Triceratops, Duckbills, and...2018 - Passport in Time
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South Dakota - Custer NF
Closed! Triceratops, Duckbills, and Champsosaurs...Oh My!!
Volunteer E. Rex searching for her dinosaur cousin!
SD-4371
June 18-23, 2018 (including weekends)
Must commit to entire session
It’s that time of year again: time to revisit the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation for yet another fantastic “fossil hunt!” So, we invite all, from rookie paleontologist to pro, to join Forest Service Paleontologist, Barb Beasley, as we gather data and fossils to help manage this incredible natural and historic resource. Our project, as always, will take place in two parts – the field, then the lab – (see PIT website for “Part II:” “Fossils are Free at Last!” June 25-30, 2018). Part I, from June 18-23, will consist of scouring the Late Cretaceous badlands of the Formation, located on the Custer-Gallatin NF of northwest South Dakota. During this field phase, volunteers will learn to recognize, document, and collect fossils such as palm fronds, dinosaurs, crocodiles, and clams…just to name a few. Our remote campsite is in a beautiful forest and grassland setting about 50 miles north of the scenic and historic Black Hills. So, come for the fossils, dust, and camaraderie, stay for the views – and “Part II.” See you this summer!
Number of openings: 20
Special skills: No special skills required
Minimum age: 12 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Volunteers will be tent or RV camping (at no charge) in a remote setting. “Standard” vehicles will be able to access the site – so, no 4x4; no worries! Facilities include portable toilets, portable hot water showers, caterer (optional $15/day/person), basecamp tent with cooking supplies, shade tents, all supplies needed for the project, and a FS paleontologist with a UTV! Drinking water is available at the site in a portable and potable water tank, however, if you prefer, you may bring your own water. The closest town is Buffalo, approximately 35 miles north on Hwy. 85, which does have one motel. Volunteers responsible for own lodging (if opting to stay off-site)/camping equipment, food (if opting not to use caterer), extra water, and transportation
Nearest towns: Buffalo, 35 miles
Applications due: April 23, 2018
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