Dinosaur Digs You Can Join

Digs that you can Join

Chinese Digs

Sinofossa Institute is dedicated to the understanding of past. They provide knowledge of Chinese vertebrate past (dinosaurs as well as associated vertebrates) past both online and in the field. Supported by its world-leading academics as well as field experience in the study of fossils in both China and North America, Sinofossa Institute is unique in its strong emphasis on the scientific, educational, and cultural appeal of fossils, especially dinosaurs. Why Are China's Dinosaurs Important? In recent years, China has produced some of the most exceptional paleontological discoveries ever made, including stunning dinosaur fossils preserving soft tissues such as feathers, skin, and internal organs. These discoveries have provided unprecedented insight into the evolution of these remarkable animals and their world. In particular, several landmark Chinese fossils have firmly established that birds are living dinosaurs China has proven to be one of the most productive areas for new discoveries. Dinosaurs from China are often bizarre, even by dinosaur standards. They include long-necked plant-eaters with clubs on their tails; tiny, tree-dwelling predators covered in feathers; fearsome, giant carnivores with long crests on their skulls; and tall, long-necked, plant-eaters with short legs and enormous arms. Many of these exciting new discoveries have inspired paleontologists to rethink formerly accepted ideas about dinosaurs and the world they lived in.

Colorado Digs

Museum of Western Colorado Paleontology Division's - Dinosaur Expeditions. Dig for Dinosaurs, turtles, lizards, and mammals in the colorful, 150-millionyear- old badlands of the Morrison Formation. We offer one-day digs at a site in western Colorado and a five-day dig in Wyoming. In addition, we are now offering five-day expeditions in western Colorado that include a variety of activities. Choose whichever one best suits your interests.
- For the one-day digs in western Colorado, the Museum provides transportation between the museum and the quarry, lunch and water/Gatorade, field instruction from a professional paleontologist, and a tour of the Dinosaur Journey Museum lab.
- The five-day expeditions in western Colorado include transportation between the museum and the sites, lunch and water/Gatorade each day, five nights lodging in Fruita, Colorado, field instruction and tours by paleontologists, and one welcome breakfast and farewell dinner.
- The five-day dig in Wyoming includes transportation from Rapid City, South Dakota to Sundance, Wyoming as well
  as to and from the quarry; five nights lodging in Sundance; lunch and water/Gatorade each day; five days digging; field instruction from a professional paleontologist; a visit to Devils Tower National Monument; and a tour of the lab at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Museum of Geology.
- All programs are for ages 5 and older. However, those 16 or younger must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Montana Digs

THE JUDITH RIVER DINOSAUR INSTITUTE I have developed a strong association over a number of years in supporting several excellent field programs in Montana. This summer I will be helping Nate again with his field programs (see here).
- Exploration/Excavation 2006 - Judith River Dinosaur Institute
  - Great News: Plans are now underway for me to join Nate Murphy of the Judith River Dinosaur Institute in August 2006 for weeks 3
    - Mailing Address: Judith River Dinosaur Institute
      Box 429
      Malta, MT 59538
      Phone (406) 654-2323
      Fax (406) 654-2323
      Email:
      Nate Murphy nmurphy@ttc-cmc.net
    - For more information on our program through the JRDI check the following link below:
      - Judith River Dinosaur Inst. Exploration/Excavation 2006
      - Nate Murphy is currently Research Director for the Judith River Institute in addition to being director of Paleontology for the Phillips County Museum. His 25 years of field experience in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Alaska, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Canada provide a well rounded knowledge base for his current research of the the Judith River Formation. Mr. Murphy is also a consultant paleontologist for the U.S Government Department of the Interior, research consultant to the Royal Tyrell Paleontology Museum, Alberta, Canada, and co-author of a number of research papers pertaining to the Judith River Formation.
Timescale Adventure . Timescale Adventures is located in the Bynum-Choteau area of Montana, along the Rocky Mountain front, approximately half-way between Great Falls and Glacier National Park on Highway 89. This area is noted worldwide for its spectacular paleontological discoveries, geological exposures, wildlife habitat, and Native American historical and archaeological sites. Timescale Adventures chose this impressive area to provide hands-on programs for the general public. These programs are unique in their approach. Professional researchers and instructors provide informative and entertaining experiences for all ages and interests, and the programs are conducted at active research sites. Staff members have been conducting public field programs in this area since 1968.
- Timescale Adventures Mission:
  - Timescale Adventures Research Center is a 501-C-3 tax exempt charitable organization that; (1)provides hands-on educational experiences for the public, based as much as possible on actual research sites and utilizing research persnonel; (2) to promote research and publications on the objects and information collected; and (3) to collect, preserve, research, and interpret for the public, items relating to the physical and cultural heritage of the world. This corporation is dedicated to sharing of information with other organizations for the advancement of science and the education and enjoyment of the public.
- Two Medicine Dinosaur Center is a non-profit research and educational institution. The Center receives no government support, and is funded entirely by contributions, memberships, and giftshop sales. The organization started in 1995 with zero assets, and has built steadily ever since. Founding members include Laurie Trexler, who discovered the type specimen of Maiasaura peeblesorum; Marion Brandvold, who discovered the first baby dinosaur remains in North America; and David Trexler (who is a good friend of mine and Nate Murphy's -- and I hope to finally visit as part of my Montana Work this year), a degreed dinosaur paleontologist. The organization was created under the name, "Timescale Adventures", which represented its hands-on paleontological and historical focus. Ground was broken for the Research Center in 2000, and the Center was named the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center in 2003.
  - Montana’s Two Medicine Dinosaur Center includes the world's longest dinosaur - a skeletal model display of a Seismosaurus - according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Other displays include the first baby dinosaur remains found in North America, recently featured on CNN, and the actual remains of other new dinosaur species.
  - Programs available through the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center of Montana are designed to allow participants to work beside actual research professionals and staff. Such interaction allows participants to learn current principles and techniques of fossil preservation, leading to better reporting and documentation of fossil discoveries.

