Fossil site celebrating birthday of Charles Darwin

In an Oct. 19, 2010 photo, Brian Compton displays fossils found at the Gray Fossil Site in Johnson City, Tenn. Excavations at the Gray Fossil Site this summer funded by a federal grant have yielded many new specimens.  (AP Photo/Johnson City Press, Rex Barber)
In an Oct. 19, 2010 photo, Brian Compton displays fossils found at the Gray Fossil Site in Johnson City, Tenn. Excavations at the Gray Fossil Site this summer funded by a federal grant have yielded many new specimens. (AP Photo/Johnson City Press, Rex Barber)

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's Gray Fossil Site and Museum is celebrating the 209th birthday of naturalist Charles Darwin by participating in Darwin Day this week.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the 5 million-year-old paleontological site. The site contains fossil remains of thousands of plants and animals and was originally discovered in 2000 during highway construction. A museum and research center managed by East Tennessee State University opened in 2007.

The university said in a news release the day will highlight Darwin's unique contributions to science through fun activities, demonstrations and a talk of interest to all ages.

More information is available online .

Upcoming Events