Paleontology and Geology Consulting Services
WELCOME!
Welcome to the Fossil Whisperer! Our team of experts is dedicated to taking you on an exciting journey through the world of paleontology and geology. With decades of experience in fieldwork, museum collections, and fossil identification, we offer a wide range of services including public and professional paleontology expeditions, educational outreach experiences, and paleo-artistry. Join us and discover the wonders of the past!
VISIT OUR STORE!
Looking for a unique and amazing gift for the fossil enthusiast in your life?
Look no further than our store! Discover a world of unique and amazing fossils and minerals at our store! In addition to our impressive collection, we also offer a variety of paleo artwork, clothing, posters and more. Shop now and find that perfect thing today!
ABOUT US:
At the Fossil Whisperer, we are a team of passionate professionals dedicated to providing exceptional assistance with all of your paleontology and geology needs. With over 75 years of combined experience, we strive to deliver results that surpass expectations. We even offer paleontology field experiences for the public and researchers alike! Contact us today to learn more about how we assist you.
Visit our Gallery to see some of our past projects.
Our Services
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Meet the Fossil Whisperers!
Our team of expert paleontologists, geologists, and paleo artists are passionate about uncovering the mysteries of the past. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the earth's history, we are dedicated to discovering and sharing the stories of ancient life. From excavating fossils to creating stunning reconstructions, our team is committed to advancing the field of paleontology and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Cory Redman
Grand Rapids Public Museum
I have worked with John [The Fossil Whisperer], since November of 2018, when I was hired as the Science Curator at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). John has been instrumental in promoting the GRPM’s science/natural history collection as an opportunity for undergraduate student research and a place for students to gain experience in museum curation. Three of my student interns have been John’s former students and they contacted me as a result of his encouragement. Two of the students got a published abstract and presented their projects at scientific conferences. One of the projects focused on restoring an American mastodon skeleton that had been on display for over 90 years and the other project compared how sampling strategies can influence faunal composition using macro-invertebrates from the Bell Shale. I have just started working with a third student that was referred to me by John, who also wants to develop a research project that will produce a published abstract.
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John has also been a generous colleague to me. He has gone above and beyond in his effort to introduce me to potential collaborators at multiple institutions (e.g., GVSU, GRCC, and Calvin) in the area. He has brought upcoming talks or science-related events to my attention, invited me on field trips, and recommended the GRPM as a repository. John was the first one to email me about a potential fossil find north of Kent City, that turned into the Clapp Family Mastodon, which has been a huge success for the GRPM. Any institution would be fortunate to work with John.
K.E Beth Townsend
Midwestern University
I worked with Mr. VanRegenmorter [The Fossil Whisperer] in the summer of 2022 as I had included him in my National Science Foundation supported project Collaborative Research: After the Bridgerian Crash: An Integrated Analysis of Mammalian Paleocommunities and Paleoecologies During the Middle Eocene. I am the Lead Principal Investigator on this project, and I needed a geologist to assist in the field during the summer of 2022 with screen washing and soil sample acquisition.
Importantly, one of our project goals is to train students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and we wanted to bring out students who needed field geology and research experience. Mr. VanRegenmorter is faculty at and works with students at both the community college (Grand Rapids Community College) and university levels (Grand Valley State University). In addition to his professional experience as a geologist that was needed last summer, he brought students from both educational arenas who would benefit from the field research experience and I thought this was a good fit for my project. Mr. VanRegenmorter brought three undergraduate students with him: two from Grand Valley State University and one from Grand Rapids Community College. Overall, his inclusion of students in field research was very positive, as he spent time showing them various skills necessary for field work. Mr. VanRegenmorter taught students the basic techniques associated with collecting stratigraphic data: strikes and dips, map reading, identification of sedimentary rocks, GPS use, and compass use. Furthermore, he ensured that the students understood the premise of the larger research project that we were working on and how the geological skills they were learning and the data they were taking would be used to address the specific aims and hypotheses of the research. Additionally, he showed these students the necessary skills of field camp life: personal safety, first aid, tent living, camp cooking, and even changing vehicle tires.
