Press Release
Fla. Museum seeks volunteers for Newberry fossil dig
For Immediate Release Nov. 27, 2007
Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Jessica Thurmond
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History Vertebrate Paleontology Division is looking for volunteers to assist with fossil collecting at a major site discovered in 2005 in a limestone quarry northeast of Newberry.
The fossil dig began in October and will continue until Dec. 20. Volunteers are needed seven days a week between the hours of 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 is necessary.
The site is approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive from Gainesville.
For more information, visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/2007_dig.htm or e-mail rhulbert@flmnh.ufl.edu.
"It is anticipated that this will be our last year working this fabulous fossil site," said Richard Hulbert, Florida Museum of Natural History Vertebrate Paleontology collections manager. "We think we are nearing the end of the area that produces the best fossil skeletons. It has turned out to be one of the best sites ever found in the state, and the public still has the opportunity to participate and help make new discoveries."
This fossil site has produced about 400 partial to nearly complete animal skeletons that are approximately 2 million years old. Fossils of tapirs, ground sloths, frogs and turtles are very abundant, and about 50 different species have been found. Museum paleontologists anticipate the discovery of more species and many more skeletons. Volunteers will be digging alongside Florida Museum staff and University of Florida graduate students.
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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.