What role do we have in the protection and preservation of our natural resources? Objective Students will learn the purpose and importance of conservation and why the National Park Service is committed to preservation. Students will be able to explain that if fossil collecting was still permitted in the area of the monument, we likely would not have any more petrified stumps. Background In the late 19 th century, and extending well into the mid-20 th century, fossil collecting in the Florissant valley was legal and a favorite Colorado pastime. People would come in from all parts of Colorado to Duration: 30 Minutes.