Throughout the time he and his students were with us in the field, it was very apparent to me that Mr. VanRegenmorter is very passionate about showing students the importance of research in their education and to understand the basics of how their science is practiced in the field. Geology students can take numerous professional pathways once they have earned their degree, and it is evident that Mr. VanRegenmorter believes that it is essential for students to have a research experience because it will assist in both understanding the fundamentals of the geosciences and inform their professional journey as a geologist.
Matt Heff
Natural History Museum of Utah
University of Utah
The Fossil Whisperer Team brings a level of professionalism, technical expertise, and passion for all things paleontology and geology to their work. My favorite part of having John and the Fossil Whisperer team as part of our fieldwork crew is their love and passion for paleontology and geology. They have the right mix of not only being great teachers who explain what they see -- but also supporting the research aspects of our work with decades of experience. Their team stacks enthusiasm and love for what they do with scientific experience that enhances every project. During our field work, the Fossil Whisperers brought an impressive array of knowledge and services like quickly analyzing rock and soil layers, GPS mapping, fossil identification, collection, and enhancing our data collection methods.
Keith Piccard
Allendale Public Schools Science Department
As a 22-year veteran science teacher for Allendale Public Schools and a 13-year veteran Senior Adjunct Biology Professor for Grand Valley State University, I have had the privilege of witnessing Mr. VanRegenmorter's [The Fossil Whisperer] dedication to community outreach first hand. His passion for the captivating disciplines of geology and paleontology has left an indelible mark on the young minds of Allendale Public Schools that he engaged with throughout the years. His unwavering commitment to imparting knowledge and fostering curiosity is truly commendable, and it has had a profound impact on my students of Allendale Public Middle School.
During his visits to our school, Mr. VanRegenmorter always brought with him a wealth of knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm that captivates both students and teachers alike. Through his interactive presentations, engaging discussions, and hands-on activities, he consistently manages to leave his audience enthralled, fostering a deep appreciation for the geosciences. The students' enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are a testament to his ability to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for learners.
Furthermore, Mr. VanRegenmorter's generosity in sharing his personal collection of fossils and geological artifacts
has enriched the educational experience of my students. The opportunity to observe and handle these ancient
remnants has allowed them to forge a tangible and meaningful connection with the past, nurturing a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for Earth's history.
Mr. VanRegenmorter's commitment to community outreach is truly exemplary. Year after year, he dedicates his time and energy to nurturing the minds of our young learners, empowering them with knowledge and instilling in them a profound sense of wonder about the natural world. His contributions have definitely enhanced their academic journey, contributing to their overall growth and development in the field of science.
On behalf of the students, faculty, and administration of Allendale Public Middle School, I extend my deepest
gratitude to Mr. John VanRegenmorter. His unwavering dedication to education, his contagious enthusiasm, and his expertise in geology and paleontology leaves us eagerly looking forward to his continued involvement in our school each year.
Maya Giannecchini
Grand Valley State University
My experience with Professor VanRegenmorter [The Fossil Whisperer] has been nothing short of excellent. I first met him as a sophomore asking about advice on how to start my journey in becoming a paleontologist. He presented me with the opportunity to go to Utah with him to work on the Uinta Basin Project, where we incorporated paleontology and geology in the field. Professor VanRegenmorter gave me my first field experience, and in a field of geoscience I am very passionate about. He is a professor I am comfortable with asking questions and expressing my own concerns and ideas, and his ability to explain concepts in both a formal and informal way helped me grow and retain my knowledge in the field of geology and paleontology. He is without a doubt an extremely influential person in my education at GVSU, both in and out of the classroom.
Alexander Fernandez
Grand Rapids Community College
There have been few people I’ve encountered in my life who’ve influenced me in any manner as much as John [The Fossil Whisperer] has. Prior to taking his Intro to Geology class, I had no idea what I wanted to study. It took less than a week of class to know that I wanted to study geology, and I switched my major and am sure I made the right choice.
John’s passion and knowledge of geology is infectious and his mastery of passing it along to beginners and pros alike is unmatched. He keeps things fun and exciting and goes the extra mile to answer any questions you may have. Aside from that, he creates an environment in which you are comfortable and relaxed, enabling students to dive into the material and make amazing friends along the way.