Friday November 13
6:00pm - 7:30pm CST
Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center is your gateway to one of Nebraska’s most remarkable landscapes. Explore exhibits on the river’s unique ecology, geology, wildlife, and cultural history. Learn about recreational opportunities including p
The public is invited to a special presentation by University of Nebraska State Museum Highway Paleontologist Shane Tucker on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, 214 W. Highway 20, Valentine, Nebraska.Tucker's......More
The public is invited to a special presentation by University of Nebraska State Museum Highway Paleontologist Shane Tucker on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, 214 W. Highway 20, Valentine, Nebraska.Tucker's program will explore the rich paleontological history of the Niobrara River Valley, one of North America's most important fossil-producing regions. Fossil deposits along the Niobrara have helped scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems dating back millions of years to the Miocene and Pliocene epochs."Some of the first vertebrate fossils collected from Nebraska come from exposures along the Niobrara River," said Tucker. "These specimens provide clues about an ancient ecosystem with long-jawed elephants, camels, saber-toothed deer, bone-crushing dogs, and giant salamanders."The Niobrara River corridor contains more than 160 documented fossil sites and has yielded fossils representing dozens of extinct species. One site along the Scenic River contains 146 species of vertebrates, making it the most diverse single-site Miocene fauna known in North America.Following the presentation, attendees are encouraged to bring fossils from their personal collections for identification and discussion with Tucker.Visitors are reminded that collecting or disturbing fossils is prohibited within Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Smith Falls State Park. Elsewhere along the Niobrara River, fossil collecting is subject to landowner permission. Individuals who discover fossils are encouraged to leave them in place and contact a park ranger or the University of Nebraska State Museum's Paleontology Department.The program is free and open to the public.
Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center is your gateway to one of Nebraska’s most remarkable landscapes. Explore exhibits on the river’s unique ecology, geology, wildlife, and cultural history. Learn about recreational opportunities including p
