The Grande Prairie region is rich in fossil resources. Most of the fossils found in this area come from the Wapiti Formation, a unit of rocks that was deposited between 80 and 69 million years ago, near the end of the Age of Dinosaurs. These rocks are the same age as those found in some of the most famous fossil beds of Alberta, like Dinosaur Provincial Park; however, in some cases they contain different animals than those found to the south.
Palaeontologists often rely on people from their local communities to inform them of new finds. If you are lucky enough to find a fossil such as a dinosaur bone or leaf impression, these are the steps you should take to ensure it is safe and can help with scientific research:
It is important to know that no one person owns these fossils, and that includes scientists and even museums. Museums hold these discoveries in trust for all citizens so that anyone can view them while the bones themselves are property of the Crown.