HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. ― May 20 ― The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is exploring a Highlands Ranch construction site where dinosaur fossils have been uncovered. The fossils were discovered near Wind Crest, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Highlands Ranch. A limb bone and several ribs from a horned dinosaur were the first fossils uncovered. Work will continue for the next several days to weeks at the secured construction site to determine the size of the bone bed.
“We are so grateful to Wind Crest and Brinkmann Constructors for allowing us the opportunity to evaluate this potentially important scientific find,” said George Sparks, president and CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
“It’s always exciting to get a call about possible fossils, and I can’t wait to share more details as we continue to dig,” said Dr. Tyler Lyson, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “Finds like this, while relatively rare, are a great reminder of how dynamic our planet is and how much more there is out there to discover.”
Lyson studies the evolution of dinosaurs and turtles and is particularly interested in what was occurring in the Rocky Mountain region 66 to 68 million years ago, which is the age of the rock layer where the fossils are embedded.
“On behalf of the residents and employees of Wind Crest, we are thrilled to be part of such an incredible scientific discovery,” said Craig Erickson, executive director of Wind Crest. “We appreciate the invaluable expertise of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and our partners at Erickson Living and Brinkmann Constructors as we work together on this exciting opportunity for all of us to learn more about our earth’s rich history.”
“This is a remarkable discovery that our team takes great pride in unearthing. We are grateful for the scientific expertise brought to this discovery by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Wind Crest’s great generosity in sharing it,” said David Rahm, project director with Brinkmann Constructors.
Since the discovery occurred at an active construction site, Lyson and his team will work closely with Wind Crest and Brinkmann to safely explore the site and document the fossils. Construction will continue while the Museum team works to determine the number and type of fossils.
The construction site is not open to the public.
Press Availability
There is no media access to the construction site where the fossils were found. Details for a press update at the Museum will be provided once more is known.
About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading resource for informal science education. Our mission is to be a catalyst and ignite the community’s passion for nature and science. The Museum offers a wide variety of engaging exhibitions, programs, activities and scientific research to inspire public appreciation and understanding of the wonders of Colorado, Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. Information: dmns.org or 303.370.6000. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Wind Crest
Wind Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 84-acre campus in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,300 residents and 600 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at WindCrestRetirement.com.
About Brinkmann Constructors
Brinkmann Constructors is a national employee-owned construction company with a passion for finding innovative opportunities to save clients time and money and heighten value at all stages of design and construction. The firm was founded in St. Louis in 1984 and established a Denver office in 2004, now located at 3800 Lewiston St., Suite 400, Aurora, CO 80011. Its commitment to creative, value-driven solutions is shared by a team of 240, including 75 employee-owners serving the Denver market. The firm has completed more than $5 billion of construction in multiple market sectors, including senior living, multifamily / student housing, warehouse / distribution, hospitality / entertainment, retail / mixed-use, healthcare, office, automotive and government / institutional. Connect at www.brinkmannconstructors.com.