Press Release
Rich fossil dig site near Newberry subject of Fla. Museum program Sept. 9
For Immediate Release Sept. 5, 2007
Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Christine Eschenfelder
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Learn about animals that roamed Florida 2 million years ago, surfacing now in western Alachua County, during the Florida Museum of Natural History's "Science Sundays" lecture series, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
Florida Museum Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager Richard Hulbert will discuss the struggles and victories of the "Tapir Challenge" fossil dig site, how it is being excavated and its scientific significance for understanding Florida's ancient fauna and climate. Sunday's program also includes a short documentary film by Michelle Friedline.
Museum staff and hundreds of volunteers recovered more than 200 skeletons of tapirs, sloths, giant armadillos, turtles, alligators, snakes and other animals at a limestone quarry northeast of Newberry during the 2006-07 season. Volunteers are needed for the upcoming season beginning later this fall.
For more information on the "Science Sundays" series, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.
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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.