Happy #FossilFriday! Here's a petrified tree stump with a modern tree growing out of it. Image Description: Remnant of a petrified tree stump with a modern pine tree growing out of it in an area. Orange construction fence in background with landscape boulders in foreground

Happy @FossilFriday everyone! Here's a photo of a petrified redwood tree that has a modern tree growing out of it. Thanks to the @milehighyouthcorps and our maintenance crew, we helped fix a drainage issue that was affecting the tree and also built a new outdoor amphitheater!

Happy #FossilFriday! Temperature control is an essential requirement in keeping our collections safe. The temperature in our collection storage area is kept lower than most homes. Although the fossils are happy in this environment, our intern needs a little help with temperature

Happy #NationalFossilDay and it's also almost Halloween! To celebrate, here is one of our museum collection intern's favorite spider fossils. (FLFO 2971)

#DidYouKnow a train ride up Pikes Peak," visible from the park, was the inspiration for "America the Beautiful?" Come experience your America and spend part of your 4th of July with us! Our visitor center will be open from 9am to 5pm.

It's #WildflowerWednesday! Linum lewisii is in the Linaceae family. The common name is Blue Flax. You can enjoy these flowers along the Sawmill trail.

For the second week of #wildflowerwednesday, we have Geum triflorum, in the Rosaceae family! Common name Prairie Smoke. This flower can be found on most trails at FLFO.

For week 3 of #WildflowerWednesday, we have Lithospermum multiflorum in the Boraginaceae family! Common names include Many flowered Puccoon and Southwestern Stoneseed.

#DidYouKnow there are #bears in Florissant Fossil Beds? Stay bear aware whenever exploring the park. Learn more bear safety tips at: nps.gov/subjects/bears… Video: a sow black bear and two cubs run along a tree line. NPS/A. Little

It’s week 4 of #WildflowerWednesday! We have Primula pauciflora in the Primulaceae family. These flowers are often called a shooting star and can be found by bridge on the Sawmill Trail near the junction with Boulder Creek Trail.

FIRE ALERT: There is a fire on the eastern side of the park. All trails east of Teller County Rd 1 and north of Lower Twin Rocks Road are closed until further notice. Barksdale Picnic area is closed. #Fire #FireAlert

FIRE UPDATE: The fire was determined to be lightning caused. Forward progression on the fire has stopped and there has been significant precipitation on the fire. #FossilBedsFire #Fire #FireUpdate

#FireUpdate: As of 10pm Wednesday night, the #FossilBedsFire was 100% contained at 14 acres. There will be smoke visible in the area as interior pockets of heat remain. Firefighters will continue mopping up the remainder of the fire through the next few days.

#FireUpdate All trails in the park and the Barksdale picnic area are open again. #FossilBedsFire

The local elk herd enjoys a pleasant evening at Florissant Fossil Beds. Remember to keep your distance when viewing wildlife. #WildlifeWednesday #WildflowerWednesday

Update: Florissant Fossil Beds Closed Early Today at 1pm Due to the winter storm, extremely cold temperatures, and hazardous road conditions, the park closed early today at 1pm. Check the park website for updates at nps.gov/flfo or call (719) 748-3253

Update: The park will open at 11:00 am today Due to the winter storm and extremely cold temperatures, the park is operating on a 2-hour delay today. Park hours for today will be 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Always check the weather when planning a visit! weather.gov