail. From there, it quickly expanded with the addition of two more panels and ideas for many more. Six interns have contributed, each responsible for a particular wayside topic. Each intern came from a different background- bringing new ideas, talents, and perspectives to the project. In designing the waysides, we aimed to convey complex scientific concepts without oversimplification, while also considering public interpretation. Research specialists and park interpretive staff were involved in the review process, providing interns with valuable experience in peer review and critical evaluation. Nine panels have been developed overall, with topics ranging from the formation of Precambrian granites to modern erosional processes. This fills a gap in scientific education at the monument, which had previously focused primarily on the Florissant Formation of the late Eocene. Overall, the addition of this trail supports objectives of expanding the scope and depth of geoscience education for the public at the monument. Just as each GIP intern contributed a part to the greater project, various disciplines within geoscience were integrated to advance the park’s goals of increased visitor curiosity, understanding, and scientific engagement.