Who We Are:
The interest and excitement caused by the initial discovery in 1988 of the Elasmosaur fossil in the Puntledge River grew during the excavation as more bones were discovered.
Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen, a professional paleontologist and Mike Trask, an amateur paleontologist co-ordinated the dig with dozens of volunteers assisting.
The Vancouver Island Paleontological Society began as a small group meeting in 1991/92 and by 1993 membership had grown to 250.
In 1992 the VIPS passed a motion to encourage the formation of a provincial umbrella group to act as an advocate to promote interaction among organization concerned with B.C. fossils.
Through the efforts of Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen and others the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the B.C. Paleontological Alliance met in 1993.
In 1994 the membership of the VIPS split into four regional societies, the original VIPS, the new VanPS, and the new VIPMS. Shortly after in 1995 the VicPS was formed.
Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen & Mike Trask (founding members of VIPS)
Our Goals:
- To promote public awareness of our fossil heritage.
- To promote safe and responsible fossil collecting.
- To provide educational information about ancient life through field trips, presentation, and displays.
- To bring together amateurs and professionals who share a common interest in fossils.
- To promote and assist in paleontological research on Vancouver Island and throughout the province of B.C.
Dan Bowen has been a member of the VIPS since 1992, a member of the Executive for 30 years, Vice-Chair four years, and Chair for the last 17 years. Dan Bowen has also been a director on the BCPA for over 17 years.
As the field trip coordinator for 30 years, Dan has provided many exciting trips for the VIPS members. His contributions to the science of paleontology continues to add up, with many specimens donated to the Courtenay Museum.
