The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, Sd Ice Age Explorers Program

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THE MAMMOTH SITE OF HOT SPRINGS, SD ICE AGE EXPLORERS PROGRAM

2021

An Accredited Museum in the Black Hills, The Mammoth Site is an Education and Scientific Research Institution and a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.

The Mammoth Site 1 Ice Age Explorers Program

Dear Participant,

WELCOME! We want to thank you for your interest in The Mammoth Site! By participating in our Ice Age Explorers Program you are helping preserve a one-of-a-kind natural treasure and are becoming a part of The Mammoth Site family! The Mammoth Site has been dedicated to research, education, and outreach for four decades, and we welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with you. We hope your time here will be both enjoyable and constructive. We look forward to an excellent excavation season! Sincerely, The Mammoth Site Team,

Presston Gabel COO/Business Manager

Jim Mead, PhD. Director of Research

Sharon Weaver, PhD. Curator

The Mammoth Site 2 Ice Age Explorers Program

Mammoth Site scientists working in the Bonebed.

Birth of a Landmark 4 International Travelers 12

Research and Education 4 Driving Policy 12

Your Participation 5 Safety and Health Information 13

Stewardship 5 Potential Health Risks 14

Hot Springs and the Black Hills 6 Participation Requirements 16

Itinerary and Daily Schedule 7 Participant Rights and Responsibilities 17

Accommodations 8 Excavation Staff—Dr. Jim Mead 18

Food 9 Excavation Staff—Dr. Sharon Weaver 18

Weather 9 Suggested Readings 20

Reservations and Pricing 10 Contact Information 21

Cancellation Policy 10 Important Dates 21

Travel Information 11

The Mammoth Site 3 Ice Age Explorers Program BIRTH OF A LANDMARK

Over 140,000+ years ago, there was a The steep slippery walls trapped the rumble, a shake, and then an earth animals in the sinkhole where they shattering collapse. A sinkhole had eventually perished. Over a period of just formed in the southern Black several hundred years, more and Hills of South Dakota, near what more mammoths became entombed. would one day be the town of Hot Their bones piled up in layers, Springs. The sinkhole was eventually forming an extremely unique, filled by a warm spring which undisturbed fossil Bonebed. transformed it into an Ice Age oasis For four decades The Mammoth Site able to support lush green vegetation has been devoted to the excavation along its banks throughout the and preservation of this Ice Age bitterly cold glacial winters. treasure. The remains of over 61 Mammoths seeking fresh food during mammoths have been exposed thus the cold season were lured into the far, and with 40 more feet to dig, we sinkhole. Some never got out. expect to find many more!

“To truly understand what the Black Hills experienced during the Ice Age, you must come walk among the fossils of The Mammoth Site…it’s unforgettable.”

Dr. Jim Mead Director of Research 2015-Present RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Today, The Mammoth Site is a world-renowned mammoth research facility and popular tourist destination. It is committed to the continued research and preservation of the Bonebed fossils and the education of the general public, scientific community and students of all ages. Our story begins in 1974 when bulldozers leveling a hill for a housing project unearthed bone and ivory. The land owner, a local man named Phil Anderson, halted construction until scientists could assess the find. He contacted Dr. Larry Agenbroad, who immediately recognized the potential significance of the find. A private non-profit organization, The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD, Inc., was formed to protect the site, and the rest, as they say, is history! Over 85 species of plants and animals have been recovered from the sinkhole, including two mammoth species, the Columbian (Mammuthus columbi) and the woolly (Mammuthus primigenius), the fearsome giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus), and relatives of modern day camels (Camelops hesternus) and llamas (Hemiauchenia macrocephala), as well as numerous small vertebrates and invertebrates (rodents, toads, snails, etc.). Research topics over the last 40 years have included reconstruction of the Ice Age sinkhole environment, population biology of the mammoths who died here, formation of the sinkhole, and much more! The Mammoth Site also conducts research on numerous other sites across North America.

