North Central Oregon is still littered with some of the most diverse prehistoric plant and animal fossils in North America. Casual visitors can easily stumble upon small flakes and chunks of Columbia River basaltic rock with fragile scales, feathers and leave imbedded on the surface. It is even possible to uncover a completely intact mammal. The region's rock palisades, volcanic mud flows and ancient seafloor plains and riverbeds contain enough geological importance that it has reached a global scale. Scientists from all corners of the world have been scouring the hillsides and river banks for over a century. The region hosts four rock formations and each one represents a unique piece of the world famous John Day Fossil Beds puzzle. Many of the sedimentary rocks in eastern Oregon contain fossil leaves or bones. Leaf fossils are especially abundant in the rocks at the far side of the athletic field at Wheeler High School in the town of Fossil. Although it is rare to find a complete animal fossil, a search of riverbeds may turn up chips or even teeth. read on.
The main objective of the Oregon Paleo Project is simply to educate. Paleo Learning Center will be considered a "base station" in Fossil.
Educational programs will originate from Fossil and be the result of many minds working together to provide the ultimate learning experience. It will not stop at the present faculty as new participants will always be encouraged to make an impact. The learning process will be ongoing as new members contribute their findings which will help to preserve its uniqueness. The concept of the Paleo Project closely involves the North Central Education established Paleo Academy.
"We need to let the world know "world class fossils just three hours from Portland."