Hudson-Meng 2015 - Passport in Time

Go to content

Main menu:

Current Projects > 2015
Nebraska - Nebraska NF
Closed!  Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed Interpretation Project 2015

(Photo: Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed)

NE-4251
Three (3) overlapping sessions from June 16-September 11, 2015:
Session 1: June 16–July 17, 2015 (including weekends)
Session 2: July 13–August 14, 2015 (including weekends)

Session 3: August 10-September 11, 2015 (including weekends)

Must commit to a minimum of one entire session ; may participate in more

The Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center (HMEC) is located in a picturesque, rural setting on the Oglala National Grassland, just south of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Center houses one of the most important discoveries of Archaeology and Paleontology in North America. From approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, HMEC is open to the general public and hosts university-level archaeological field schools. The Center is seeking Passport in Time volunteers to work during the summer field season to help spread public awareness of archaeology, history and historic preservation. These summer "interns" will assist FS personnel in staffing the Center, and in designing and giving interpretative programs to the general public on a variety of topics, such as archaeology, history, paleoecology, and paleontology. PIT volunteers will also assist in the development of educational materials about Hudson-Meng and Toadstool Geologic Park for local K-12 schools.

All PIT volunteers will be encouraged to develop, at minimum, one unique interpretative tour that, a) fits their respective interest(s), b) involves Hudson-Meng as a topic and, c) spreads public awareness of cultural resources. Expectations concerning the actual nature of the volunteer work are somewhat flexible. PIT volunteers must be able to commit, however, to a minimum of approximately a 4-week stay; the length of time served beyond the minimum is variable and flexible according to volunteers' schedules.

The Center has a dedicated research camp with modern bathrooms and showers, a weatherport kitchen with two gas stoves, a refrigerator and freezer, potable water, and a multimillion-dollar climate-controlled visitor facility. Several electrical outlets are scattered throughout the campground and can be used, if needed, by campers. Electrical outlets are also available in the bathroom facilities. Full use of these facilities will be provided to PIT volunteers at no charge during the length of their service.

The project leader is willing to sponsor undergraduate or graduate students who wish to earn college credit by completing an independent study or internship program through their respective academic institutions. If interested in receiving academic credit for the summer project, please make the project leader aware upon selection, at which point options and details can be discussed. Between 2012 and 2014, 12 PIT volunteers earned a total of 70 credit hours for their volunteer work from their host colleges and universities! This is a very unique opportunity, and makes the Hudson-Meng Interpretation PIT Project an especially attractive fit for interested college students.

Applications will be accepted only until project slots are filled, so apply today!

Number of openings: 9 (3 individuals or couples per session)

Special skills: Previous education and/or interpretation experience, exhibit and/or pamphlet design skills, and/or knowledge of High Plains archaeology, ecology and history helpful, but not required

Minimum age: 18 years old

Facilities: Tent and RV camping available at no charge at adjacent HMEC campground; water, electrical hook-ups, community kitchen, bath/shower facilities, storm shelter access (Visitor Center and restroom area); volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, and transportation

Nearest towns: Crawford, 22 miles; Chadron, 42 miles

Applications due: Closed

 
Back to content | Back to main menu