The majority of our specimens are preserved in-situ, or in place just as they were deposited. This allows researchers and visitors alike to view the bones in their natural setting.

The Mammoth Site 4 Ice Age Explorers Program YOUR PARTICIPATION

The Mammoth Site conducts a four-week long excavation each summer, which is divided into single week sessions. As a participant in The Ice Age Explorers Program, you will spend part of your time excavating in the Bonebed. The dig site is completely enclosed indoors, so unlike other excavation crews, Mammoth Site diggers work in a shaded, climate controlled setting. The rest of your time will be spent working on other exciting Mammoth Site research projects, including cleaning, sorting the bones of Ice Age vertebrates excavated from Wind Cave National Park. Once at the Site, participants will be briefed on safety procedures. The first few days of excavation will be devoted to training in proper excavation techniques, use of various tools and how to move safely through the Bonebed. Training will vary based on assigned tasks and level of prior experience and will continue until participants are confident and skilled enough to complete their assignments successfully. Participants will then be moved to new excavation locations throughout the Bonebed as chosen by the Bonebed supervisors. Tasks may include excavating new areas, flattening pathways, detailing bones or preparing bones for removal. The Mammoth Site is a popular tourist destination, so you will be working in view of the public and have the opportunity to interact with our visitors, most of whom are very curious about excavation in the Bonebed. In most cases, discovery is a game of luck, we cannot guarantee that every participant will find a bone, although we have a lot designed for our STEWARDSHIP upcoming season. One person may find several, another may unearth snail shells, and a third might not find anything at all. Bone, shell, fragment, and Bones at The Mammoth Site pebble locations within the Bonebed are used to reconstruct how the have survived intact for Bonebed formed, where the animals were trying to climb out and where 140,000+ years. Now it is our water was deeper or moving faster. By the end of the session, each person, responsibility to ensure these whether they found a mammoth skull, a mouse tooth, or a bunch of remarkable specimens will be pebbles, will have made a critical contribution to the ongoing research and preserved for many thousands preservation work of The Mammoth Site. of years to come. Mammoths Preserving specimens in-situ presents a unique and exciting challenge. Our are extinct, and the Ice Age goal is not only to unearth more mammoth bones, but to investigate the has passed. If we do not take Site as a whole and ensure the long term preservation and safety of the care of the fossils we find Bonebed. Your personal excavation projects may include excavation of today, we jeopardize our relatively barren areas as wells as those more likely to produce bone, shells, opportunity to learn about etc. Each project is chosen by staff with the long term preservation of the these wonderful creatures and Site in mind. the world they inhabited. Our The Mammoth Site also offers the opportunity to work on other projects goal at The Mammoth Site is from various locations such as the tropical marsh deposit of Terapa, in to preserve the scientific northcentral Sonora, Mexico where you would work on bison or capybara. integrity of our collection and Maybe you want to work on the bone-laden sediments from nearby to ensure the usefulness of Persistence Cave, or maybe the sediments from the Channel Islands off of these fossils for the California where we have recovered pygmy mammoths. Aspects of these paleontologists of tomorrow. projects that participants can work on include sorting bone from sediments or preparing and carefully removing bone of a large mammal from a plaster jacket. These other projects are designed to be rewarding experiences for our participants who will be providing critical help with scientific research.

The Mammoth Site 5 Ice Age Explorers Program

DESTINATION HOT SPRINGS

Hot Springs is located at the southern end of the Black Hills of South Dakota at about 3,450 ft. (1,051 m) above sea level. Like the spring that fed the sinkhole pond 140,000+ years ago, most springs in the area are still warm, averaging about 87° F. Hot Springs is a small town of about 4,000 people, and is the largest town for nearly 60 miles. The Mammoth Site has become an important part of the local economy, drawing in tourists from all over the world.

