RIDGE REPORT Summer 2015

Volume 27 number 2

Coverage on page 9

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Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 ������In Memoriam ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS 4 ������President’s Message 4 ������Executive Director’s Message 5 ������Program Director’s Update SPECIAL EVENTS 6 ������Exploring Colorado’s Mesozoic past with Dinosaur Ridge 7 ������Squeezing in a Great Boy Scout Day Between the Spring Storms 9 ������Independence Day 9 ������Dinosaur TrainTM at Dinosaur Ridge — And A Good Time Was Had By All ARTICLES 11 ����FODR Welcomes Patricia Kelly – Our New Executive Director 11 ����Review of Dinosaurs Without Bones 12 ����Volunteering for Dinosaur Ridge 13 ����Weekly Fun Facts on Facebook CALENDAR

The Ridge Report Volume 27, Number 2 Summer 2015 Published by Friends of Dinosaur Ridge 16831 W. Alameda Parkway Morrison, CO 80465 President, Board of Directors Kermit Shields Executive Director Patricia Kelly Editor Judith Burton Editor Emeritus Louis H. Taylor, Ph.D. Design & Layout Brian LaCount

14 ����Dinosaur Ridge Calendar of Events FRIENDS OF DINOSAUR RIDGE 2015 15 ����Friends of Dinosaur Ridge 2015

Cover Caption: Dinosaurs in the Field photo by Judy Peterson

Legacy Giving If you are interested in leaving a lasting legacy to the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, please consider making a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. A charitable bequest is a simple statement that names the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge as a beneficiary of a specific property, stock, a dollar amount, or a percentage of your estate. You can also make the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy or 401k plan. If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Kelly at 720-971-9649 or email her at [email protected] 2

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

IN MEMORIAM HAR ALD DREWES Harald passed away on July 21, 2015, and will be sorely missed. As a Dinosaur Ridge volunteer, he spent many days leading school tours on the Ridge and many Dinosaur Discovery Days sitting at the Denver Basin overlook and patiently explaining the geology to all who would listen. Harald had served on the Dinosaur Ridge Board of Directors, and he also co-authored the “Trailwalkers Guide to the Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks and Green Mountain Area” and numerous geologic pamphlets. Before volunteering with us, Harald had an illustrious career with the USGS. Photo of Dr. Harald Drewes, taken by his daughter, Andrea Weber at Roxborough Park.

JAC K R E E D Jack passed away on June 25, 2015. He was a long time volunteer at Dinosaur Ridge, as well as volunteering at the Colorado Mountain Club. He had a distinguished career with the USGS and wrote several books, including “Rocks Above the Clouds.” Jack spent many hours at the Red Rocks overlook on our Dinosaur Discovery Days, sharing his knowledge and love of geology. In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family would appreciate a donation in his name to the Colorado Mountain Club or the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.

HERB DUEY (1932—2015) Herb was a friend of Dinosaur Ridge. After retiring, he volunteered at DMNS and later at the Dinosaur State Museum in Connecticut. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dinosaur Ridge (or three other listed organizations). Chuck Duey, Herb’s son, has donated $500 for a picnic table at the Discovery Center in his father’s name.

CHRIS MANFULL (1988—2014) A memorial service was held at the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center on August 1, 2015, for Chris who had enjoyed making his own discoveries on the Ridge as a young boy. Chris’ Mom, Leslie Armstrong, has donated a Discovery Center picnic table on which you’ll see a plaque that commemorates Chris.

Gifts can be made to Dinosaur Ridge in memory of any of these individuals. Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

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ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS President’s Message It is hard to believe it has been almost ten years since I started as a volunteer tour guide at Dinosaur Ridge. The rock band “Ten Years After” had a song that went “I’d love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do.” That may have been how I felt at first, but I now realize there are many things we can do at Dinosaur Ridge to change the world, or at least the world of Dinosaur Ridge.

