September 15, 2026
Morrison, CO: Ancient Landscapes, Ancient Lives
Morrison, Colorado is known for its exceptional place in paleontological history. Not only is the Jurassic-famous Morrison Formation named after the Town of Morrison, but it also preserves some of the first large Jurassic dinosaur fossils to be collected and described by science. Jeffco 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, if you are curious enough to wonder about it.
Featured Speaker: Mary Ann Bonnell
Mary Ann is the Museum Education Coordinator at 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.
Featured Brewery: TBD
How This Works
The Buffalo Rose will open at 6:00 p.m. Food and drink service will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin around 6:30 p.m. Following the presentation, we’ll take a brief intermission for Q + A. We’ll wrap up around 7:45 p.m., but people are welcome to stay a bit longer to chat with the speakers.
Please check out podcasts of Past Talks.