Rocky Mountain Dinosaur

Resource Center

201 S. Fairview St.

Woodland Park, CO

719-686-1820

E-newsletter

February

2006

     Thus far, It has been a mild winter here at the RMDRC. Inside the museum and lab we are keeping busy with a steady stream of orders to fill that will be sent throughout the world to various customers.

     Our February and March lineup of events proves to be extra special for fossil enthusiasts. Feb 11th and 12th is "Boy Scout Days with the Dinos" and March 11th and 12th a "Girl Scout Days with the Dinos". Numerous activities are planned for scouts of all ages.

     Most importantly will be two events that promise to entertain and educate all who attend. Two brand new specimens, the Dolichorhynchops bonneri (short-neck plesiosaur) and Texas Tylosaur (mosasaur) will be unveiled on Friday night, February 24th at 6 pm.  Media, special guests and RMDRC members will be invited to attend. On Saturday, February 25th, we are having a "Plesiosaur Mini-Symposium" with five prestigious speakers - a not to miss event!

     On March 4th, "Hot Topics in the Museum Industry” will be presented by two speakers with extensive experience. Jeffrey Patchen, President and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, will lead a seminar on “Fundraising at TCM: How to Raise Money for Major Museum Acquisitions” at 2 pm.  Following this Warren Allmon, Director of the Museum of the Earth at 3 pm discussing “Evolution and Creationism: A Guide for Museum Docents.”  (See details below).

     A huge shark jaw "Carcharodon megalodon" measuring nearly 8 feet tall is currently on display at the RMDRC. Just imagining this creature hunting the ancient seas makes the modern Great White shark small by comparison!

     If you are looking for family fun and entertainment, come and join us in Woodland Park!

Sincerely,
Dave Ehlert
RMDRC Director
dave@rmdrc.com


EDUCATIONALLY SPEAKING:
 

     The Dinosaur Resource Center is proud to be able to offer a Teacher Enhancement class through the Colorado School of Mines. This class will count for one full credit towards re-licensure. It will be offered during the summer so watch for the summer catalog and sign up before the class fills.

      “Integrating Dinosaurs into Classroom Curriculum” will explore science at many levels using dinosaurs, a subject any student can get excited about. This will give classroom teachers the latest available knowledge to pass on to their students. Teachers will also be provided with a number of activities to take back to the classroom, all of which are correlated to Colorado Model Content Standards.

Regards,
Valerie Nakamura, Education Director
val@rmdrc.com
 

News from the Lab:
 

     Now that we have completed the assembly of the polycotylid plesiosaur and the new species of Tylosaurus (nearly the same size as the famous "Bunker" Tylosaur) we are able to refocus our preparation efforts. 

     Interestingly, further examination of the polycotylid plesiosaur indicates a close relationship with the genus Dolichorhynchops versus that of the original description as the type specimen Trinacromerum bonneri.  The final cast assembly of this plesiosaur will aid continued discussion and research of this unique specimen, which will be highlighted during our special plesiosaur mini-symposium February 25, at the RMDRC. We are pleased to host this outstanding event.

Cheers,
Nikki Hemmesch, Curator
nikki@rmdrc.com
 

Owner/Founder Mike Triebold with our new Mosasaur "Sophie"

Jolyn, RMDRC Visitor Experience Guide, helps some dino fans make their own creatures.

Giants of the Sea Revealed at the

Dinosaur Resource Center

      The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is sponsoring a Plesiosaur Mini-Symposium on Saturday, February 25th, 2006 at its facility in Woodland Park, Colorado.  Learn about the peculiarities of this special marine reptile beginning at 1 pm.  These lectures are included with regular admission.

     Plesiosaur researchers from around the country will present lectures on topics relating to these 70 million year old giants of the deep.  Lecturers include Dr. Larry Martin, University of Kansas; Dr. Glenn Storrs, Cincinnati Museum Center; Dr. Ken Carpenter, Denver Museum of Nature and Science; Michael Everhart, Sternberg Museum of Natural History; and Bruce Schumacher, US Forest Service.. 

    RMDRC new specimens, the Dolichorhynchops bonneri, a rare short-necked plesiosaur and the giant Texas Tylosaur, “Sophie,” will be on exhibit to the public for the first time.  These prehistoric creatures swam in the oceans of Colorado over 70 million years ago. 

     The public may attend the lectures free with paid museum admission.  Space is limited.  Reservations may be made in advance by calling 719-686-1820 X111.  Seating is on a first come first serve basis.

     There will be a special unveiling ceremony of the Dolichorhynchops bonneri and Texas Tylosaur Friday night, February 24th, 2006 at 6 pm.  Media, special guests and RMDRC members will be invited to attend.
 

DINOSAUR NEWS:

From around the world, here is the latest collection of recent finds

and studies:

Museum Uncovers an Ancient Fossil in Storage.
Yes, dinosaurs can be found in basements! Due to overwhelming collections, limited funds, or a limited staff, many important specimens are "lost" to the public for many years.

Museum's fossils may be tainted, report says.
Sad but true, many fossils are taken illegally and their history is lost forever without any proper scientific documentation (such as location, pathologies, micro-flora/fauna, etc). This is one thing we at the RMDRC strive to change through our excavations and preparation.

Long lines to see dinosaurs in Brazil.
Anyone heading to South America in the near future will be in for a treat. A large collection of fossils will be on display through April 30, 2006.

Hot Topics in the Museum Industry at the

Dinosaur Resource Center

      Join museum, zoo and aquarium professionals as they meet with other industry specialists at “Hot Topics in the Museum Industry” scheduled for March 4, 2006 at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park, CO.

     Jeffrey Patchen, CEO and President of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will present a seminar on “Fundraising at TCM: How to Raise Money for Major Museum Acquisitions” at 2 pm. This is an opportunity to learn how a prominent museum successfully raises funds to add to their museum exhibitions. The "Dino Sphere" and the "Chihuly glass sculpture" are two recent major accomplishments at The Children’s Museum.

     Warren Allmon, Director of the Museum of the Earth will speak at 3 pm on “Evolution and Creationism: A Guide for Museum Docents.” This seminar is a training session for museum, zoo, aquarium and industry associates to help understand the basics of evolutionary biology and its relationship with visitors. It will prepare attendees on how to answer frequently asked questions about evolution, locate sources of additional information and become equipped with tools for responding to visitor's various beliefs.

     The cost to attend both seminar sessions is $20 per person.  This includes admission to the Dinosaur Resource Center.  Seating is limited so reservations are recommended.  Seating is on a first come first serve basis.  For reservations call 719-686-1820 X111.  The Dinosaur Resource Center is located at 201 S. Fairview in downtown Woodland Park, CO.  Visit our web site at www.rmdrc.com for more information.

OTHER UPCOMING EXHIBITS &

EVENTS:
 

A special collection of the artwork of Charles R. Knight coming this spring. Details to be announced soon.