While many communities in the Black Hills started life as mining boom towns, Hot Springs owes its origins to the warm mineral waters which attracted people to the area. Hot Springs became the spa and resort town for early settlers in the Blacks Hills, and the distinctive red sandstone architecture of the downtown area creates a picturesque small town atmosphere. Hot Springs is a short drive from Wind Cave National Park, (the world’s 5th longest cave system) and Jewel Cave National Monument (the world’s 3rd longest cave system), and is located about one hour south of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and about 30 minutes away from Crazy Horse Memorial.

“The community of Hot Springs keeps one of the most valuable fossil treasures known to mankind today.” Dr. Ralf-Dietrich Kahlke Professor, Germany

THE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

The Black Hills of South Dakota are a geologically unique area. A landscape of rugged granite peaks covered in pine forests, rise out of a sea of rolling prairies, giving the Black Hills their nickname “The Island in the Plains”. The beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota are home to several state parks, National Parks and Monuments, and abundant wildlife. Bison, pronghorn antelope, elk and prairie dogs roam free through Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Mt. Rushmore National Memorial draws visitors from all over the world.

The Mammoth Site 6 Ice Age Explorers Program

ITINERARY AND DAILY SCHEDULE TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE

6:00 am Wake up There is so much to see and do in the Black Hills. We can Breakfast at motel or on your provide information on how to get the most out of your 7:00-7:45 am visit. own One night could be spent driving through Wind Cave and Work, with 15 minute break 8:00am-Noon Custer Parks at sunset to view the local wildlife, hopefully around 10:00 am including bison, prairie dogs, elk and pronghorn. Noon-12:45 pm Lunch Other topics can include Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Fort Robinson, Hudson- Work, with 15 minute break 1:00-4:30 pm Meng Bison Kill Site and more. around 3:00 pm

4:30-5:45 pm Showers and clean up

6:00-6:45 pm Dinner

Some nights during the work week could feature an TYPICAL TWO WEEK SCHEDULE evening lecture, presented by Mammoth Site scientists/dig supervisors and may include guest lectures by visiting Day 1 Arrival—Welcome Dinner scientists. Topics may include Mammoth Site history, the Channel Islands pygmy mammoth, giant short-faced bear research, Black Hills geology, among other topics. Lectures Days 2-6 Excavation at Mammoth Site will be given at The Mammoth Site. Saturday afternoons will be free time. Half-day of work (optional) and half- Day 7 day of free time

Day 8 Free Day NOTE: Poor weather, changing research needs, or other circumstances may cause changes to the schedule. Days 9-13 Excavation at Mammoth Site

Half-day excavating (excavation) and Day 14 half-day of free time

Day 15 Departure

The Mammoth Site 7 Ice Age Explorers Program ACCOMODATIONS ROOMS

Participants will be staying at accommodations at a local hotel, made by The Mammoth Site. Each room will house two participants. Couples may share a room at no added expense.

Single rooms may be requested, but this must be arranged directly with the hotel. This will cause a cost increase of $250 a week.

Participants must find transportation to and from their accommodations and The Mammoth Site.

Participants may choose to make their own housing arrangements, see Page 10 for details.

“The Mammoth Site is not just a window into the Past—it’s as close to being a true time machine as you’ll find, with some of the best ice-age fossils on the planet on permanent display.” Dr. Ross MacPhee American Museum of Natural History

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Mammoth Site has free Wi-Fi available, however we ask that you refrain from extended use of electronic devices during active excavation hours. Cameras are more than welcome at The Mammoth Site.

HOT SPRINGS RESTAURANTS AND SERVICES

Laundry

The hotel guest laundry. Other local laundry services (self-serve and drop-off) are available a short distance from The Mammoth Site.

Meals and Groceries

Breakfast will be provided by your hotel, lunch will be provided by The Mammoth Site, dinner (additional) will be up to the participants. We will be having our arrival and orientation dinner, hosted by The Mammoth Site on the first day of your session. Hot Springs has several other restaurants throughout town and two grocery stores, Lynn’s Dakotamart and Sonny’s Superfoods, if you wish to purchase your own snacks. Other

Hot Springs is a small community but should be able meet most needs that may arise throughout the session. There is a hardware store, pharmacy, general stores (Bomgaars, Family Dollar, Dollar General) and auto repair shops.

