The Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute is a new 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to paleontology and earth science research and education, led by Jason Schein. When we aren't in the field or conducting research, we are engaging in outreach and education opportunities within our communities, striving to increase awareness and appreciation for our science, and for all science in general.

Where We'll Be

What To Expect

The Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute's public summer field expeditions provide people of almost any age, background, and interest level an opportunity to work alongside, and as, real field paleontologists. You will be part of, and contribute to, decades-long research projects to collect and study the ancient organisms and ecosystems that existed here so many millions of years ago. You will be professionally trained on site to find, identify, collect, excavate, document, and prepare real fossils.

Day 1

YBRA Arrival

We will pick you up from the airport in Billings, MT, or you can arrange your own transportation into the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association campus.

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Day 2-6

Digging

Each morning we’ll leave as a group to the excavation sites that we’ve worked at in previous years. Each site has ongoing projects and opportunities to prospect for new finds.

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Day 7

Leaving

On the Saturday of your week, we’ll drop you off at the airport.

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Eligibility

To participate in this program, must be over the age of 11. Children 12-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

References

Since we've started this program, there have been many finds which have led to academic and scholarly publications. Our fossils are often made available to other scientists for study and collaboration. In addition, I have also been a co-author to many publications in the field of paleontology. Here are a few highlighted publications:

1. “A gigantic, exceptionally complete titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from southern Patagonia, Argentina”. Kenneth J Lacovara, Matthew C Lamanna, Lucio M Ibiricu, Jason C Poole, Elena R Schroeter, Paul V Ullmann, Kristyn K Voegele, Zachary M Boles, Aja M Carter, Emma K Fowler, Victoria M Egerton, Alison E Moyer, Christopher L Coughenour, Jason P Schein, Jerald D Harris, Rubén D Martínez, Fernando E Novas. Nature Publishing Group, 2014/9/4. Link
2. “First diagnosis of septic arthritis in a dinosaur”. Jennifer Anné, Brandon P. Hedrick, Jason P. Schein. R. Soc. open sci. 2016 3 160222; DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160222. Published 3 August 2016. Link

Please visit our website for more information, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Can't join the field trip, but still want to contribute?

There are many ways you can contribute to our research, education, and outreach efforts, even if you can't join our team in the field. Check out these small items you can help us purchase, or sponsor a fossil jacket!

Plaster of Paris - ~$17/bag - We will use at least 40 bags in 2018 (that's $660!).

Gasoline - ~$2.75/gallon - In 2017, we used purchased ~935 gallons of gas (that's almost $2,500!)

Burlap - ~$0.75/ sq. yd. - We will use at least 100 sq yds in 2018 (that's $75!)

Ice - ~2.50/block - We will use at least 50 blocks of ice in 2018 (that's $125!)

Tools: We usually spend about $1,300 on tools each field season

Shovels - ~$27.00 Large Trowels - $22.00 Large Screw Drivers - $11.50

Sponsor A Fossil Jacket!!

Small (<50lb): $30 Medium (50-100 lbs): $50 Large (>100 lbs): $100

***Sponsors will receive a picture of their field jacket, and be listed on a special 'Thank You' page of our website and in our members-only newsletter. Sponsors of medium or large jackets will receive an email update about the fossils contained within!