“We’ve grown and changed a lot since our inception in 1989 and especially in the last ten years, but we’re not done yet.” Much has changed in ten years, including restricting the road for through traffic, opening Trek Through Time, acquiring a fleet of vehicles for public tours, opening the Discovery Center and seeing our visitation increase to 120,000 people per year. All of this goes along with increases in our staff, our great volunteer force and our annual budget. The educational component of Dinosaur Ridge fits right in with what educators and nature lovers are saying. We need to get kids (and adults) outdoors. Just stop by Dinosaur Ridge on a summer weekend, and you will see the Ridge packed with walkers, bikers and folks taking our guided tours. During the week, you will see busloads of students on our school tours. Educators are also telling us that students need exposure to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Even though people come to Dinosaur Ridge to learn about dinosaurs, they also get a dose of environment, ecology, energy, evolution and other areas of science. We’ve grown and changed a lot since our inception in 1989 and especially in the last ten years, but we’re not done yet. We will continue to grow and reach out to diverse audiences in the Denver area and well beyond. This month, we welcome a new Executive Director, Pat Kelly, to Dinosaur Ridge. She is replacing Joe Tempel who helped make the extraordinary progress that got us where we are today. Thanks for all that you have done, Joe. And now Pat will help us to continue that growth and progress. Kermit Shields FODR President

Executive Director’s Message Many Thanks to the Dinosaur Ridge Community,

I’m Patricia Kelly, the new executive director of Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. And I want to thank all of the great people who have helped me feel welcome and at home here. I have met many amazing staff and board members, volunteers, teachers and visitors from around the world who have come together to celebrate and learn about geology, history, the environment and of course, dinosaurs at the Ridge. Your talent, commitment and passion is inspiring. Thank you to our founders, who have dedicated their life to service here. And thank you to our donors, sponsors, SCFD, the Harvey Family, Jefferson County Open Space, the National Park Service, USGS, and all of our partners, collaborators and contributors who have helped us grow and thrive. Your footprints may be invisible but your work is substantial and is the foundation of our success. It is a privilege to join the Dinosaur Ridge community. Please stop by, call or email me. I look forward to meeting all of you. Warmest Regards, Patricia Kelly Patricia Kelly FODR Executive Director 4

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

Program Director’s Update Visitation, Attendance, and Sales Program

2014

2015

Change

Visitors to Ridge*

46,900

50,613

+8%

Walkers on Ridge

21,876

24,064

+10%

Tours (Total Attend.)**

25,024

26,549

+6%

9,592

9,962

+4%

-----

12,776

-----

5,500

5,800

+5%

$233,943

$318,726

+36%

Trek Through Time Exhibits – Discovery Center Traveling Exhibits Visitors Sales ($)***

*Includes walkers plus tours attendance. Increase mainly from west side.

**Includes attendance for guided school tours, shuttle bus tours, school outreach, birthday parties, TriceraTots, adult enrichment classes

***Includes receipts from Visitor Center Gift Shop, Discovery Center Gift Shop, shuttle buses, Trek Through Time, school tours, birthday parties, TriceraTots, and membership.

Boy Scout Day (DDD-BSA) Beats the Rain (Just Barely) On May 9, the grounds crew set up 25 tents in a downpour that miraculously let up just as DDD-BSA started at 9 a.m. About 900 people attended with nearly all from the scouts and their families. Mr. Bones entertained the crowds as they moved from the Visitor Center to the Ridge Trail and vice versa. A number of Boy Scouts earned the Geology Merit Badge, while cubs and webelos earned pins and belt loops. Nearly on cue, the rain returned at 2 p.m. causing a rapid tear down an hour prior to the intended close. Thanks to the event sponsors, RMAG and AIPG and to the booth providers. Thanks to all the volunteers for making the event possible.

Summer Blockbuster, Jurassic World – Riding the Coat Tails Fourth in a series beginning with Jurassic Park in 1993, Jurassic World opened on June 11 while setting all time box office records. In January, FODR was invited to the Alamo Drafthouse, a new theater at Mineral and Santa Fe in Littleton. We took Huey, the Utahraptor, and a few smaller exhibits to the premier on June 11, and Huey remained in the lobby until June 14. Merlin Barnes worked the lobby crowds on June 11, and yours truly manned our booth on the 13th and 14th alongside our friends, Morrison Natural History Museum and the Dino Hotel (Best Western of Southwest Denver). Has the movie helped Dinosaur Ridge? Well, business is up about 10% since the movie came out, and we set all time attendance and bus ridership records on Friday, July 3. Considering the commercial success of this movie, one should anticipate a sequel or prequel. Let’s hope it is sooner rather than later.

