Photo Credit Angela Matthias

Western Interior Paleontological Society
Denver, Colorado

A Passion for Paleontology

The Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS) is an organization for anyone who’s passionate about experiencing and studying paleontology. We’re more than a group of people who love to discover and learn about fossils. Our members are encouraged to understand the paleoenvironments that produce fossils, to describe and catalog specimens, and to consider their educational and scientific purposes.

Committed to education

WIPS’ purpose is educational. As volunteers, members attend shows and other earth science events to provide education to the broader public. On field trips, they sometimes work under federal permit to see that vertebrate and scientifically significant fossils go to museums. WIPS members have accessioned lots of fossils across Colorado and nearby states!

Tom Nolan takes notes

Committed to ethics

Our members follow a code of ethics that includes supporting its members in staying informed about regulations pertaining to fossil collection policies, practices, and legislation.

In addition, WIPS field trips are conducted with an awareness of resource management, taking care that localities are not strained by over-collection.

Ammonite from Blue Hill Shale

Committed to paleontology

Join us if you would like to develop your skills and knowledge as an avocational paleontologist, offer education to the broader public, and participate in the ethical, and fascinating, practice of paleontology.

Some photo

Next monthly meeting

Monday, September 8, 2025
Clements Center
1580 Yarrow Street, Lakewood, Colorado
and on Zoom.