Dinosaur Park offers a free Open House event from 12-4 pm on Saturday, October 17th, during which the public can learn about the plants and animals that called Maryland home during the Early Cretaceous Period (115 million years ago)! As part of this community science program, participants are also invited to help us make new discoveries by assisting with fossil surface collecting. Please note that there is no actual digging during this program; rather, we simply scour the surface to see what new fossils have been exposed through natural erosion. This program does not require any prior registration. Participants will sign up on site. This program is entirely outdoors and weather-dependent, so please keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately. Please check the Dinosaur Park website to confirm the program is not canceled due to weather. The October Open House theme is Maryland Fossil Symbols, so we will also be highlighting Maryland’s three fossil state symbols: MD Fossil State Shell (Ecphora), MD State Dinosaur (Astrodon), and the MD State Shark (Megalodon). Learn about the intersection of science and society, as we discuss the historical significance of these fossils and why we should all take pride in our Maryland fossil symbols.