Tom Moklestad Programs & Operations Director

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SPECIAL EVENTS Exploring Colorado’s Mesozoic past with Dinosaur Ridge by Amber Rodenfels, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

Each year, Dinosaur Ridge offers day trips for its members and volunteers to help expand the understanding of Dinosaur Ridge’s Mesozoic history and how it relates to the surrounding areas. Dr. Lou Taylor led a group through Red Rock Canyon in Colorado Springs in April. On this trip, the geology from the Fountain Formation to the Pierre Shale was explored. Seeing

Plant fossil in the Dakota Sandstone

photo by Amber Rodenfels

the impressive quarried Lyons Sandstone, the pine cone-like plant fossils and the Ankylosaurus footprint in the Dakota Sandstone, and the Inoceramus (large clams) in the Niobrara never gets old. Inoceramus in the Niobrara

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photo by Amber Rodenfels

Lyons Sandstone

photo by Amber Rodenfels

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

Squeezing in a Great Boy Scout Day Between the Spring Storms by Amber Rodenfels, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator Despite the rainy weather leading up to the event (3.5 plus inches of rain) and snow after the event (3.9 inches of snow), Dinosaur Discovery Day: Boy Scout Day was a great success! By the numbers: 76 Boy Scouts worked towards the requirements or earned their Geology Merit Badges; 135 Webelos worked on or earned their requirements towards their Geology and Astronomy Academic Pins; and 199 Cub Scouts worked on or earned the requirements for their Geology and Astronomy Belt Loops.

Bad weather couldn’t keep the scouts away.

photo by Amber Rodenfels

Dinosaur Ridge had many volunteers to make this day a fun time for all, but the day could not have been complete without the help from the many vendors and other groups that offered their time, too, to make this day a success. Troop 686 from Littleton manned many of the booths from sluicing to gold panning to geode cracking to parking; Troop 113 Venturing Scouts painted a Stegosaurus that could be decorated with chalk, and led an activity showing the difference between rocks and minerals using cookies (yum!); and SEM, MEC and BSA combined to discuss a new merit badge – Mining in Society. CU South Denver (Wildlife Experience) had great hands-on pelts for the scouts to discover; Bear Creek Lake Park was on hand helping with the astronomy requirements; Colorado Ground Water Association had water models showing how water moves from the surface to underground; Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS) was on hand to talk about fossils and help identify fossils that scouts may continued on next page Quite a welcome!

photo by Amber Rodenfels

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continued from previous page have brought with them; Denver Astronomical Society was able to help with astronomy requirements despite the overcast weather; Allied Integrated Marketing was on hand talking about upcoming movies; AIPG was discussing different rocks and minerals and their importance; Lookout Mountain Nature Center was on hand discussing local ecology; Pioneer Natural Resources helped with the geology requirements; and Morrison Natural History Museum was on hand at the bone site discussing the Jurassic discoveries made there.

Denver Astronomical Society

photo by Amber Rodenfels

The day would not have been complete without the many Geology Merit Badge Counselors who volunteered their time to help the scouts complete the activities towards their merit badges. Completing an entire merit badge in one day is quite a feat, so thank you to: Kris, Steven, Susan, Steve, Norb, Bob, Robert, Jeffrey, Bill, Matthew, Walt, Tania, and Kara for volunteering your time on this day. Having 76 Boy Scouts get that one step closer to their next goal is very enriching. If you are a Geology Merit Badge counselor and would be able to help out next year (Scout Day is usually the second Saturday in May), please contact Amber at [email protected] or 303-6973466 x107. Malcolm Bedell and Trick Runions from WIPS

Gold Panning

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If your troop or scout would like to help with an activity or have a booth at Boy Scout Day next year, contact Amber at 303-697-3466 x101 or [email protected].

