When you’re feeling dusty, landlocked and dehydrated, why not pack up the old vehicle for a weekend outing to the local coral reef? It’s true, quality marine time is hard to come by in these parts, but with a bit of imagination, one can be transported a hundred million years back into the mid-Cretaceous, splash landing into the Western Interior Seaway. This shallow inland sea flooded our continent’s central lowlands from the Arctic Ocean clear to the Gulf of Mexico. Rich as it was in marine life, extraordinary traces of its existence can be found within the beds of sedimentary rock, particularly here on the Colorado Plateau. Limestone formations are a great place to discover remarkably preserved fossils from this once thriving aquatic ecosystem. Here’s a look:
In this week's issue...
- September 11, 2025
- Back on top
After harrowing flying accident, local highliner steps back out with renewed mission
- September 11, 2025
- New order
Rule change for Land and Water Conservation Fund raises alarms
- September 4, 2025
- Armed with knowledge
Local community organizers work to ensure immigrant neighbors know their rights