Fossils collected from Red Rock Canyon become part of the museum’s permanent collections, which is available for scientists from all over the world to study. The more fossils we find, and the more we know about where they came from and the context in which they were excavated, the more we learn.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the only public institution holding permits to conduct paleontologic excavations on the public lands of Red Rock Canyon. The museum strives to educate the public about this rich resource and the need to preserve fossil sites all over the world. Collection of vertebrate fossils by private individuals on public lands is strictly prohibited.