photo by Amber Rodenfels

AIPG

photo by Amber Rodenfels

photo by Amber Rodenfels

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

Independence Day by Kermit Shields, President of the Board

July 4th was Independence Day for our country, but it was also Independence Day for our former Executive Director, Joe Tempel. Joe retired after more than a quarter century with Dinosaur Ridge. He began as one of the founding fathers of the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. Then he was active as a volunteer and board member. For more than a decade, he has been our Executive Director. Look around Dinosaur Ridge and you will see Joe’s fingerprints everywhere, literally and figuratively. He was instrumental in developing the Visitor Center and, more recently, the Discovery Center. He forged relationships throughout the community, including the Lariat Loop and the town of Morrison. He helped to develop educational programs such as the shuttle bus tours that we run for the public. Since Joe was a hands-on type of guy, you will see those finger prints in the concrete and the paint and the plaster around the facilities. Joe had a full career with CDOT, then a full career with Dinosaur Ridge. We’re looking forward to seeing where his next path leads him. At the July 4th picnic, Joe was awarded the Executive Director Emeritus honor. He also was presented with a gift of a weekend photography seminar to help him pursue his interests in that area. Joe will be missed around the organization but never forgotten. We wish you and Holly the best of luck as you move into your future endeavors. Joe Tempel and Kermit Shields

photo by Judy Peterson

Dinosaur TrainTM at Dinosaur Ridge — And A Good Time Was Had By All by Tom Moklestad, Programs & Operations Director

One week prior to the June 19-21 event, our earth science brethren, the meteorologists, were finally able to forecast hot and dry weather. Online ticket sales suddenly spiked so that over half of the tickets were sold in the last week leading to an event attendance of 1900. The Visitor Center was draped with yellow pennants and banners and surrounded by inflatables of well-known Henson characters including Buddy the T-rex, Carla the Cretoxyrhina, Ned the Corythosaurus and Mr. Conductor, the Troodon. Reece Livingstone, Kermit Shields, and Merlin Barnes rode the trolleys and narrated tours on safari in the dinosaur-infested East Pasture to the delight of continued on next page

Buddy and Kids

photo by Judy Peterson

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continued from previous page hundreds of families. Bobbi Kilgore anchored the Games Area including a Pteranodon Nest photo op that she and her son, Scott, designed and built. By completing six Discovery Activities including dissecting “poop” at the Poop Tent, about 325 youngsters earned a Nature Trackers Club Membership card and a Junior Paleontologist Membership to Dinosaur Ridge. Representatives of the licensor and many parents were impressed with the abundance of educational content geared to such a young age group, made possible, in part, by our education partners/sponsors, Morrison Natural History Museum, Bear Pteranodon Nest Creek Lake Park, Lookout Mountain Nature Center, the Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council and the Collective Collection.

photo by Judy Peterson

FODR sincerely wishes to thank the media sponsors for the event, RMPBS Channel 6 and NCM (National CineMedia), and the event sponsors, Eldorado Natural Spring Water, Best Western of Southwest Denver (aka the Dino Hotel), Rail Events, Inc., AIPG (American Institute of Professional Geologists), RMAG (Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists), the Laramie Company, Bandimere Speedway, the 3 Dinos, Inc., WIPS (the Western Interior Paleontological Society), and SCFD (the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District). The event would not have been possible without the generous contribution of time by our volunteers, especially those working multiple shifts and multiple days. Encountering a Raptor

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photo by Judy Peterson

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

ARTICLES FODR Welcomes Patricia Kelly – Our New Executive Director

Years ago when Patricia Kelly created an award-winning program featuring a dinosaur character, little did she know she would eventually lead an organization dedicated to preserving dinosaur tracks and bones. But here she is full circle, and FODR is pleased to welcome her as our new executive director. Patricia’s experience includes the National Endowment for the Humanities in Colorado, the Library of Congress, the Denver Regional Council of Governments and, most recently, Rocky Mountain PBS. She has been the executive director of two nonprofits, vice president at two colleges, a teacher, and a writer and designer of curriculum material for the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Viking Press. Her volunteer work includes a public affairs show on KYGO Radio, the U.S. Tennis Association, and involvement with the Denver World Trade Center, the Metro Center for the Visual Arts, and Five Points Media Center. She also is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Restorative Justice, a citizen governor appointee of the Juvenile Parole Board, and president of the D50 Education Foundation. Patricia says that “helping organizations reach their full potential in the midst of change is a privilege and an exciting opportunity,” and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge are looking forward to working with her as our organization continues to grow.

