Happy National Fossil Day!

I love holidays in general, but this one has to hold a special place. It's National Fossil Day! The National Park Service has decided that today, October 13, 2010, will be our country's first annual holiday to celebrate our prehistoric past. They even made a song and a video. They held an art contest (you can see the winners here). The drawing here is my favorite of the batch - drawn by an 8 year old named Lily from Gettysburg, PA.

 

I am one of those scientists who studies animals that are dead (although mine are all invertebrates). 

This day really helps to highlight the importance of preserving our planet's past. Museums around the country are hosting special activities today. If you're in the New Haven area, check out the Yale Peabody Museum. We've got all kinds of special activities planned that you can find out about here. If you live somewhere else, check out your local museum to see if they've got any special plans to celebrate today!

And just so you know, my love of paleontology began with rugose corals. How about you? What's your favorite fossil?