Digging for Dinosaurs
I had the most incredible experience working on an Earthwatch paleontology project in southern Utah.
Let me start by saying that digging in the dirt in Utah in August was not my idea - Earthwatch sends a staff member with the first team on any new project, to help smooth out any wrinkles, and it was my turn.
But I am SO glad I went! The staff was great, the other volunteers were fun, and the work was fascinating! We found 4" dinosaur claws, a whole skull, and a bone that might be from an unknown dinosaur! The researchers were great teachers and storytellers, which made the bones really come to life - and we visited some local museums to see where "our" dinosaur fit in. After work we swam, and on our day off, we went on a rafting trip and had a blast.
So if you think you might like to play Indiana Jones for a week or 2 - go! We have lots of projects - if you're looking for comfort, the Mammoth Site in South Dakota is for you. And if you after something really special, go to Olduvai Gorge and continue the Leakeys' work.
(note: The expedition I was on isn't running at the moment - but hopefully we'll get another one going out there - there's plenty of work to do!)
Kathy, the Earthwatch Webmaster
Let me start by saying that digging in the dirt in Utah in August was not my idea - Earthwatch sends a staff member with the first team on any new project, to help smooth out any wrinkles, and it was my turn.
But I am SO glad I went! The staff was great, the other volunteers were fun, and the work was fascinating! We found 4" dinosaur claws, a whole skull, and a bone that might be from an unknown dinosaur! The researchers were great teachers and storytellers, which made the bones really come to life - and we visited some local museums to see where "our" dinosaur fit in. After work we swam, and on our day off, we went on a rafting trip and had a blast.
So if you think you might like to play Indiana Jones for a week or 2 - go! We have lots of projects - if you're looking for comfort, the Mammoth Site in South Dakota is for you. And if you after something really special, go to Olduvai Gorge and continue the Leakeys' work.
(note: The expedition I was on isn't running at the moment - but hopefully we'll get another one going out there - there's plenty of work to do!)
Kathy, the Earthwatch Webmaster