Review of Dinosaurs Without Bones by Anthony J. Martin by Sam Bartlett, Board Member

I did not fully understand the purpose of Dinosaurs Without Bones. It is not a textbook, although much of it appears to be a collection of lectures on dinosaur trace fossils, and it is laid out by subject matter. It seems to be more of a casual, written by a college professor, introduction to ichnology (the study of trace fossils, applied in this case specifically to dinosaurs), or “that exciting intersection between science and flights of fancy.” Perhaps a better subtitle would be: One man’s trip through the wild world of dinosaur trace fossils.

the author is allowed to suggest qualified reviewers, which can lead to serious problems. Other professions handle verification differently. Historians use a plethora of footnotes to verify and support their conclusions. Engineers use the licensing process to insure that their work is accurate.

I do not read fiction and nearly put the book down, as most of the first chapter is more fiction than science. However, I persevered and found the rest of the book to be very interesting, informative and useful – not only as an introduction to ichnology but also as a view into the world of science and how ichnological science operates.

Another issue of ichnology is the uncertainty of using very limited data, statistically inadequate, to support conclusions. To paraphrase the author, his worst nightmare entails someone else finding a logical alternative explanation for a set of circumstances that he has labored over for eons based on limited facts. Thus, an ichnologist will rarely give a definitive answer, and his/her favorite words become probably, possibly, could be, might be, etc.

Probably the most enlightening chapter dealt with the recent finding of the first verified dinosaur burrow complete with the burrowing dinosaur and probable offspring. The author had a part in this discovery and in authoring the resulting scientific paper. Getting the paper published revealed a lot about the scientific process. Once the paper is written, it must be published in a noted scientific journal, either paper or online, to be accepted as bonafide science. Publication in a popular science venue such as Smithsonian or National Geographic doesn’t count. The acceptance process involves submitting the scientific paper and having it reviewed by at least three qualified experts in the specified field. Then it is accepted for publication, returned for further clarification and eventually accepted, or rejected outright. It is often a very long trip and fraught with peril. Review of the paper is out of the hands of the author, and the three reviewers are independently selected by the publisher. However,

This process might also lead to unsubstantiated pronouncements. For instance the author moves from only one verified burrowing dinosaur to the conclusion that there must have been large numbers of these burrowing dinosaurs, as the world is now full of burrowing mammals. Dinosaur tracks are covered extensively although Dinosaur Ridge is never mentioned. However, Martin Lockley’s published works are covered thoroughly in the footnotes. All in all, Dinosaurs without Bones is a thorough introduction to the world of trace fossils, is somewhat easy to read, and gives a good insight into the field of ichnology. Dinosaurs without Bones is highly recommended to friends of Dinosaur Ridge to fully understand our trace fossils and the trace fossils that we embrace, including dinosaur poop.

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Volunteering for Dinosaur Ridge by Amber Rodenfels, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

“Fixing and helping create a distance between people, but we cannot serve at a distance. We can only serve that to which we are profoundly connected.” – Rachel Naomi Remen For those of you who may not know, I started at Dinosaur Ridge in 2010 as a volunteer. I loved coming out and teaching children and visitors alike about the fossils located here and seeing the spark in their eyes the moment that a connection was made and they understood. They became connected, and I was connected, to the fossils and to each other. That is what volunteers at Dinosaur Ridge do; they connect students and visitors to the fossils. That connection each year leads to return visits, monetary donations, students realizing a new passion or even new volunteers. According to Remen, “when we serve, we don’t serve with our strength; we serve with ourselves, and we draw from all of our experiences.” I constantly see volunteers drawing from all of the experiences with the interactions between the tour guides and students and the interactions between the exhibit hall docents Sam Bartlett leading a tour and visitors. With the tour guides, they are asking the students what they are learning about in school, and that draws the student’s experience in with what the tour guide is about to discuss. Same with the exhibit hall docents – they make their connection by asking the visitors where they are from and then connect them to Dinosaur Ridge by drawing upon their knowledge of other places. “Serving makes us aware of our wholeness and its power. The wholeness in us serves the wholeness in others and the wholeness in life. The wholeness in you is the same as the wholeness in me. Service is a relationship between equals: our service strengthens us as well as others.” – Remen

“Since Dinosaur Ridge’s inception in 1989, this organization has always been primarily volunteer run.”