The Mammoth Site 8 Ice Age Explorers Program

FOOD A key ingredient to the contentment of a field crew is plenty of good, varied food. Breakfast will be available at the hotel. Participants opting to stay elsewhere are responsible for their own breakfast. Lunch will be provided and Dinner will be the choice of the participants.

NOTE: Alcohol is prohibited on Mammoth Site property .

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please alert The Mammoth Site to any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian or vegan diets, diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other serious food allergies) as soon as possible and note them in the space provided on your participant health form.

Note: Accommodation of special diets is not guaranteed. Please contact The Mammoth Site for details.

“By studying the past and how the mammoths and other Pleistocene fauna became extinct, we can help prevent the extinction of modern elephants and other fauna.” Dr. Larry Agenbroad Site Director/Chief Scientist 1974-2014

SOUTH DAKOTA WEATHER SOUTH DAKOTA PESTS There is a saying in the Black Hills: “If you don’t like the The primary insect pests in the area will be mosquitoes and weather, wait 20 minutes, and it will change.” ticks. Conditions can be variable, but the summer months are South Dakota is home to only one venomous snake, the most often hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are usually Prairie Rattlesnake. Snakes are unpredictable and should warm to hot, but the nights can be cool. Temperatures can never be disturbed or approached. range from 40° F to 100+° F (4.5°C to 38+°C). If you have strong allergic reactions to any insect bites Humidity during the summer is generally low. Rain during (mosquito, bee, wasp, etc.) or plants (poison ivy, etc.) June and July usually comes in the form of intense, but please note them on your participant application. brief thunderstorms which are occasionally accompanied by hail. Black Hills weather is known for its variability, so pack accordingly. Most of your time during the excavation will be spent indoors in an air-conditioned building. When outdoors, the sun can be intense and sun protection is strongly recommended.

The Mammoth Site 9 Ice Age Explorers Program RESERVATIONS Participants may register for a one, two, three or all 4 weeks. We advise making your reservation early as spots fill quickly and we limit each session.

Week 1: May 30 - June 5 Week 2: June 6 - June 12

Week 3: June 13 - June 19 Week 4: June 20 - June 26

CONTRIBUTION: In 2019, based on feedback from past Explorers, The Mammoth Site switched to a new pricing model which gives more options to participants. Program Participation (includes lunch)—$700.00 per week (up to 4 weeks) Hotel—$550.00 per week (additional) Nightly Dinner Option—$150.00 per week (additional) The total cost for a two-week program with hotel and dinner is $2,800 per participant. Lunch will be provided Monday— Friday each week. You are responsible for lunch and dinner on the weekends. A 10% refundable deposit is required at time of application. Payment in full is due at the start day of the program. Participants may elect to make different housing arrangements at their own expense. Participants will be responsible for breakfast and transportation between their accommodation and The Mammoth Site. You must notify The Mammoth Site of your housing decision when reserving your spot in the explorers program. CANCELLATIONS AND Should you need any recommendations for campgrounds, rental homes, etc. REFUNDS: please let us know and we will be happy to help.

Due to COVID-19 and to FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: help accommodate health Maya Benford needs, The Mammoth Site tel: +1-605-745-6017 will allow cancellation and [email protected] full refunds.

TAX INFORMATION:

All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Participants should consult their tax advisors for more information.

The Mammoth Site 10 Ice Age Explorers Program TRAVEL INFORMATION

ARRIVAL AT THE expense. Participants must meet their teams at the scheduled time MAMMOTH SITE on the first day of their session. MEETING AT THE MAMMOTH LATE ARRIVALS SITE—6pm Please inform Mammoth Site staff Participants who prefer to drive if you experience flight delays or rather than fly may travel directly other travel setbacks which will to Hot Springs. Plan to arrive on cause you to miss the welcome the first day of your session. dinner on the first day of your Participants should register at the session. hotel, and check in at the front desk of The Mammoth Site Gift Shop. Please note: There is no public transportation between Rapid EARLY ARRIVALS City and Hot Springs. Please do not schedule flights which arrive before the first day of the session. Participants choosing to drive to The Mammoth Site may arrive early if they arrange accommodations at their own

DEPARTURES

AIRPORT: Participants must find own transportation to and from The Mammoth Site and the Rapid City Regional Airport.

