Press Release
Fla. Museum seeks volunteers for Newberry fossil dig
For Immediate Release Sept. 13, 2006
Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Stacy Acquista
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History Vertebrate Paleontology Division is looking for volunteers this fall to assist with fossil collecting at a major site discovered in 2005 at a limestone quarry northeast of Newberry.
The fossil dig will run from Sept. 18 - Dec. 20 with work on weekends and weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and physically fit enough to work outside for a minimum of three hours. No previous experience necessary. For more information, visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/2006_dig.htm or e-mail rhulbert@flmnh.ufl.edu.
This fossil site has produced about 100 partial to nearly complete animal skeletons that are approximately two million years old. Fossils of tapirs, ground sloths, frogs and turtles are very abundant, and in all about 40 different species have been found. Museum paleontologists anticipate the discovery of more species and many more skeletons.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $8.50 for adults ($7.50 Fla. residents) and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.