community learning site: Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve by Brooke

Did you know (5 fun facts)

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 17:43:45 UTC

World’s Largest Fossil Dig Site – Penn Dixie holds the Guinness World Record (2018) for the world’s largest fossil dig. over 1,000 people at a time searching for fossils
It is more than just fossils- Besides digging, the nature reserve features birding, stargazing events, and environmental programs.
It used to be the bottom of an ocean. – Long ago, the whole area was underwater.
You can keep what you find! – If you dig up a fossil, it’s yours to take home.
The fossils are super old. – They’re about 380 million years old (older than the dinosaurs!)

visit the Penn Dixie Fossil & Nature preserve!

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 17:55:12 UTC

Address: 4050 North St, Blasdell, NY 14219

Website: https://penndixie.org

Hours: Saturday: 9am-4:30pm Sunday 9am–4:30pm

Admission:

Adults: $17

Seniors(62+): $16

Military: $16.

Students: $16

Children(3-17) $14

Members: Free

Did you know that Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve has many group programs that can extend in class learning?

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 18:03:26 UTC

Field Trips & Group Tours

Designed for groups such as schools (Pre-K through college), homeschool, daycares, scouts, youth organizations, special-needs groups, and more!
Guided by trained staff and volunteers
Typically 2 hours long, but flexible for shorter sessions
- $10 per person. Includes 1 free teacher/chaperone per 10 participants; extra adults are $10.
- For groups of 10 or fewer, there's a flat rate of $100
  
  Private Expeditions
- For small groups (2–10 people)
- Two hours in length and includes use of tool rental kits for ages 10 and up.
- Available any day, even when the park is closed to the public, with advance booking

Did you know that the MISSION of Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is to promote hands on study of natural sciences.

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 18:15:57 UTC

This is a park where you can dig for real fossils, look at the stars, and explore nature. Their mission is to make science fun, hands-on, and accessible for everyone, so kids and families can learn by discovering things for themselves and teaching science in fun and interactive ways. Everyone can feel like a scientist, where people of all ages can explore the Earth’s past By allowing visitors to collect and keep real fossils!

did you know that the Penn Dixie fossil Park & Nature Reserve has educational OUTREACH programs?

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 18:29:41 UTC

Virtual Classroom Programs — 45–60 minute sessions Available topics include Paleo Art and Fossils: There are different options including delivery with or without fossil specimens. Pricing: ~$125 (without fossils) or ~$175 (with a bagged, labeled fossil specimen per student).
In-Person Outreach
Hosted at your location (like a school or library), these interactive programs include:
- Participants act as paleontologists, learning about fossils found in WNY.
- Paleo Art — kids interpret fossils and imagine what prehistoric creatures looked like through drawings.
- Introduces fossil diversity and classification.
- brings in dinosaur specimens for hands-on learning and take-home fossils.
- using portable dig boxes filled with shale and fossils. The dig boxes and teaching materials stay with your group afterward, so the lesson can continue!
- Program lasts ~1 hour and serves up to 32 participants. Prices range from $200 to $250, plus mileage, with an extra $25 for evening sessions

Did you know there are many early childhood(ages 3-8) EDUCATIONAL TOPICS & THEMATIC TOPICS that can be explored and extended upon at Penn Dixie fossil park & Nature Reserve?

schaefbe01_1 — 2025-09-03 18:42:16 UTC

1. Rocks, Fossils, and Dinosaurs

Classroom Theme: Children explore rocks, soil, and the idea of fossils or dinosaurs through sensory bins

Field Trip Extension at Penn Dixie:

Kids get to dig for real fossils and take them home.
Back in class, children can make a “classroom fossil museum” where they sort, label, and display their fossils for friends and families to see.
2. Nature and the Environment
Classroom Theme: Children learn about animals, plants, and habitats in their local environment.
Field Trip Extension at Penn Dixie:
- While at the park, kids can explore looking for birds, insects, and plants, not just fossils.
- In class, they can create a nature journal (with drawings or photos) to compare what they see at Penn Dixie with what they find near their school or home.
- 3. The Sky, Earth, and Beyond
  Classroom Theme: Children learn about the Earth, the sky, and how our world changes over time
  Field Trip Extension at Penn Dixie:
  - Educators at Penn Dixie often connect fossils to Earth’s history, showing that Western New York was once a shallow sea.
  - in class, students can create a timeline mural showing the Earth “long ago” versus “now,” including oceans, sea creatures, and people.