Rocky Mountain Dinosaur
Resource Center

 

Here are the Latest Happenings at the RMDRC

    I have been out of the office for nearly a month and am playing catch-up now! Much has been going on here and I'd like to share the news with you.

     Out on the road, we have our "Savage Ancient Seas" traveling exhibit at the Science Center of Connecticut until January 2nd, 2006. Later in 2006, this exhibit will travel to the Museum of Idaho and then the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

     Inside the RMDRC, we are taking more and more school bookings for tours. This is really a popular program and details can be found later in this newsletter.

     Back in the Paleo Lab, we are busy preparing new specimens and producing cast skeletons to fullfill customer orders from around the globe. See Nikki's "Curator Corner" on all the exciting happenings.

     For those that are interested in a potential career with us, we have three openings as of this writing. We are seeking full time positions for Marketing Assistant, Graphics Artist, and Visitor Experience Guide. Some more details can be found here.

     For events, we have a great lineup. Member's night will include the Archelon unveiling, Science Week will be packed with activities geared for school groups, and we will be at multiple events in Colorado Springs and Denver (see "Upcoming Events" below).

     It was 36 degrees this morning here in Colorado (elevation 8,600ft). We know the snowy season is just around the corner - time to pull out the winter gear!

Regards,
Dave Ehlert / RMDRC Director
dave@rmdrc.com



In the Lab: Colin (left) and Scott (right) are working on molding and casting a new specimen for 2006.
 

News from the Field:

     September was another exciting month for field work.  We continued the excavation of the Lambeosaurine (crested-duckbill) dinosaur in north-central Montana.  Earlier this summer, we were locating new bones in every direction of this site.  Now, we are able to better define the perimeter of this quarry.  The site is not finished, but we decided to halt our efforts until next spring.

News from the Lab:

DINOSAUR NEWS:

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

Here is a nice article on how dinosaurs changed over time - specifically the Sauropods (the really huge ones)
Skull Study Sheds Light On Dinosaur Diversity

Where do we find some of the most significant fossil remains? Did you guess Egypt, Mongolia, Argentina, and the Western US? But did you add England to this list?
Island top for dinosaur hunters

Can we find out males from female dinosaurs? This study says 'yes' to this question.
Experts tell Mr from Mrs dinosaur

News out of Utah brings visitors closer to the tremendous amount of collections the public usually never gets to see.
Museum to Hold "What's in the Basement?" Day

For the Science buff in all of us, here is a web site that contains a huge amount of daily articles.
Science Daily
 

NEW RMDRC EXHIBITS:

     The RMDRC is constantly evolving and we have some new exhibits on the floor plus more planned in the near future. Brand NEW exhibits currently showing:

- A 11' life-restoration Tiger Shark in our Marine area (by our fossil shark display)

- A baby life restoration 7.5' Orcinus orca (usually called "Killer Whale").

 - The famous "Bunker Tylosaur" skull measuring 5 1/2' long show the ultimate prehistoric eating machine

- Coming soon: We are excited (as will visitors) at the opportunity of putting up a HUGE marine turtle called Archelon - coming in October (See Upcoming Events for details)

- Also Coming Soon: NEW interactive exhibits specifically for children, but fun for adults also, in the children's area. Stay tuned.....

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Healthy Families Fair
Sat, Oct 8:
RMDRC will have an activity booth at the Citadel Mall 10 am – 2 pm

Dino Club Members Only Party
Sat, Oct 8:
“Unveiling the Archelon” 5 - 7 pm  RMDRC
If you are not a member yet and wish to be, the form is available here: (MS Word) (Adobe PDF) 

Pinon Valley Elementary Fall Festival
Sat, Oct 15:
RMDRC will have a booth with activities
6205 Farthing Dr. Colorado Springs 10 am– 3 pm

Boo at the Zoo
Fri & Sat, Oct 21-22
Fri & Sat Oct 28-29
RMDRC will have a treat station at the Cheyenne Mt. Zoo 5:30 pm- 8:30 pm trick or treating

Halloween Festival
October 29-30
RMDRC will have a dinosaur dig box at the Downtown Aquarium, Denver  12 – 4 pm

Trick or Treating
Mon, Oct 31
At the RMDRC - Come in costume!! 4 pm – 6 pm

OCT 9-15: EARTH SCIENCE WEEK 2005

Earth Science Week Starts
Sun, Oct 9:
 - Tours 10 am & noon
 - Mad Science Shows 11 am & 2 pm
 - Guest Lecture 1 pm & 3:30 pm
 - All day activities to include: fossil making, shale splitting, fossil rubbings
- Regular Admission Prices Apply for All Activities

Earth Science Week Events
Mon, Oct 10 through Fri, Oct 14:
 - Mad Science shows available to school groups booking tours for additional cost of $3 per student  - Guest lectures available with paleontologist, geologist, teacher, Earth Science professionals, rangers, astronomer etc.
 - After school activities from 4 pm to 5 pm each day. Cost $5 per child. One hour program includes a lecture about a specific aspect of Earth Science and a hands on activity. For reservations, call Tracie at 719-686-1820 x112.
 - Regular Admission Prices Apply for All Activities

Earth Science Week Ends
Sat, Oct 15:
 - Tours 10 am, noon & 5 pm
 - Mad Science Shows 11 am & 2 pm
 - Guest Lecture 1 pm & 3:30 pm
 - All day activities to include: fossil making, shale splitting, fossil rubbings
- Regular Admission Prices Apply for All Activities