I chose to volunteer at Dinosaur Ridge because I had a Bachelor’s in Political Science and was working on a second Bachelor’s in Geology. My dinosaur knowledge was limited and came from “The Land Before Time” and “Jurassic Park.” By volunteering at Dinosaur Ridge, I was able to rely upon my geology and history knowledge and learn the paleontology piece. Sharing my new paleontology knowledge made me feel whole and would also delight the students or visitors as they would then share something new and increase my knowledge base, too, enhancing both of our experiences. As we begin to enter this fall, school tours will ramp up, and visitors will decrease a bit, but we will always need volunteers. Since Dinosaur Ridge’s inception in 1989, this organization has always been primarily volunteer run. In 2014, 17,867 students were taught about the geology and paleontology of Dinosaur Ridge by volunteer guides. Dinosaur Ridge volunteer tour guides’ background varies from college students, retired geologist, or like me, non-science background but an interest in science. If you have a few hours in the morning during the week, I encourage you to be a tour guide. Most tours are weekdays between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Prior knowledge is not necessary as you will be trained. Also, there is no script; we encourage volunteers to use what they learn from us but bring in what they are comfortable talking about from their own experiences. Those experiences are what connects us all together and can help connect a student or visitor to Dinosaur Ridge.

School group interpretive guide

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If you are interested in volunteering, contact Amber at 303-6973466 x107 or [email protected].

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

Weekly Fun Facts on Facebook by Erin LaCount, Education Programs Coordinator

Part of the appeal of Facebook is that we can solicit opinions and ideas from our fans. We see this most on our Weekly Fun Facts on Fridays. Here is an installment of our Facebook Weekly Fun Facts series: Ridge Fan Roman Stallsworth suggested this topic. Ceratosaurus (sir-at-oh-sore-us) is a theropod (meat-eating dinosaur) that is known from the Late Jurassic deposits of the North American Morrison Formation and the European Lourinha (lore-in-ya) Formation in Portugal. Its name means “horned lizard,” which was coined because of the large horn at the top of its nose and the two smaller hornlets above the eyes. The two best locations for Ceratosaurus remains are the Cleveland-Lloyd Quarry in Utah and the Dry Mesa Quarry in Colorado. The type species was described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1884 and is known as Ceratosaurus nasicornis (naze-ih-core-nis). See Marsh’s original drawing of the skeleton of this theropod adjacent. It is incorrect in terms of the stance, though this was common back then throughout even the 1980s. Ceratosaurus has many primitive features when compared with theropods that lived at the time (Allosaurus and Torvosaurus [tore-voe-sore-us]). The head is large compared to the rest of the body – though not as big as T. rex – and the teeth are huge and blade-like. The arms are stout but short with hands that sport four fingers instead of the more typical three. The evolutionary relationship of Ceratosaurus isn’t fully known, and it has been difficult to figure out what other species it’s connected to in the dinosaur family tree. The consensus right now is that it’s more closely related to the abelisaurs (a-bee-low-sores) – like Carnotaurus (car-no-tore-us).

Drawing by O.C. Marsh

Stretching around 22 feet long at the maximum and weighing a little over a ton, Ceratosaurus was a bit smaller than the most common of the Jurassic predators – Allosaurus. As their remains are found in the same locations across Colorado and Utah, this could mean that they had different hunting habits and tried to stay out of each other’s way when it came to food. This is the only thing that would really allow each to thrive in the same areas. Rather…the smaller Ceratosaurus tried not to get bullied by the larger Allosaurus. Ceratosaurus had a long body with a broad tail (similar in shape to that of a crocodilian), unlike the shorter body and stiff tail on Allosaurus. This could indicate that it was better at swimming than its larger cousin. A theory proposed by Dr. Robert Bakker suggests that Ceratosaurus would have preyed on the smaller of the terrestrial dinosaurs (like Stegosaurus or young Camarasaurus), as there is evidence in the form of shed teeth found alongside these species, but its main diet may have consisted of large fish and crocodilians. With its broad tail and short but strong arms, swimming to and grabbing a meal of lungfish makes sense. The massive, bladeshaped teeth could slice through the aquatic prey with ease.

