Editor’s note: We continue our series highlighting significant fossil discoveries found by members of the public. Remember, if you find a fossil, follow these instructions.
1986: Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai bonebed (TMP 1986.055.0258)
Al Lakusta was a junior high science teacher in Grande Prairie in the 1970s. As part of his lessons, he took students prospecting for fossils at Pipestone Creek. The fossils they found were usually molluscs, like clams and oysters. One day in 1974, Al came across dinosaur fossils when he ventured farther upstream than usual. He looked along the banks for the source of the fallen fossil material, and luckily spotted a ledge about 10 metres above the creek. He clambered up the bank and located the fossil-rich layer. He sent samples of the fossils to the Provincial Museum of Alberta, and consulted with scientists from the Grande Prairie Regional College to learn more about his find. Palaeontologists, including Dr. Philip Currie, were then involved to help identify the bones.
One year after the Royal Tyrrell Museum opened to the public, excavation of the site began. After four summers of rigorous fieldwork, the densely packed bonebed produced at least 27 individual animals. Finally, after two decades of research, a description of Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai was published in 2008, naming it for Al Lakusta.
University of Alberta researchers determined that the site contained up to 100 bones per square metre, with 3,500 bones in total; 14 skulls had been collected. The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, Alberta currently leads program participants to the site where excavation and collection continues.
RETROactive 
Excellent example of someone finding something really valuable. It was useful for me to read how one can help the professionals in this field.
Thank you. I’m glad you read my comment. If it is valuable to others that will be appreciated as well.
Glad you enjoyed the article! We will be highlighting more fossil discoveries over the coming months, so stay tuned.