Fossils of the Illinois Valley

This engaging session will introduce participants to the remarkable fossils found throughout the region, with a special focus on the world-famous Mazon Creek fossil beds. Known for their exceptional preservation, Mazon Creek fossils offer a vivid window into life roughly 300 million years ago, when Illinois was covered by tropical swamps teeming with diverse plant and animal species. Attendees will learn how these fossils formed, what they reveal about ancient ecosystems, and why the Illinois Valley remains a significant site for paleontological discovery.