09/02/2026
Our next gathering will take place the evening of Tuesday 15 September at the Buffalo Rose Events Center--1119 Washington Avenue in Golden.
Our featured speaker will be Mary Ann Bonnell of the Morrison Natural History Museum, with a Talk entitled Morrison, Colorado: Ancient Landscapes, Ancient Lives.
Morrison is known for its exceptional place in paleontological history. Not only is the Jurassic-famous Morrison Formation named after the town of Morrison, it also preserves some of the first large Jurassic dinosaur fossils to be collected and described by science. Jefferson County residents can explore the tomb of the first Stegosaurus, touch the mind-blowingly massive forelimb of an Apatosaurus, and experience new discoveries--such as evidence of a hatchling Stegosaurus--right in their backyard, making them the envy of paleonerds around the globe. This presentation will provide a glimpse into the ancient worlds and ancient lives our local landscape reveals.
Mary Ann Bonnell is the Museum Coordinator for the Morrison Natural History Museum. Through her work as a Park Ranger and biologist, Mary Ann has been referred to as the Rattlesnake Lady, Coyote Whisperer, Native Plant Master and Paleonerd. Mary Ann helped coordinate educator training for the Ancient Denvers project, helped pull core for the Denver Basin Project, created artwork for the Colossal Fossil Vacation exhibit and Deep Time Geochronology project. Mary Ann trains the crew of Certified Paleontology Interpreters who offer guided tours at the museum.
As always, doors open at 6:00 p.m. with no cover charge. Introductions and Talk will start around 6:30 p.m., with our Talk expected to run about 20 minutes before brief intermission followed by Q + A.