Compared to the size of its head, the teeth of Ceratosaurus are the largest of any theropod – even those of Tyrannosaurus rex. Keep in mind that this is compared to the size of its head. Yes, a T-rex tooth is larger than a Ceratosaurus tooth, but rex had a massive six-foot long bulky skull. Ceratosaurus had enormous teeth that likely hung down well below the mandible (lower jaw), as you can see in the picture and illustration. These teeth are very distinct and easy to spot when compared to other theropod teeth, giving credence to the different hunting and prey theory.

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CALENDAR Dinosaur Ridge Calendar of Events

September 8 – Lecture by Dr. Sue Ware: “The Jagged Edge: The Predator–Prey Interface in the Fossil Record,” at the monthly meeting of the Western Interior Paleontological Society, Tuesday at 7 p.m., Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Enter through the staff and volunteer entrance on the north side of the building. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. September 9 – Memorial Service for John Ghist at the CSM Geology Museum, 7-9 p.m. September 12, – (Saturday) DDD-Geohazards and Preparedness with Geocaching. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. September 12-20 – Denver Coliseum Mineral, Fossil, and Gem Show 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dinosaur Ridge will have a booth every day during this fossil and gem show. Stop in and say hi! September 18-20 – Denver Gem and Mineral Show 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dinosaur Ridge will have a hands-on informative booth at this Gem and Mineral show. Stop by and say hi! September 30 – Lecture: Horned Dinosaurs (Wednesday) 7 p.m. Join us for an evening lecture on ceratopsians, the dinosaurs with the amazing horns and frills! Have you ever wondered just how many different types of horned dinosaur there was and which ones lived in your backyard? Come on over this evening to see a presentation by Erin LaCount on these odd but beautifully displayed dinosaurs! FREE! 7-8:30 p.m. located at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center (C470 and Alameda Parkway). Recommended for adults only (12 years and older). October 7 – TriceraTOTS (Wednesday) 10 a.m. A story-time and craft program geared toward 2-5-year-old kids. Siblings welcome! $5 per child, adults free. Included is free admission to Trek Through Time for the day. RSVP with Erin LaCount at [email protected] (or send us a message on our Facebook Page.) NOTE: This event will now take place at the new Discovery Center located at 17681 W Alameda Pkwy, Golden, CO 80402 - Red Rocks Entrance #1. October 10 – (Saturday) DDD-National Fossil Day as part of Earth Science Week. Also International Astronomy Day and International Archaeology Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. October 10 – (Saturday) Girl Scout Day — Girl Scouts must pre-register for this event. Check www.dinoridge.org for more information. October 28 – Lecture: Bone-Headed Dinosaurs (Wednesday). Join us for an evening lecture on thick-skulled dinosaurs, the pachycephalosaurs (pack-ee-seff-uh-low-sores). Kids have been able to say that dinosaur name for eons, yet it always tricks up us older folks. Learn not only how to pronounce this and other awkward dino names, but also everything about these strange-looking, bone-headed dinosaurs! Come on over this evening to see a presentation done by Erin LaCount on critters that butted heads like rams! FREE! 7-8:30 p.m. located at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center (C470 and Alameda Parkway). Recommended for adults only (12 years and older). November 4 – TriceraTOTS (Wednesday) 10 a.m. A story-time and craft program geared toward ages 2-5. Siblings welcome! $5 per child, adults free. Included is free admission to Trek Through Time for the day. RSVP with Erin LaCount at [email protected] (or send us a message on our Facebook Page.) NOTE: This event will now take place at the new Discovery Center located at 17681 W Alameda Pkwy, Golden, CO 80402 - Red Rocks Entrance #1. November 25 – Lecture: Non-Dinosaur Reptiles (Wednesday) 7 p.m. Join us for an evening lecture on critters that are often called dinosaurs even though they aren’t. Learn about flying and swimming reptiles, crocodilians and their relatives, and how these animals certainly aren’t dinosaurs even though they were alive at the same time. Come on over this evening to see a presentation by Erin LaCount on dinosaur cousins and other non-dinosaurian reptiles! FREE! 7-8:30 p.m. located at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center (C470 and Alameda Parkway). Recommended for adults only (12 years and older). December 2 – TriceraTOTS (Wednesday) 10 a.m. A story-time and craft program geared toward ages 2-5. Siblings welcome! $5 per child, adults free. Included is free admission to Trek Through Time for the day. RSVP with Erin LaCount at [email protected] (or send us a message on our Facebook Page.) NOTE: This event will now take place at the new Discovery Center located at 17681 W Alameda Pkwy, Golden, CO 80402 - Red Rocks Entrance #1. December 5 – Holiday Party (Saturday) 1-4 p.m. Join us and decorate some fun dinosaur ornaments for the holidays! Free event.