DRIVERS: Participants preferring to drive may leave whenever they choose on the last day of the session.

The Mammoth Site 11 Ice Age Explorers Program

TRAVEL TIPS

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: 120 volts , 60 Hz. Plug types A and B.

TIME ZONE: Mountain Time (MT), GMT/UTC -7. Daylight Savings Time is in effect during excavation season.

INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODES: + 1 . Please check with your service provider for specific instructions.

PACKING: Please check with your airline to ensure you follow all baggage policies and restrictions to prevent any loss or delay of luggage.

LOST AND DELAYED INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS LUGGAGE: If your luggage is delayed or lost, please PASSPORTS AND VISAS provide your airline this

contact information: All international participants will require a passport to enter the United States, and some participants may also require visas. International participants should Mammoth Site check with a travel agency or visa agency for information on specific 1800 Highway 18 Bypass requirements for travel from your country of origin. Hot Springs, SD 57747 +1 -605-745-6017 Attaining the proper passport and visa documentation is the responsibility of the program participant. The Mammoth Site does not deal with this directly. Banks Available: CONTACT INFORMATION Credit cards are accepted at You may need to list this contact info on your visa application and immigration many locations, and cash form: machines/ATMs are available. A Wells Fargo Presston Gabel - Business Manager Bank, First Interstate Bank, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs Bank of the West and Black PO Box 692 Hills Federal Credit Union Hot Springs SD 57747-0692 are available in Hot Springs. USA +1-605-745-6017

IMPORTANT: Requirements of specific countries and airlines vary and change frequently. You must keep informed of the requirements on your own to avoid problems at immigration. If a minor is refused entry into a country or onto a flight because of lack of documentation, there is nothing The Mammoth Site can do to help.

The Mammoth Site 12 Ice Age Explorers Program SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

HEALTH INFORMATION Please be sure your tetanus shot is current.

All participants should check directly with their physician regarding what immunizations they recommend. International participants may need to meet specific immunization requirements to obtain a visa. Masks are not required but recommended. Masks can be provided upon request. EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD The Mammoth Site has two AEDs located on premises and most staff is certified in CPR.

In the event of an emergency, the injured or ill team member will be transported to the nearest medical facility. The city of Hot Springs has a hospital, outpatient clinics and a VA hospital. More serious injuries or illnesses can be treated at the Rapid City Regional Medical Center, about 1 hour away. In case of a personal emergency, shuttle service to Rapid City Regional Airport can be arranged.

NEAREST MEDICAL FACILITIES

Fall River Health Services Monument Health Hot Springs Clinic

1201 Highway 71 South 1100 Hwy 71 South Hot Springs, SD 57747 Suite 101 TEL: +1-605-745-8910 Hot Springs, SD 57747 TEL: +1-605-745-8050

VA Black Hills Health Care System

Hot Springs Campus 500 North 5th Street Hot Springs, SD 57747 TEL: +1-605-745-2000 WEB: blackhills.va.gov

The Mammoth Site 13 Ice Age Explorers Program

POSSIBLE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

RISK PREVENTION Uneven Terrain Excavation takes places in a high Always be aware or your surroundings, relief Bonebed. Floors and paths and pay attention to where you are through the Bonebed can be stepping. Move slowly and cautiously and uneven and ledges, cracks, holes be aware of any physical limitations. Be and/or loose sediment may be careful not to lean against any specimens. present. Excavators must be Appropriate footwear is required: non- cautious to prevent tripping and marking soles, nothing large or bulky. We falling, hurting yourselves and recommend an older pair of shoes you are damaging specimens. familiar with.

