Join us for a dynamic presentation on climate, volcanos, and dinosaurs by Dr. Paul Olsen. The ancient Connecticut Valley rift basin is filled with spectacular, fossil-bearing alternations of deep and shallow water lake sediments that provide a timeline for the beginning of dinosaur dominance 200 million years ago. A huge volcanic event then set off a cold-hot climate whiplash, killing off some dinosaurs while others survived and spread globally. The record of the ecological consequences is now exposed along the Connecticut River, especially at the Great Falls.

Dr. Olsen is Storke Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Columbia University/Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. One of the most prominent paleontologists on dinosaurs, he has studied the geology and paleontology of our region in depth. Don’t let his credentials scare you! He’s an engaging speaker, informative and entertaining in equal measure for audiences young and old.

* Dino Trail Week:

Dino Trail Week is a celebratory week of performances, films, talks, exhibits, and activities inspired by dinosaur footprints in the Connecticut River Valley. Look for events from all of our partners during Dino Trail Week: Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Piti Theatre, the Beneski Museum, the Trustees of Reservations, Springfield Science Museum, Wistariahurst, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at: dinotrail.org.