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Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

FRIENDS OF DINOSAUR RIDGE 2015 MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President

Kermit Shields, Geologist (Retired)

Secretary

Lou Taylor, Ph.D., Research Associate, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Treasurer

Peter Martin, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Former President

Sam Bartlett, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Retired)

Governance

Norb Cygan, Ph.D., Geologist (Retired)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judith Burton, Editor Jim Cronoble, Ph.D., Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver (Retired) Jonna Gentry, Earth Science Teacher, Jefferson County School District John Ghist, Earth Science Teacher (Retired)

Harvey Family Foundation Chevron Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Jeffco Conservation Trust Fund 1772 Foundation Subaru of America Exxon Mobil Volunteer Program Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) Mikkelson Education Fund Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS) Xcel Energy Foundation Association for Women Geoscientists FirstBank

Martin Lockley, Ph.D., Paleontologist, University of Colorado Denver

The mission of Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is to preserve the paleontologic, geologic, and historic resources on Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail and the outlier sites in the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark and to educate the public about these resources.

Kathleen McCoy, J.D., Attorney Judy Peterson, Paleo Artist

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Publications and Research

Martin Lockley

Education Jonna Gentry Exhibits

Erin LaCount

K-16

Erin LaCount

Tours, Events, Posters, Signs

Tom Moklestad

Marketing Tom Moklestad Outreach

Tom Moklestad

Volunteer and Membership

Kermit Shields

Membership

Amber Cain

Volunteers

Amber Cain

Finance Peter Martin Accounting

Franie Bassett

Fundraising

Patricia Kelly

Gift Shop

Roger Bennett

Planning and Budget

Patricia Kelly

Governance Norb Cygan Preservation Sam Bartlett Curation

Lou Taylor

Facilities

Tom Moklestad

STAFF Executive Director Programs & Operations Director Education Programs Coordinator Volunteer/Membership Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Gift Shop Manager Discovery Center Manager Gift Shop Assistant Supervisor - Drivers, Store Clerks Maintenance Maintenance Educator/Tour Guide Educator Store Clerk Tour Guide Tour Guide Tour Guide Tour Guide Tour Guide Tour Guide Tour Guide

Patricia Kelly Tom Moklestad Erin LaCount Amber Cain Patricia Kelly Roger Bennett Sue Kaberline Barbara Davidson Bobbi Kilgore Jack Evans Johnny Shockley Merlin Barnes Clair Tralles Emily Palmer Thornton Geise Dan Fanelli Matt Bush Richie Blessing Ben Geller Sarah Compton Jen Wilson

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge — The Ridge Report - Volume 27 #2 — Summer 2015

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Friends of Dinosaur Ridge 16831 W Alameda Parkway Morrison, CO 80465 Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 36 MORRISON, CO

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge membership Levels and Benefits $15

• • • • •

Junior Paleontologist Activity Book 10% Gift Shop discount (excludes consignment) Discounts of programs Guided shuttle tour for you and an adult Exhibit hall admission for you and an adult

Individual Member

$40

• • • • • •

Ridge Report (quarterly newsletter and annual report) E-tracks (monthly emailed newsletter) 10% Gift Shop discount (excludes consignment) Discounts of programs Guided shuttle tour 2 people Exhibit hall admission for 2 people

Family/Group Member

$60

•

Individual Member benefits for 4 people

Sponsor Member

$150

•

Individual Member benefits for 6 people

Tyrannosaurus Member

$250

• •

Individual Member benefits for 6 people 1 ticket to Rock Out for the Ridge, annual fundraising dinner

Apatosaurus Member

$500

• •

Individual Member benefits for 6 people 2 ticket to Rock Out for the Ridge, annual fundraising dinner

$1,500

• •

Individual Member benefits for 6 people for life! 2 tickets to Rock Out for the Ridge, annual fundraising dinner for life!

Junior Member (12 & under)

Life Member