FLORIDA PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 21 NO. 1 WINTER 2004 Notes from the Florida Paleontological the FGS, but Harley informed us that the batteries to th Society Fall Meeting, held December 6 start the boat had gone dead because of the low tem­ th and 7 , 2003 in Bristol, Florida. peratures. On Friday night, members of the Florida Pa­ After the incredibly cold boat ride, we arrived leontological Society met in Marianna. Many went at the bluff. People collected fossils for several hours to Jim's Seafood Buffet for a "wonderful" dinner and from the early Miocene Chipola Formation and/or the then headed back to the Microtel for a cozy night's late Pliocene Jackson Bluff Formation and then be­ rest. Others opted for a "night of pain and suffer­ gan to head back to the boat ramp in small (some­ ing" and decided to what frozen) groups. camp at Torreya State Near the end of the Park. collecting, Harley's On Saturday son Chandler found a morning we all awoke nearly complete Male a to find that the tem­ (gastropod); the sec­ perature had dropped ond one known from to a chilly 30 degrees the bluff. Roger overnight. We dressed Portell immediately warmly, jumped in our "acquired" it from the vehicles, and were off child and promised it to Florida Caverns a good home. Chan­ State Park. Arriving dler decided to donate about an hour early, the specimen to the we spent time hiking museum rather than some of the trails in being badgered the rest the park. At 9:00 am of the evening (just kid­ Photo by Tom Ahearn everyone met at the ding) . When we ar­ Shelly Zimmerman and Melissa Cole enjoying the re­ visitor's center and the rived back at the car it turn trip down the Apalachicola River, ending an after­ group headed into the was nearly sunset. We noon of fossil hunting on Alum Bluff Water tempera­ cave. After being out­ hopped in our vehicles side in the cold for ture 56 degrees Fahrenheit, air temperature 31 degrees, and were off to dinner. over an hour, the caves and wind chill factor --- don't ask! We arrived at constant temperature Apalachee Restaurant of 72 degrees was very inviting. We toured the cav­ and ate dinner. Afterwards, Harley Means gave an ern for about 45 minutes taking lots of pictures along excellent talk on artifacts found in the Apalachicola the way. After the tour (and gift shop visit) we went River. The presentation was well received and in­ to lunch, then it was off to the Bristol boat ramp and cluded some very nice pictures as well as some arti­ Alum Bluff. facts (points) that were passed around. Everyone had When we arrived at the boat ramp we found a great time, except for the poor people at the restau­ that many of those that did not go on the caverns rant that had to clean up the huge mess from our tour had arrived early. Harley and Ryan Means muddy boots! (Florida Geological Survey) were already shuttling On Sunday morning those who camped people back and forth to the bluff in their boats. The packed their camping gear and headed for Marianna original plan had been to use a larger boat owned by along with those who opted for "creature comforts". About half way there some of us realized that we were an hour early because of the time zone change. Finally, everyone met and headed to a wonderful quarry. When we arrived, Roger gave an overview of the local geology and explained what fossils we might find. After the group pic­ ture, everyone split up and began to collect. Lots of Eocene and Oligocene echinoids (sand dollars, sea urchins, sea biscuits) were found, as well as a large Carcharodon auriculatus (?=C. sokolowi) tooth, crabs, large foraminifera, shells, and corals. Everyone left the quarry with buckets of goodies to take home. The fall meeting was a huge success! Thanks go to Harley and Ryan Means, Roger Photo by Sean Roberts Portell, and George Hecht for organizing such Rebecca Roberts examines small bivalves weathering from an interesting meeting. an outcrop of the Jackson Bluff Formation. Sean Roberts

Photo by Sean Roberts Exploring the columns,flowstone andrimstone dams in the "Sewing Room" of the Florida Caverns. Pictured Ted Akin, Matt Doi, and Nita Akin (from left). Page 3

