Itching for a Dig:

Winter has officially ended here in Colorado but as those in the state know, some of the biggest storms come in March through May. For those of us that love snow, we still have a chance to make that really big snowman plus we get a great workout shoveling snow here at the dinosaur center!

In the lab area, we are very busy producing dinosaurs for museums around the world but cabin fever is setting in and everyone wants to get back out into the field once the weather calms down and the ground begins to thaw. This field season we will be continuing to explore for more of the juvenile T. rex in Montana, searching for new specimens in the Dakotas, and in between – head to Kansas for any new marine specimens that have been exposed out of the “chalk.” Every year the cycle is the same: At the end of the field season everyone wants to go indoors and every Spring, everyone needs to head out again! Heading out into the field is one of the most exciting (and grueling) parts of paleontology.

We are experiencing more and more visitors and are nearing our one-year anniversary (at the end of May). Travel is up despite the rising cost of fuel that may hit a high mark this summer.

Our poster contest is generating some fantastic entries from  budding paleo artists! Great job to all who have submitted thus far as we encourage all children (and adults) to send in their greatest dinosaur work.

In April, Colorado Gators will be joining us for a new presentation. “Fluffy,” a 10-ft., 500-lb. alligator will be making an appearance in addition to other reptiles for visitors to see and touch.

Also, our astronomy lecture series will be presented to help those beginners start to find more objects in our night sky.

Sincerely,
Dave Ehlert
RMDRC Director
dave@rmdrc.com
 

     Keep up to date with the latest news from the RMDRC and beyond......

An exciting find -- soft tissue in a T-rex fossil! Read the story at
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/03/24/rex.tissue.ap/index.html

Protein is recovered from spectacularly preserved dinosaur eggs. Read the story at http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18524915.700

Villagers to vote on whether local dino dung fertilizer industry will be celebrated in sculpture. Really. Read about it at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4371163.stm

News from the RMDRC Lab:

     The RMDRC is pleased to sponsor a Celtic Ceili fundraiser on Friday, April 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. for The Firefighters Fund started during the Hayman Fire. There will be a live band (Ceol Ceili), cash bar, silent auction, and dancing. Funds raised will benefit 12 fire departments and the ambulance service in our immediate area. Tickets are $25 and are available at Java Junction and Gold Hill Liquors in Woodland Park. Call 687-6670 for more information.

Dinos and Dragons weekend Apr. 29/May 1

     For thousands of years man has told stories and drawn picutres of mythical beasts that roamed the earth, swam in the seas and soared in the heavens. Come explore the rich history of these beasts at Dinos and Dragons weekend at the RMDRC. Fun activities are being scheduled for both days including a lecture, tours, games and more. Details to come at www.rmdrc.com.

RECENT EVENT
Dino EGG-stravaganza

    RMDRC's Dino EGG-stravaganza took place Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 amidst news coverage by Channel 11 and Channel 13 with a weekend loaded with Dino Bingo, Dino Musical Egg, Dino Story Time, Dino Toss, Dino Egg Painting and Face Painting. We also had a special lecture on dinosaurs, birds and eggs.  Kids had fun and won prizes. Every child 12 and under got to decorate a dinosaur egg, complete with instructions on the care of the egg until it’s time to hatch! 

CURRENT EVENTS
Dino-Art 2005 prehistoric poster contest open to all ages

     The April 30 deadline for our Dino Art 2005 Poster contest is fast approaching. We've received some great entries from budding paleo artists of all ages. There will be some awesome prizes awarded. Winners will also have the opportunity to meet and learn from special guest famous paleo artist Todd Marshall! Visit www.rmdrc.com for rules and details. Winners will be notified May 15. Prizes will be awarded May 28 at the RMDRC. Prize-winning artwork will be on display at the RMDRC.

T. rex on exhibit for a limited time

Come see one of the most impressive creatures ever to walk our planet -- Tyrannosaurus rex -- the tyrant lizard king on exhibit at the RMDRC until May 15.

Dinosaurs at the zoo?

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Komodo dragon, Hector, didn’t know she was having a family reunion this Spring, much less sharing her home in the Aquatics building with relatives. By way of a partnership with the RMDRC, Zoo visitors can see casts of our North American Oviraptor specimen and two Pachycephalosaurus specimens through May 22. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Members can present a valid zoo membership card to the RMDRC through May 30, 2005 and receive $2 off the price of admission.

MEMBERSHIP
Save money on a full year of paleo fun!

Our event calendar is full and you're invited! Membership prices range from $32 for a single military senior to $95 for a family. Members receive free admission for one year to the RMDRC, a 10 percent discount in the Prehistoric Paradise gift shop, reduced admission prices to special events such as guest speaker lectures, and invitations to members-only events such as our members-only unveiling of T. rex.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Save 20% or more on beautiful resort wear in Prehistoric Paradise

We have a great sale going on in our Prehistoric Paradise gift shop to make room for this season's new styles, jewelry, flip flops, beach bags, and more that have recently arrived. Save 20% off a large selection of resort/beach wear. Members save an additional 10%!  If you love comfortable, colorful, feminine resort wear now is your chance to rack up on beautiful clothing for the summer and warm weather vacations. Below are just a few samples of resort wear now on sale in our Prehistoric Paradise store. Come in for some great deals!