A Moment of Science
At Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute, we have the profound honor of sharing in incredible moments that change people’s lives.
Two time field explorer Lynnea J. uncovers a new discovery at LZ Blue in 2019.
It truly is Christmas in July for us when one of our Field Season participants uncovers a new bone. We get to watch them delicately unwrap layer after layer of earth to reveal a new treasure. Then, we witness another moment. Other participants are so excited for the discoverer, they ask how they can help and jump to work! Suddenly, these people, who didn’t know each other existed 36 hours ago, are working seamlessly together.
Then there are the magical moments during our outreach activities. When a child with autism is feeling overwhelmed at an event, but is instantly transported to a zone of peace when we offer them the opportunity to examine a real Stegosaurus thagomizer. Or when an adult runs over to our table, wide-eyed with excitement, because the opportunity to touch a real dinosaur fossil is everything they ever wanted since they were a child.
Bone or rock? The mystery is what makes the discovery!
Still, there are even more moments: during the preparation of the fossils, the researching, the discussions about the findings, even just the photographing of the specimens. We are an organization gifted by moments, and our supporters are the sole reason for that.
As many of you know, tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a holiday that was created to inspire a sense of community and generosity. Nonprofits across the globe participate by setting fundraising goals and asking their supporters to help them exceed those goals by donating, posting, and sharing their personal stories about how their favorite organizations have impacted them.
Our Giving Tuesday goal this year is $5,000 and we would love your help to reach that! Here are some of the things we have been able to do, and will continue to do, thanks to the generosity of our donors:
At an outreach event inspiring the paleontologists of tomorrow!
Artwork by Jason Poole. These sauropods are long neck, long-tailed dinosaurs that lived in the Late Jurassic period.
Over 30 outreach events in 5 different states in 2019 alone!
Fossil Preparation, including 47 individual pieces of the amazing sauropod tail that was found this summer. Even though they were taken out of the ground in really amazing shape, it took over 150 hours and 8 people working on to prepare it and get in shape for research.
Shared our science and programs at 6 national and international conferences to share the successes of our research and how to build replicable outreach programs.
Transported over 10 tons of fossil material since 2017 for preparation, research, and conservation.
Your donation allows us to share our love of science, but also allows us the unique opportunity to share the experience and the process of science. Thank you for supporting us in all of our endeavors and for helping us to become the best organization we can be.