Dig for Dinosaurs This weeklong session will give you a wide range of experience in the basic principles and techniques of geology and paleontology. Training and collecting supplies will be provided by Cincinnati Museum Center staff under the direction of Dr. Glenn Storrs, curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, and field supervisor and preparator Mason Jane Milam.

PaleoWorld Research Foundation (PWRF). June through August, PaleoWorld Research Foundation (PWRF) conducts one of the few hands-on dinosaur expeditions open to all ages. Kids, families, students, all dinosaur enthusiasts are welcome to join PWRF paleontologist Joseph Hatcher (Paleo Joe) research team as he travels back some 65 million years to the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation of Eastern Montana. PWRF offers 2 programs. A weekly, 7 days 6 night dinosaur dig adventure or a "Dig-for-a-Day" program. Either program offers 100% hands-on opportunity to work along side researchers and participant in a genuine scientific dig. This is not a tour! You participate as an actual research team member. You will learn and participate in actual field techniques in the collection of dinosaur fossils like the Triceratops, Hadrosaur, and the mighty T-rex. You will assist in prospecting for new specimens, excavating, plaster jacketing, fossil removal, quarry mapping, preparation techniques in our field lab, fossil identification, and history of Hell Creek Formation.

South Dakota Digs

PaleoAdventures.com Dinosaur Dig Tours. DIG FOR DINOSAURS IN THE SOUTH DAKOTA BADLANDS! PaleoAdventures works with private landowners in the Wyoming, Montana, North and South Dakota badlands though fossil leases. Their main interest is in discovering new, well-preserved specimens that can be sold or donated to museums around the world. They do however occasionally find bone bed deposits which are suitable for tourist activities. Walter W. Stein, the owner has been exploring for fossil vertebrates for over 10 years and has discovered, excavated, or prepared over 25 well-preserved dinosaur skeletons as well as dozens of other scientifically interesting specimens. Walter is a wonderful teacher and an excellent guide. If you are interested in going out for the adventure of a lifetime please inquire about our latest digsite adventure packages at the Raptor’s Nest Inn front desk. Availability and times may vary and tours are seasonal by nature.
- Raptor’s Nest Inn The Raptor's Nest Inn is located in beautiful Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Our 10-room dinosaur-themed motel is home to PaleoAdventures dinosaur digsite tours, the Dragonfly Day Spa and the Raptor's Nest Inn Giftshop. I have stayed there and highly recommend it. They have clean, fun-filled, comfortable rooms for all your dinosaur hunting needs. The Raptor's Nest Inn is located on US hi-way 85 a mere 10 miles from Interstate 90. We are located in the northern Black Hills region and within one hour of amazing attractions like Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Sturgis, Jewel Cave, and others. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. Mature pets and young paleontologists welcome. Please call for seasonal room rates and reservations. Prices subject to change without notice.
  - WEEKLY RATES STARTING AT $175.00/week
    from 1/1/06-5/30/06 and 9/15/06-5/30/07
  - MONTHLY RATES STARTING AT $500.00/month
    from 1/1/06-5/30/06 and 9/15/06-5/30/07
- Educational Programs PaleoAdventures offers in-classroom activites, programs, and lectures for all ages and skill levels. Many activities are best suited to K-6 students but more advanced programs are available for 6-12, colleges, clubs, professional associations and even corporations. Boyscout, Girlscout, and summer camp programs have also been done with much sucess. Groups can select individual programs or mix and match different activities/lectures for their own custom made educational experience. Most programs are 1 hour in length and consist of two parts; a lecture and a hands-on activity. As part of each program, students will get the opportunity to see and touch many original and cast dinosaur fossils. For maximum educational value, groups of 30 or less is prefered.
- CONTACT:
  - Walter W. Stein
    2519 5th Ave.
    Belle Fourche,SD 57717
    TEL: 605-892-2634
    EMAIL: stein151@earthlink.net

