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!

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.

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.

New! All years of Trilobite Tales and More

All years of Trilobite Tales published from 1985 through today are now available. Login to the website and click "Trilobite Tales" on the Member Services menu.

Take a look through the Library for useful resources, documents, and video-based training on using the website, WIPS Guiding Principles and more. Use the "Library" option on the Member Services menu.

And review and sign-up for field trips by clicking on the "Field Trips" option on the Member Services menu.

Next monthly meeting

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