Friends of Dinosaur Ridge

A nonprofit organization

The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is known for our world-famous dinosaur tracks and world-class education programs. Our two main campaigns for donations are Education and Fossil Preservation.

Don't let us go extinct!

We offer Child Care Tax Credit if you donate specifically for one of our education programs. To learn more contact Dana at dana.rinderknecht@dinoridge.org

Testimonials

Testimonials available upon request.

Mission

Dinosaur Ridge educates and inspires wonder in visitors of all backgrounds about the science and history of the fossils and natural resources found at Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and related paleontology sites. We practice responsible stewardship with a strong commitment and urgency to preserve the fossils and natural resources for future generations.

Background Statement

The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge (FoDR) incorporated in 1989 as a group of 10 volunteers renting a hall for meetings. We have grown to 200 members, 40 staff, and 120 volunteers.

Dinosaur Ridge was designated as a part of a National Natural Landmark in 1973, and in 2011 more fossil sites, including Triceratops Trail, were added to that landmark designation. In 1994 we moved into a building (historic house on the Rooney Ranch) on a 1.4 acre property purchased by Jefferson County that became our Visitor Center.

In 2004 we opened Triceratops Trail at the Fossil Trace Golf Club to the public.

In 2008 many improvements were made at Dinosaur Ridge, including instigating guided bus tours and completing the indoor exhibit hall, Trek Through Time.

In 2011 we constructed a cover over a sandstone wall containing impressions of palm fronds and tracks at Triceratops Trail.

In 2013 the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge purchased a building on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge to become the "Discovery Center," which opened in 2014. We hope to attract a portion of the millions of visitors to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater to our site as well.

In 2022, we hosted over 250,000 visitors from around the world.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge

other names

DR, Dinosaur Ridge

Year Established

1989

Tax id (EIN)

84-1146279

Category

Education

Address

16831 W. Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465

Other

Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center 17681 W Alameda Parkway
Golden, CO 80401

Service areas

Jefferson County, CO, US

Phone

303-697-3466 100

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