FLORIDA PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY tology and in collecting and preserving Florida OFFICERS AND BOARD fossils. I became involved in guiding fossil President: Joyce Bode, 4906 Colonnades Circle E, Lakeland, FL 33811 [email protected] field trips at Cargill in 1989, and continue to Pres.idem-Elect: Roger Portell, Florida Museum of Natural History Box l17800, Gainesville, FJJ 3261J work with the Hardee County Outdoor Class­ [email protected] Past President: Tom Ahem, 629 Gail Ave., Temple Terrace, FL room all-day field trips. 33617 Vice President: David Thulman, 1906 Atapha Nene, Tallahassee, FL Al though I am not an avid fossil collec­ 3230) tor, I enjoy working with fossi 1 collectors and Secretary: Marcia Wright, 1550 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, "FL 32789 educators. Being associated with museum pa­ Treasurer: George Hecht, Florida Museum of Natural History Box 117800, Gainesville, FL 31611 leontologists is a highlight of membership. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our society is an important adjunct to our

Bernie Peterson, Cocoa, 2006 Sue Hutchens, Old Town, 2005 state's natural history museum and to uni ver­

Bruce MacFadden, Gainesville, 2004 Gordon Hubbell, Gainesville, 2006 sities throughout Florida. Just think of all the

Robyn Miller, Jax Beach, 2006 Frank Rupert, Tallahassee, 2004 important contributions made by members of

Steven Hutchens, Old Towr,, 2005 Barb.,ra'.[oomey, Gainesville, 200 our Society. Furthermore, the Society has funded scholarships and has made it possible COMMITTEES AND APPOINTMENTS to publish important scientific research. Book Committee: R. Hulbert The first By-laws of the society were Nominations: R. Miller Finance: G. Hecht, R. Portell published in 1978 and revised in 1985. After Membership: T. Akin, G. Hecht, N. Akin By-Laws: R. Miller, D. Thulman, B. MacFadden much consideration and review, the revised by­ Honorary Members and Awards: R. Portell, S. Hutchens laws are enclosed in this Newsletter and are Hi storical: S. Hutchens Board of Editors: R. Portell, R. Hulbert, J. Hen-era, F. Rupert ready for your approval. The "Purpose" has Resident Agent: R. Portell been included as Article II, and the Life Mem­ HONORARY MEMBERS bership category has been added. There have Anita Brown, David Webb, Barbara Toomey, Gary Morgan been some minor changes and corrections to Clifford Jeremiah, Reed Toomey, Gordon Hubbell bring the by-laws up to date. INFORMATION, MEMBERSHIP, AND PUBLICATIONS It is important to keep active member- Address: Secretary, Florida Paleontological Society, Inc. Florida Museum of Natural Hi story, P.O. Box 117800 ship and leadership in our Society. Please University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 326llc7800 email: [email protected] consider being an active participant in the busi­ ness affairs of the Society and in keeping FPS A message from the FPS President, a viable and productive organization of ama­ Joyce Bode teur and professional paleontologists, If you December, 2003 have any ideas or suggestions as to how we can have more participation in Board and Member­ I don't remember exactly when I joined ship meetings to keep FPS moving forward, the FPS, but I have newsletters dating back to please contact Roger Portell or me with your the early 1990s. The main reason I joined FPS ideas. My e-mail address lS was to become a part of an organization that [email protected]. I look forward to an focuses on advancing the science of paleon- exciting and productive 2004. Page 4 News from the Florida Museum of Natural highly qualified applicants, we brought four finalists History (FLMNH) to Gainesville in 2003. Our new associate curator of Vertebrate Paleontology Division (VP) ... vertebrate paleontology wi11 be Jonathan Bloch, cur­ With their geological background, paleontolo­ rently the Haslem Postdoctoral Paleontology Fellow gists do not use the phrase "end of an era" lightly­ at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in after all some of the most important events in the his­ Rapid City, and a recent graduate of the University of tory of life of Earth Michigan were he re­ were used to locate the ceived his Ph.D. work­ boundaries of geologic ing with well known pa- eras. But the retirement 1eon to lo gist Philip in 2003 of David Webb Gingerich. Most of as Curator of Vertebrate Jonathan's past and cur­ Paleontology from the rent field work and re­ Florida Museum of search involves Pale­ Natural History cer­ ocene and Eocene small tainly qualifies as the mammals from the Big­ end of an era for the VP horn and Green River Division. When Dave basins of Wyoming, but started here in 1964, the An occlusal view of a maxilla of Aphelops mutilus, he also has collected fossil vertebrate collec­ from the Newberry Rhino Site. fossils m Egypt, tion had less than Kazakhstan, and Paki- 10,000 catalogued specimens, and was relatively mi­ stan. He also has extensive museum curatorial expe­ nor in terms of scientific significance. Just with re­ rience at the University of Michigan Museum of Pale­ gards to fossils from Florida, it lagged behind