Excavation Excavation can be physically Do not attempt to lift more than you are taxing. Back or knee strains and able. Use kneepads and gloves. Take stiff or sore muscles can be breaks when necessary and stay hydrated. common.

Excavation Excavation tools can be sharp Always be aware of the hazard posed by Equipment and/or pointed. Cuts, scrapes or your tools. Use tools only as instructed to scratches can result from ensure your personal safety and prevent inappropriate use and storage of damage to the resource. Always know excavation tools. where your tools are at all times.

Transportation Participants will be subject to the Seatbelts are required in moving vehicles. usual road hazards while traveling Volunteers will not be permitted to drive in Mammoth Site vehicles. Mammoth Site vehicles.

Animals, Insects Poison ivy, ticks, bees and Snakes can be unpredictable and should and Plants rattlesnakes may be present in be avoided. Wear insect repellent, long areas visited on field trips and in pants and tall socks during recreational recreational time. Prairie time spent outdoors. Participants should rattlesnakes are venomous and note insect and plant allergies on their can be found in open prairies, application form. fields and croplands.

Weather All excavation takes place indoors, Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking but sunburn, heatstroke and plenty of water. Wear appropriate dehydration are risks during clothing. Bring a hat and sunscreen. recreational time.

Swimming Any swimming at swimming holes Always let a member of the excavation or the local pool will be done at staff know when and where you are your own risk. Swimming alone or swimming. at night is discouraged.

The Mammoth Site 14 Ice Age Explorers Program

EQUAL

OPPORTUNITY The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs SD Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disabling condition, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factors, except where physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS criterion.

Individual participants must be 18 years of age or above. We do accept MAMMOTH SITE participants as young as 16 years of age, but only if accompanied by a parent or RECREATIONAL guardian. TIME Participants must be able to: The majority of time during the session will be devoted  Follow all instruction given by the crew leaders: verbal, visual or otherwise. to excavation or research-  Confidently move around the Bonebed without assistance. Participants will related activities. During need to traverse areas with cracks, uneven and dusty ledges and vertical scheduled recreational time relief in very close proximity to mammoth bones or other sensitive/fragile participants are free to features. explore Hot Springs and the surrounding area.  Use hand tools to dig in a controlled manner for extended periods of time. Excavation at The Mammoth Site proceeds slowly to reduce risk of As a safety precaution, damaging the bones. participants are required to  Sit, stand, kneel and bend for six to eight hours each day. Most digging will inform excavation staff of be done from a sitting position on uneven ground in irregular positions. their whereabouts if leaving  Lift 20-40 lb. (9-18 kg) buckets of sediment. the group. Participants should always have We take the safety of both our excavators and our bones very seriously. Mammoth Site contact information with them Because we are an in-situ excavation, you will be working in close proximity to during recreational time in numerous mammoth bones and potentially excavating a bone yourself. During case they encounter trouble. your session, you will become a living piece of our museum exhibit, surrounded by our collections. The scientific integrity of the Site is of utmost Participants should contact importance and we expect you to treat the bones, sediment, equipment, etc. The Mammoth Site if they with care and respect. need assistance for any reason (car trouble, lost, Note: No experience is required, we can train you on our methods. etc.).

The Mammoth Site 15 Ice Age Explorers Program

PARTICIPANT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

While on duty, Ice Age Explorers participants are representatives of The Mammoth Site and are expected to follow these guidelines:

 If a participant cannot attend a scheduled session due to illness or personal reasons, it is their responsibility to inform The Mammoth Site as early as possible.

 Please do not answer visitors’ questions if you are unsure of the answer. The Mammoth Site is an educational institution; we do not want to provide inaccurate information. If you do not know an answer, ask a staff member.

 Participants are not permitted to supervise employees or other participants.

