New Heights

 

Hello all,

Different sort of lab note this time; more of an announcement than an update.

Working at the New Jersey State Museum over the last 10 years, I’ve had opportunities to create and develop a lot of great projects - exhibits, educational programs, once-in-a-lifetime fossil discoveries, and much more.  By far the biggest and most successful initiative, however, was the Bighorn Basin Dinosaur Project.  This hybrid research/public education program grew over the last few years into something I could never have anticipated only when it BBDP began little more than 6 years ago.  There have been a few bumps (and bruises) along the road, but few and far between compared to all of the successes.  Of course, you all were a big part of that success, and that’s why I’m excited to share this news with you now.  

The best way to keep that success going was to create a new, independent organization: the Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute.  As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to paleontology and earth science research and education, the BBPI will be able to replicate our prior successes, but also will have the independence and flexibility to finally pursue the program’s almost limitless potential.   We are eager to share with you in the coming days and weeks some of the ways in which the BBPI is already taking advantage of this freedom, successfully creating collaborative, enriching programs and fascinating scientific research.    

By supporting our crowdfunding campaign two years ago, you demonstrated that paleontology research and education was a priority to you.  If that is still the case, then I’d like to invite you to follow our organization on social media (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) and to check out our website: bbpaleo.org.  The website, like our organization, strives to be a resource of paleontological and earth science information not only for the general public, but for professionals and students as well.  It’s also where you can find out about upcoming public events, learn how to sign up to join our summer expeditions, learn how to become a member, and where you can learn about all the various ways you can support the BBPI.  Finally, keep your eyes on Experiment.com as well - we certainly plan to continue using this wonderful resource!

The BBPI is the realization of a dream that developed over most of my life, but has truly come into focus over the last several years as the field programs became increasingly successful and rewarding.  I hope that you’re as excited about this news as I am and that you’ll join us on our adventures by following and sharing our news.  Thank you all for your time and support.

Keep Digging!

   Jason P. Schein