those ontology and the George C. Page Museum in Los An­ of the Florida Geological Survey in Tallahassee, geles. Jonathan will join us in the first half of 2004, Harvard University's bringing with him his Museum of Compara­ paleobotanist wife tive Zoology, and the Elizabeth Kowalski American Museum of and their newly born Natural History in New son Aidan. Although he York. Now our collec­ will continue his work tion of over 210,000 on Paleogene mammals catalogued specimens from the western U.S. places us within the top and Asia, Jon a than ten VP collections in the plans to begin to pros­ entire United States. pect for and conduct re­ Field work by Dave and Occlusal view of the maxilla with upper dentition of the search on Florida verte­ his students, along with llama Hemiaucheniua minima, from the Newberry Rhino brate fossils as well. many significant dona­ Site. As might be ex­ tions from private individuals, has made our collec­ pected, Dave Webb did not spend his last year of em­ tion one of the premiere holdings of Miocene, ployment here idly. He completed and submitted for Pliocene, and Pleistocene vertebrates from the United publication papers on a new genus of early llama (with States. co-author Julie Meachen), on a bizarre new camel with Fortunately, even in these times of tight state mountain goat-like adaptations from California (with budgets, we were able to conduct a search for Dave's David Whistler of the Los Angeles County Museum), successor (not a replacement!). From among the many and a review of the terrestrial mammals of the early Page 5 Pliocene Palmetto Fauna of the Bone Valley Phos­ Julie Meachen completed and defended her phate Mining Region (with Richard Hulbert and Master's thesis in the spring of 2003 and is now work­ Gary Morgan). Much work also went into the forth­ ing on a Ph.D. at UCLA. Julie's thesis was a de­ coming revised edition of Cenozoic Mammals of scription of a new, relatively small species of the long­ North America, where Dave once again contributed legged llama H emiauchenia from several late to both the Miocene and Pleistocene chapters, as well Pliocene sites in Florida. Jeremy Green completed as a volume Dave is editing about the archaeology his undergraduate thesis on the mastodon Mammut and paleontology of the Aucilla River. americanum from Florida with the assistance of the Bruce MacFadden, Kurt Auffenberg, and FPS 's Gary S. Morgan Student Research Award and other staff at Powell Hall are now consumed with graduated from UF with a B.S. in Zoology. While finishing the Hall of Florida Fossils by the set open­ waiting to get accepted into graduate school, Jeremy ing date of May 22, 2004. Final is busy working on several projects versions of the text panels and regarding M. americanum. He and graphics are being completed and Richard Hulbert submitted a paper on sent to the fabricators at a rapid variation in its deciduous dentition to pace. Newly mounted skeletons of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontol­ various species have already been ogy. This study was greatly aided by completed; others including a spec­ owners of private collections, many tacular mount of the giant ground of them FPS members, who allowed sloth Eremotherium eomigrans are Jeremy to mold and cast their speci­ scheduled to be delivered in Janu­ mens. By combining specimens from ary. The specimens from the public and private collections, Jeremy Tusks! exhibit on fossil probos­ and Richard were able to study over cideans of Florida returned from a 135 teeth, by far the largest sample of successful showing in Tallahassee, deciduous teeth ever analyzed for this and Don Serbousek's mastodon species. Jeremy is also collaborating skeleton (a.k.a. Priscilla) is now with Gina Semprebon (Bay Path Col­ displayed in the main entryway of lege, Massachusetts) and Nikos Powell Hall alongside the mounted Solounias (New York College of Os­ skeleton of its former neighbor, the teopathic Medicine) to study the diet Columbian mammoth (both from of M. americanum in Florida using The humerus of the ground late Pleistocene deposits in the bed microscopic scratches and pits on its sloth Thinobadistes wetzeli, of the Aucilla River). tooth enamel. Jeremy presented the from the Newberry Rhino Site. The primary focus of the re­ results of this study at the 2003 SVP search of Bruce MacFadden and meetings. As expected, it falls into his postdoctoral research associate Penny Higgins the general browsing category, but its pattern of continues to be the use of stable isotopes of carbon, scratches and pits do not closely correspond to any oxygen, and nitrogen to study the paleobiology and modern