In this episode of Safe Travels, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Famoso, Paleontology Program Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the richest fossil regions in North America.

We explore the incredible geology of the John Day Basin, how millions of years of volcanic activity helped preserve ancient life, and the remarkable fossil record of prehistoric mammals that once roamed the Pacific Northwest — including some of the earliest horses, ancient rhinos, camels, and dog-like predators that filled a weasel-style ecological niche.

Dr. Famoso also explains why fossil teeth are some of the most important clues paleontologists use to identify species, understand diets, and reconstruct ancient ecosystems.

Whether you’re curious about paleontology careers, fossil hunting science, or the evolution of mammals, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists piece together Earth’s deep past.

Topics Covered

• Geologic history of the John Day Basin
• How volcanoes helped preserve fossils
• Evolution of early horses and mammals
• Ancient rhinos, camels, and carnivorous “dog-weasels”
• Why fossil teeth are critical to paleontology
• What makes John Day Fossil Beds so scientifically important
• Careers in paleontology and working in national parks

About Safe Travels

Safe Travels is a storytelling podcast focused on national parks, public lands, conservation, science, and the people who protect these places. New episodes feature park rangers, scientists, historians, and explorers from across the country.

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Have you ever wondered how a museum is built inside a national park—or what happens to the fossils once they’re discovered?

In this episode of Safe Travels, we go behind the scenes at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger and Museum Curator Matt Smith to explore the art, science, and storytelling behind creating a world-class paleontological and natural history museum.

Matt walks us through how fossils are collected, preserved, cataloged, and interpreted, and we dive into some of the incredible museum and research collections housed at Petrified Forest National Park. From Triassic-era fossils to curated specimens rarely seen by the public, this conversation sheds light on how park collections help scientists study ancient ecosystems while educating millions of visitors.

We also discuss how museum exhibits are designed to balance scientific accuracy, public education, and visual storytelling, and why national park museums play a critical role in conservation, paleontology research, and protecting public lands.

Matt’s passion for paleontology, museums, and the landscapes of Petrified Forest is unmistakable throughout the episode, offering listeners a rare look at the people working behind the scenes to preserve deep time.
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Prairie Dogs, Bats, and Pronghorn: The Living Landscape of Petrified Forest National Park

Prairie dogs make their debut on the Safe Travels Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Park Ranger and Biologist Dylan Schneider to explore the vital role prairie dogs play in shaping the ecosystem of Petrified Forest National Park.

Prairie dogs are far more than charismatic grassland mammals — they are a keystone species, influencing soil health, plant diversity, and habitat availability for countless other animals. Dylan explains how their burrows and behavior help maintain balance across the park’s high desert landscape.

Our conversation also dives into Petrified Forest National Park’s acoustic monitoring program, a cutting-edge research tool used to study and track bat populations throughout the region. By analyzing soundscapes and echolocation calls, park biologists can monitor biodiversity and ecosystem health in ways that are both non-invasive and highly effective.

We also spotlight one of North America’s most fascinating mammals: the pronghorn. Known as the fastest land animal in the Western Hemisphere, pronghorns have evolved extraordinary adaptations that make them perfectly suited to the open landscapes of the Southwest.

While Petrified Forest National Park is world-famous for its Triassic-era fossils and petrified wood, Dylan reveals a lesser-known story — a park that is very much alive, supporting an incredible diversity of modern wildlife. From grasslands to badlands, the park remains a dynamic and thriving ecosystem shaped by biology, sound, and time.
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