North Dakota Digs

The Marmarth Research Foundation (Note: This site is down at moment so they are currently using Louis Tremblay's website to handle all MRF business until the problem is rectified) is a group of dedicated paleontologists and educators that are forming a 501(c)(3) non-profit research center in Marmarth, ND. Their mission is to provide a quality hands-on field opportunity for educators and students from all walks of life that are interested in paleontology. They are committed to the preservation of the fossil resources in the Marmarth area and our ultimate goal is to house them in a facility in Marmarth. They offer an opportunity for students and educators to participate in extensive fieldwork activities from the intial discovery and excavation to the eventual mounting of the fossils. The fieldwork takes place in the southwestern part of North Dakota in the Hell Creek Formation, famous for its dinosaur remains and other fossil animals.
Pioneer Trails Regional Museum, Bowman ND. Join PTRM Paleontologists in the field as they collect fossils from active dig sites. The Dig Crew accompanies our Paleontologists to sites dating 30 million to 73 million years ago. During their time in the field, the crew will be allowed to collect fossils for the museum at specified sites. To learn more about the programs of the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum Click Here.

Royal Tyrell Museum Program

Royal Tyrrell Museum Summer Vacation Day Camps. The Summer Day Camp is an afternoon of dinosaur adventures that lets kids imagine they're paleontologists! They'll love creating their very own cast of a dinosaur, hiking through the badlands to prospect for fossils, and discovering how to avoid extinction in the Dinosaur Survival Game.
Dinosite! Gain the insight of a palaeontologist on this 90-minute journey to the past! You’ll prospect for fossils and identify real dinosaur remains in an ancient bone bed. Join us on a hike through the badlands into dinosaur country to recreate the life and death of these magnificent creatures.
Other programs The above are just a sampling of programs and there are many more you can join so especially check this page out!!!!!!

Dinosaur Digs Outside of North America

Argentina
- Chubut -- The Museo Paleontólogico Egidio Feruglio in Trelew is looking for participants for field work in Middle and Upper Jurassic sediments in the central and northern Chubut region (Patagonia). This area attracted a lot of interest in early 2001 and was called "Jurassic Park" in the media. The field work covers excavations in dinosaur and fish sites as well as prospecting for new sites.This excavation was running in 2001 and 2002, but may not be active. Participants pay their travel costs to Trelew. Food, accommodation and travel to the sites during the field work are covered by the museum. Knowledge of the Spanish language is prefered as most people do not speak English
Australia
- Dinosaur Dreaming - MONASH UNIVERSITY Dinosaur/VP PALEO SITE. The Monash University has a on-line paleo site where you can learn about its 'Dinosaur Dreaming' expeditions. Dinosaur Dreaming is part of a successful project between Museum Victoria and Monash University, the Dinosaur Dreaming fossil excavations at Inverloch over the last 12 years have yielded not only fascinating insights to the life and times of Australia’s Dinosaurs, but also highly significant and intriguing fossil mammals. Inverloch: Home of Dinosaur Dreaming is the Victorian coastal town near which the Dinosaur Dreaming site is located. About 145 kilometres (ninety minutes drive) from Melbourne, Inverloch is a very civilised place from which to do field research.The site is a rocky shore platform called Flat Rocks, about five minutes' drive from the township on a stretch of coast favoured by surfers and fishing enthusiasts. This is where the Cretaceous mammal, Ausktribosphenos nyktos, was found in March 1997.
France
- The Dinosaur Museum in Espéraza in southern France runs a dinosaur excavation every year. The digging site "Bellevue", extremely rich in fossil bones, is located at Campagne-sur-Aude, about 3 km from Espéranza. Volonteers are accepted at the excavation every year with almost no requirements for participation. Food and accomodation is provided.

United Kingdom -
- Isle of Wight -The Isle of Wight is another great place in Europe to hunt for dinosaurs. Although there is no regular excavation you are welcome to help out in the private Dinosaur Farm Museum. Many new bones are discovered along the coastline every year. A couple of them needs to be excavated and you can usually ask to join the team. However if there is no dig scheduled, you are most welcome to help preparing fossils in the museum and to show visitors around.You can normally stay in your own tent on the farm ground for free, but self-catered.

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Last Updated: 3/14/07 RJJ