 Participants will follow instructions given by their immediate supervisor; other employees (with proper training) may make PARTICIPANT POLICY suggestions or give instructions in the absence of the immediate STATEMENT supervisor, but the supervisor’s instructions should always take precedence. The Mammoth Site recognizes the value of our  Participants will complete tasks as assigned. excavation participants in helping us fulfil our mission.  Participants must not be disruptive to Mammoth Site employees or the We welcome enthusiastic and work environment. committed individuals from all over the world.  All media contact should be arranged and approved by the COO/ Participants are able to work Business Manager. with staff, learn from The Mammoth Site collections  Participants should refrain from using personal electronic devices and exhibits, take a hands-on (phones, tablets, laptops, Mp3 players, etc.) while on duty and in view approach to preserving our of the public, including in the Bonebed. past and share their experiences with the visiting  Cameras, cell phones and tablets are acceptable for photography, but public. We strive to ensure a successful, enjoyable and other uses (phone calls, texting, games, etc.) are prohibited while rewarding experience for our working in the Bonebed. participants.

The Mammoth Site 16 Ice Age Explorers Program

PARTICIPANT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, CONT’D

APPLICATION

All participants in The Ice Age Explorers Program are required to complete and submit an application form. The Mammoth Site may not always be able to accommodate every participant.

Note: The Mammoth Site reserves the right to reject any applicant for any reason.

RECORDKEEPING AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The Mammoth Site maintains application forms for each participant. Participants are responsible for keeping all personal and emergency contact information up to date.

DRESS CODE

All photos property of The Mammoth Site except: Page 6 (top) and 8 (top) by Jenna Oberman, Page 18 (top) by True West Magazine. Maps on page 13  While on duty, participants become representatives of The made with Scribble Maps. Map data provided by Google 2014 and ESRI. Mammoth Site and are expected to be presentable. Appropriate dress will vary based on duties, but no offensive, revealing or obscene clothing will be tolerated. Older clothing is advised as work can be dirty.

 Participants are required to wear an identification badge at all times while on duty.

 Appropriate footwear is required when working in the Bonebed; shoes should be flexible, comfortable and without heavy or bulky soles.

APPRAISALS

The Mammoth Site is a scientific institution. We do not offer monetary appraisals for our own specimens or any other specimens a visitor might bring in or discuss. Participants will not appraise or speculate on monetary value of paleontological or archaeological specimens for visitors. As a scientific institution we are concerned only with scientific and educational value.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Mammoth Site strives to provide a safe working environment for all employees, volunteers and participants. If an accident should occur, notify your supervisor immediately. Work related injuries sustained while on duty may be covered under The Mammoth Site’s volunteer insurance policy.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

In order to safeguard Mammoth Site specimens from potential spills or insect infestations, no food or beverages will be allowed in the Bonebed, except for water in closed or no-spill containers.

The Mammoth Site 17 Ice Age Explorers Program

MAMMOTH SITE EXCAVATION STAFF

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH- Dr. Jim Mead Jim holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a M.S. and Ph.D in Geosciences, all from the University of Arizona in Tuscon, AZ. His Ph.D dissertation was presented on an extinct mountain goat (Oreamnos harringtoni) and its habitat in the Grand Canyon of Arizona. In Dr. Mead's words: “Most of what I have been working on over the past 10 years is centered on lizards and snakes but it seems that I cannot stop having fun with the mammals (Leptobos [precursor to Bison] and Capricornis [tropical mountain goat] of Asia). Most of what I published on during the past three decades has been with skeletons but because of my work in the dry caves of the Grand Canyon, I have created projects on the desiccated dung remains of extinct grazers such as the mammoth. That caught the eye of MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, so I guess I am now known ‘best’ for dung – Professor Poop or Dr. Dung is my tag name it seems. You can only imagine the jokes that spin off from this!” “Since 2016, it’s been good to be back with the internationally acclaimed Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. Having worked at the locality from day one and DR. MEAD’S CURRENT many times throughout the 70s and into the 80s, it is wonderful to be coming RESEARCH PROJECTS: home!” “To me what is fascinating is to thoroughly study animals as individuals and Dr. Mead started working on the habitat in which they lived – this ultimately brings in an analysis of Pleistocene (Ice Age) animals community structure. I look forward to continuing my work on the Pleistocene and their environments in environments and all their inhabitants of the Black Hills of South Dakota.” 1974. He concentrated on mammals, lizards and snakes. Dr. Mead has an impressive work history including over 165 professional His major projects currently in Publications beginning in 1976: progress include:  Miocene lizards and  Northern Arizona University, Department of Geology and the Quaternary snakes from southeastern Sciences Program, Flagstaff, AZ, from 1985 to 2008; including being chair USA and director during that time.  Miocene-Pleistocene  Chair, Department of Geosciences, East Tennessee State University lizards and snakes from (ETSU), Johnson City, TN 2008-2016. Created the new academic unit. southeastern China  Bison of the Northern  Research Associate, Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, University of Great Plains Arizona  Late Pleistocene of  Research Fellow, ETSU, Natural History Museum (at Gray Fossil Site, a Sonora, Mexico late Miocene-age deposit near ETSU).  Late Pleistocene of the western Grand Canyon,  Research Associate, Western Australian Museum, Perth. Arizona  Pleistocene environments of the Black Hills  50,000 years of faunal changes in northern Baja California, Mexico  Cranial morphology of American and Asian viper snakes