browser (the closest was the black rhino). past environments of fossil mammals. A recently They suspect that this difference is caused by greater completed project involves comparison of fossil consumption of bark, twigs, and other woody mate­ mammals from the early Miocene of Panama with rial by this species than in most modern browsers. those of Florida. Bruce's graduate student Joann FLMNH museum scientist Richard Franz has Labs had a presentation at the 2003 meeting of the historically worked on the conservation, ecology, and Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) on her behavior of a wide variety of modern animals, includ­ work using oxygen isotopes to study growth rates in ing the gopher tortoise. He has recently turned his fossil shark vertebra. attention to fossil tortoises. He is attempting to use Page 6 the fossil record and his expertise in modern tor­ Pleistocene vertebrates from a site near La Belle in toise behavior to determine when these behav­ southwestern Florida by Mark Renz and colleagues is iors first evolved (for example, when did the go­ highly significant. The site is in a borrow pit owned by pher tortoise begin to excavate deep burrows). the Florida Department of Transportation. To date, Several studies are currently underway on fossil Mark's group have collected a number of mandibles, tortoise specimens from Florida, South Carolina, maxillae, and limb bones of mastodon, mammoth, the and Nebraska. sloth Paramylodon, Equus, the llamas Palaeolama and Field work by the VP Division over the Hemiauchenia, and the peccary Platygonus. These past several years has concentrated on a new late specimens have all been deposited into the FLMNH col­ Miocene site just north of Newberry in western lection. Other significant recent contributions to the Alachua County. Richard Hulbert, Art Poyer, museum's VP collection by avocational paleontologists and several hundred volunteers have have been many hundreds of fossils from collected thousands of specimens, the Bone Valley phosphate mines by most of either the rhino Aphelops James Ranson, a lower jaw of or the three-toed horse Nannippus. Nannippus from the Bone Valley by Art has screenwashed several tons David DeWitt, numerous specimens of of clay matrix from the site and re­ either late Miocene or late Pliocene age covered a rich microfauna of from the Withlacoochee River, most no­ snakes, lizards, toads, and small tably a nearly complete skull of the sloth mammals. Among the most impor­ M egalonyx leptostomus, by Aaron tant of the latter are Notolagus, an Gipson, and a sample of latest Pleis­ extinct genus of rabbit previously tocene vertebrates from a site in the known only from the western U.S. Peace River by Andreas Kerner. and Mexico, and the tree squirrel Among the outside researchers Sciurus. Surprisingly, this is the who visited us and studied our speci­ first late Miocene record of tree mens in 2003 were: Jacques Gauthier, squirrels in North America. Art and Yale University (Oligocene and Miocene Richard also worked extensively at lizards); Gary Morgan, New Mexico a new site in western Marion Museum of Natural History (Oligocene County found by Julia Galatis in and Miocene bats and insectivores); Bar­ the spring of 2003. It is the only bara Edmunds, Portland State University site in north-central Florida where An anterior view of the femur (sloths, armadillos, glyptodonts); Victor late Miocene vertebrate fossils are of Aphelops mutilus, from Bravo, Universidad Aut6noma del found in stratigraphic superposition the Newberry Rhino Site. Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico (Miocene above a bed containing early Mi­ and Pliocene horses); Bruce Shockey, ocene vertebrates. The former are mostly large Valdosta State University (South American ungulates); mammals, including Aphelops, Teleoceras, and Robert Feranec, University of California, Berkeley the giraffe-camel Aepycamelus. The early Mi­ (stable isotope analysis of late Miocene and Pleistocene ocene fauna is predominantly composed of small mammals); and Spencer Lucas, New Mexico Museum mammals, especially a large species of the ro­ of Natural History (gomphotheres). dent Proheteromys. Middle Pleistocene land vertebrates (be­ Richard Hulbert tween about 150,000 and 800,000 years ago) are Vertebrate Paleontology relatively uncommon in Florida, especially in Dickinson Hall contrast to either the late Pleistocene or the early University of Florida Pleistocene. Therefore, the recovery of middle Gainesville, FL 32611-7800 Page 7 Outdoor Classroom Treasurer's Report By Joyce Bode Greetings from Gainesville! As you can see During the past five or six years, over