The West Bijou Site is a significant factor in the research for the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. It’s located on the Great Plains, just southeast of the capital city.
Designated in 2016, this 7,613 acre natural landmark is situated on private lands. Public access is limited to pretty much driving through the plains in Arapahoe and Elbert counties.
National Natural Landmark in Arapahoe and Elbert Co.
What’s special about this national natural landmark is its palynological extinction level, fern-spore spike, iridium anomaly and shocked quartz, Cretaceous and Paleogene (Tertiary) vertebrate fossils, magnetostratigraphy, and radiometric dating. The K-Pg boundary has a natural water progression, moving through a patchwork of riparian and upland shortgrass prairie landscapes.
It supports a plethora of both common and rare plant communities and animal species. It’s a prime illustration of a rich geological system in the plains ecosystem.
Details
Address: near Strasburg, CO
Designated: 2016
Acres: 7,613
Ownership: Private
Website: nps.gov/…
