Volunteers make the (fossil) world go 'round

 

The AAS exists because of the hard work of amateurs and fossil enthusiasts who recognize the value of our shared fossil heritage. Every dig they work hard to get us there with every shovelfull of dirt, every trowel-turn of sediment, every single day spent uncovering an ancient Cretaceous coast.

In fact, the AAS wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for amateurs. Local fossil collector Art Sahlstein and University of Texas–Arlington students Phil Kirchoff and Bill Walker, who independently found fossils there in 2003, share credit for discovery of the site. Their concern for protecting the fossils from the site brought it to the attention of local paleontologists and they were instrumental in the early days of launching work at the site. Art continues to be a steadfast volunteer to this day!

 

Conditions aren't easy, either. We are a true field site exposed to the elements and local Texas wildlife! During the summers we have to contend with temperatures that top the low 100's and sometimes terrible humidity, when even the shade tents provide little comfort. There is all manner of wildlife, including spiders, scorpions, centipedes, ants, wasps, velvet ants, snakes, feral pigs, bobcats, and coyotes, to name a few. But our volunteers tough it out and keep finding some of the most significant fossil material in north Texas.

But volunteer involvement doesn't stop there. We have an army of people who spend their free time cleaning and repairing the fossils for study once they have been discovered--a skill that takes a great deal of time and patience.

 

 

Our volunteers take what they learn from working at the site and share it with the wider community. Many of our volunteers are teachers in local schools and have integrated Texas fossils and geologic history into their curricula. Our volunteers take part in educational outreach, using their own free time to go to gem & mineral shows, schools, community groups, etc. to educate people about the lost world beneath their feet and communicate the value of these fossil resources to the community. There is no greater outcome that I can think of.

 

Here are some videos made about the site and its discoveries:

The true legacy of the site will be the people: the great numbers of volunteers, scientists, educators, and others who came together to preserve, study, and most importantly educate people, about this unique fossil locality.

Salud!

--Chris