Fossil Prep Lab 2016 - Passport in Time
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South Dakota - Nebraska NF
Closed! Fossil Preparation Lab
Shannon preparing a fossil
SD-4280
May 23-29; 30-June 4, 2016
Must commit to one full session; may participate in both
Join us this summer for our first “dino” project of the year! Once again, we will be working in the Paleontology Resource Lab at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), located in Rapid City. Fossils (dinosaurs, marine reptiles, fish, mammals, etc.) collected from USFS lands during the past many seasons in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska will be removed from their plaster field jackets, prepared and stabilized, and made ready to be accessioned into the museum collections. Volunteers will learn how to properly conduct and document this process, and to help with the management and curation of this unique and non-renewable public resource.
Rapid City is located in the beautiful and historical Black Hills, where you will find plenty interesting things to do and sites to see in those hours “off the clock.” And, it must be said: local Native American culture, history, natural history, and the picturesque setting all make this area a truly “bucket-list” destination – see you in May!
Number of openings: 30 (15 per session)
Special skills: No special skills required – volunteers will receive instruction
Minimum age: 15 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Volunteers may choose to stay in SDSM&T dorm rooms (availability may be limited, and fees may apply – if selected, please alert project leader about your interest in these accommodations), local campgrounds, or local hotels/motels; volunteers responsible for own lodging, food, and transportation; the campus cafeteria is available for meals, and Rapid City is a full-service community with many lodging options and plenty of eateries and other amenities; all work supplies (work apron, gloves, ear plugs, and safety glasses/goggles) will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own
Nearest towns: Project based at SDSM&T in Rapid City; Piedmont, 10 miles; Hermosa, 15 miles
Applications due: March 28, 2016