The Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS)
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific, educational and charitable activities related to paleontology, the study of fossils.The mailing address is
Western Interior Paleontological SocietyP.O. Box 200011
Denver, Colorado 80220-0011
Our members find, study and preserve fossils from times long past, and are involved in many aspects of the earth sciences. Founded in 1985, WIPS is based in Denver, Colorado, and currently has over 500 members throughout the United States and in some foreign countries.
Membership is open to anyone who is interested in paleontology. The Society currently has two membership categories—individual is $25/year and family is $30/year. Members receive an electronic newsletter.Monthly Programs
Meetings are held the first Monday of the month from September to May with few exceptions. Currently, under the Colorado Public Health Order for Covid-19, meetings are held virtually. Meetings feature a presentation on some aspect of paleontology and give members an opportunity to learn about current and historical developments.Journals
Trilobite Tales Newsletter
Our newsletter is published nine months a year (September through May) and is 15 to 25 pages devoted to paleontology and news for members. Archival issues (2000 to present) are available in the Member Login & Renewals area.Field Trips and Volunteer Activities
Field trips to study and recover fossils take place primarily in the summer months, and offer opportunities for members with varying levels of experience and expertise. Volunteer opportunities, such as our current project cataloguing the collections at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, are also available.Symposium, Education & Outreach
Every other year, WIPS presents the Founders Symposium. The Society also offers classes on paleontology and related subjects. WIPS members share their knowledge of paleontology through activities such as a Fossil Club forKids, and participation in the area mineral shows and events.Grant & Scholarships
Monies set aside from proceeds at our auctions and symposia fund an annual grant and scholarship program for members. Grants.Affiliations
- Associate Society, Geological Society of America
- Member, Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council
Purpose
The Western Interior Paleontological Society’s scientific, educational, and charitable goals include:- providing educational programs in and promoting the study of, paleontology and related disciplines;
- planning field trips, lectures, seminars, and other educational and science related activities;
- making available information pertinent to searching for, identifying, preparing, preserving, and displaying fossils;
- adhering to responsible codes of conduct while prospecting for and collecting fossils;
- assisting museums and educational institutions in the furtherance of their paleontology related actives; and
- cooperating with government authorities and agencies in the development of laws governing the collection of fossils and their preservation for future generations.
Code of Ethics
Members of the Western Interior Paleontological Society will:
- Conduct themselves with a positive attitude toward each member of the Society, it’s officers and organizations with which we interact.
- Stay informed and comply with all Federal, State and Local regulations pertaining to collection policies, practices and regulations.
- Obtain permission from private landowners or governmental agencies prior to collecting on lands either as an individual or as a WIPS member.
- Assure that all land and property is left without damage and litter.
- Cooperate with field trip leaders and be responsible as a parent or sponsor during field trips and meetings.
- Strive to adequately identify and label locality, age and formation of specimens collected.
- Report to proper authorities any discovery of scientific or public interest and allow specimens to be studied for scientific purposes.