Walking in the footsteps of prehistoric giants is an experience that has captivated local families and visiting paleontologists for over two decades at one of the region’s most extraordinary scientific treasures. Now, as active bone bed excavations continue to reveal secrets from millions of years in the past, the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm is preparing to step into an exciting new chapter under fresh leadership.
The museum’s board of directors recently announced the appointment of Mindy Plumlee as the new Executive Director. Plumlee, who succeeds former director Diana Call, brings more than twenty-five years of dedicated nonprofit executive leadership to the role. Most notably, she spent twenty-two years building and expanding the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho. During her impressive tenure there, she more than tripled the organization’s capacity, spearheaded capital campaigns that raised sixteen million dollars, and successfully managed extensive teams of staff and volunteers.
Plumlee’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment of scientific growth for the museum. While the site has been a beloved fixture since opening in 2005, its story actually began in 2000 when Dr. Sheldon Johnson and his wife, LaVerna, made a startling discovery on their property. While leveling the land, they uncovered a beautifully preserved ancient trackway. Recognizing its immense scientific value, they set the area aside for educational use, revealing thousands of fossilized footprints left behind by a bustling, two-hundred-million-year-old lakeside ecosystem.
The research is far from over. In March of last year, the museum’s team began excavating brand-new bone beds located just across the street from the main facility, paving the way for even deeper insights into prehistoric life. Plumlee expressed tremendous enthusiasm for these active digs, noting that she looks forward to strengthening community partnerships, donor support, and long-term sustainability to expand the museum’s cultural and educational impact.
Located at 2180 E. Riverside Drive, the museum is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can explore the indoor galleries, view the preserved trackways, and learn about the ancient creatures that once roamed the area. Additional details about ongoing research and admissions can be found online at utahdinosaurs.org.
