2016 Ethan Steider

Thanks to the Hal Tayloe Enrichment award, I was able to pursue my dream in paleontology. During the trip I went to Sandwash Basin in Colorado. I had the privilege of going into the Basin with some friends who are locals. We only spent one day in the desert, but it was the best day of my life! We started the adventure in Steamboat Springs. From there, we drove three hours into the desert. First, we went to look at stromatolites. These were some of the first living organisms on Earth! I collected a few small samples to take with me. Next, we went to look at petrified forests. Finally, we went to look at the “green beds of sand.” The green color comes from limestone. I found part of a 10 foot turtle bone and agatized petrified wood. Our guide had been to the desert for 25 years and never found the type of incredible fossils we found that day. Overall I collected 41lbs of rocks and fossils. Thanks to the Hal Tayloe Enrichment award I was able the explore paleontology and the creatures that came before us.