Paleontology is one of the few sciences where a vocational involvement is not only possible, but vital in aiding in the discovery, recovery, and preservation of fossils.  It is our organization's position that through proper education and training, non-professionals can make significant contributions to the science - either by assisting professional researchers or by conducting quality work of their own.  To achieve this goal, the organization provides lectures, workshops and field trips throughout the year.  In addition, the NPA maintains a library for member's use.

The NPA normally meets at the Burke Museum (for directions click here), at 1 p.m., on the second Saturday of January, March, May, July, September and November.  However, University of Washington activities may result in changes to this schedule.  Please check the Aturian (the Association's newsletter) and this web site for the latest schedule information.

Next Meeting:  Saturday, July12, 2008 
Time:         1:00PM
Location:   Burke Museum, Burke Room

Click here for the most recent Aturian Newsletter

Besides conducting regular NPA business, each meeting also provides a guest speaker to present topics  relevant to the geological and paleontological history of the Pacific Northwest. Members also bring in materials to share with the group. And, we always have refreshments!

The NPA occasionally engages professionals or knowledgeable amateurs to speak about their research, experiences, or areas of interest. Occasionally, these talks are based on theses or papers presented in symposia or at other professional venues. Various recent offerings include:

Workshops

Workshops are conducted to provide hands-on experience in the various aspects of fossil preparation, preservation and curation. The NPA also offers a workshop on Leaf Morphotyping.

In the past, we have offered workshops in processing microfossils (foraminifera), molding and casting techniques, and fossil identification.

Field Trips

Field trips are conducted regularly for members. We have a number of established sites, which contain predominantly Oligocene to Miocene marine fauna, and some sites containing Eocene flora. Efforts are currently under way to develop a partnering association with regional agencies to provide volunteers for continuing field research projects.

Several localities on private land have been closed due to abuses in the past by discourteous collectors (not associated with the NPA). The NPA is working on securing limited access for Association sponsored collecting at several of these sites.

The field trips serve as an outdoor classroom where proper collecting methods can be taught. The importance of gathering field information as contextual data is emphasized. Field trips also serve as a recreational activity and are well attended by the members.

The NPA's policy requires that any significant fossil discoveries, as a result of NPA field trips, be communicated to the professional community. By offering specimens for professional evaluation, the member has an opportunity to participate in the science of paleontology and benefit from the interaction. The scientists benefit from the new information about fossils and localities.