More than 52 million years ago, the Green River formation took up what was is now the Fossil Basin. The quality of the fossils preserved in the Fossil Basin is nearly unparalleled in the fossil record, according to the National Park Service. The water conditions and lack of predators in the area led to the preservation of these skeletons of the past. According to the National Park Service, 27 fish species, 10 mammal species, 15 reptile species, two amphibian species, over 30 bird species and numerous plant species have been discovered in the fossil basin.
UW’s expedition into four Kemmerer fossil fish quarries to air on PBS
Laura Vietti recently took some of her students on a trip back in time to Wyoming’s Green River Formation, where Eocene-era fish once swam; bats and birds flew; and giant mammals and crocodiles roamed.
During the trip, a producer working for Wyoming PBS joined the group and filmed the activities for a documentary called “Fossil Country.” The documentary, which is estimated to air sometime during 2022, will highlight the synergy of the fossil quarry owners, tourism, research and community, Vietti, museum and collections manager for the University of Wyoming Geological Museum said in a press release.