The Mammoth Site 18 Ice Age Explorers Program

MAMMOTH SITE EXCAVATION STAFF

CURATOR— Dr. Sharon Weaver Sharon holds a B.S. in Geology from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, an M.S. in Geosciences from East Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Florida. Her Ph.D. dissertation was presented on 3D comparisons of the humerus, radius and ulna of modern carnivorans to early Miocene carnivorans. In Dr. Weaver’s words: “My research interests are pretty varied but focus mostly on vertebrate paleontology. My undergraduate thesis identified and described a giant short-faced bear humerus I found at The Mammoth Site a couple of years prior. In Tennessee, for my Masters, I worked on describing multiple giant ground sloths from baby to adult from a cave in Alabama. Currently, I am researching raccoon-like animals from Florida, giant ground sloth material, and continuing my 3D research on carnivorans from my Ph.D. program. DR. WEAVER’S In the last couple of years, I have become more involved with cave CURRENT RESEARCH paleontology and caving in general. This caving adventure has led to PROJECTS: many new partnerships with non-profit organizations and further research and education opportunities at The Mammoth Site. I am Dr. Weaver received her Ph.D. in passionate about sharing all the different ways people can study 2018. She has concentrated mostly on mammals. Over the paleontology. years, she has taken a strong I find that educating others is one of the most important things a interest in STEM education and scientist can do. By sharing one’s passion for science, one can bring joy 3D technology. Her major projects currently include: : and excitement to others. Throughout my schooling and during my  Overseeing and developing time at The Mammoth Site, I have explored how to best communicate The Mammoth Site’s Turner science to the public through K-12 education, adult education, college Geospatial Center and graduate level and teacher education.  We currently have two 3D scanners and 15 3D The Mammoth Site has been at the foundation of my interest in printers paleontology since I was young. At the age of 12, I visited the Black  Creating a digital archive Hills and The Mammoth Site with my family and fell in love. Even of Mammoth Site though I traveled for my graduate schooling, the Site has always been a Specimens part of my life. I am so happy to be the Curator here as we look toward  Ice Age Giant Ground Sloths the future.” from the Great Plains region  Cave Faunas of the Black Hills Dr. Weaver’s professional associations  Exhibit Design and Development  Environmental Education Committee Chair for the National  Caves as Museum Speleological Society of America Traveling Exhibit  Member of the Geological Society of America and the Society of  Proboscidean Family Tree  Geology Walk-way Vertebrate Paleontology  Adult/Teacher Educational  Member of the Paha Sapa Grotto, Cave Conservancy of Hawaii, and Programming the Hawaii Grotto  Procyonids from the southeastern USA  Volunteer of The Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy  3D Geometric Morphometrics of Carnivoran Forelimbs

The Mammoth Site 19 Ice Age Explorers Program