from the enclosed financial statements, we con­ 20,000 Hardee County sixth-grade students tinue to stay in the black, a result of strong and have been introduced to Florida geology and steady sales of publications, a healthy member­ fossils through the Outdoor Classroom pro­ ship, and long term investment in the FPS through gram. Kay ton N edza, the Hardee County Out­ a new life membership category. A one-time pay­ door Classroom teacher has developed a part­ ment of $500 insures your status as an FPS mem­ nership with Cargill Crop Nutrition's Phosphate ber and you will never have to worry about late Mining division to bring all of the 6 th graders dues payments. Through the efforts of our Presi­ each school term to Cargill 's South Fort Meade dent Joyce Bode we have reviewed and revised Mine for a field day. the By-laws. A detailed reading of the By-laws Each field day includes slides, questions has reminded me of our legal duties in recording and answers about endangered and threatened the activities of the FPS. A listing of club mem­ species and learning how to identify and pro­ bers in a directory form is an FPS requirement. tect these species. Phosphate mining operations Unless otherwise notified all club members will are shown first hand by allowing the students be listed once a year with name and address. If to climb up on a dragline and enter a pit car. you would prefer not to be listed please write Land reclamation is taught by having the stu­ or e-mail me. On the subject of addresses please dents plant trees or plants in a current reclama­ inform me of any changes to either your mailing tion project. Students are encouraged to return address or e-mail. Our list serve has been handy to the reclamation site in a couple of years to for the occasional announcement and for late see how their trees and plants have grown. breaking meeting news. Don't miss out; send me The last field stop of the day is the fos­ your e-mail address. Another issue is member­ sil hunting site. This is a highlight of the trip ship dues. According to the By-laws, dues are and the students are encouraged to try to iden­ annual and paid prior to January pt_ Many re­ tify fossils they find. A collection bag is given newals are coming late in the year and begin to to each student that has drawings on it of the overlap with early payments for the following most likely fossils they will find. Of course year. Each year I receive letters saying that a late shark's teeth are very popular with the students, dues notice has been sent to the wrong member. but they also are delighted to find dugong ribs, Dues are applied first to the delinquent account stingray mouth plates, fish vertebrae, and whale and follow up dues reminders wiU continue to be vertebrae. They get to take their fossils home sent. According to the By-laws, dues not paid by so their parents are also introduced to e lemen­ January constitute a resignation by the FPS mem­ tary paleontology. ber. Please pay dues on time. There are about 30 Cargi 11 is to be commended for invest­ members that are delinquent one year or more on ing in education and continuing to foster inter­ their dues. Those members will be dropped from est in mining, reclamation, and Florida geol­ the mailing list after thi s newsletter. We are on ogy and paleontology. Donations of fossils are track to offer more publications in both the Florida needed to continue this program as the mining Fossil Invertebrates and Florida Fossil Species se­ has moved away from fossiliferous areas. ries, we continue to offer field trips to otherwise Cargill is very appreciative of all donations and off-limits collecting sites, and are on track to have wishes to thank those who have donated in the newsletters on a regular schedule. Please con­ past. If you are interested in the Outdoor Class­ tinue to be a part of the Florida Paleontological room program or if you have any fossils you Society!! are willing to donate to thi s program, please contact Joyce Bode at (863) 701-0077 or George Hecht [email protected] Treasurer Page 8

The Gary S. Morgan Student Research Award International Code of Nomenclature. Sediment samples Winner announced .... from the zones of interest will be processed for palyno­ Ms. Sarah Corbett, a graduate student in the De­ logical investigation using techniques described by partment of Botany at the University of Florida was the Traverse (1998). Preliminary processing has revealed 2003 awardee. Each year a committee of FPS members several distinctive pollen types, including members of selects a recipient for this award from a statewide pool of the Juglandaceae and Pinaceae. Further analysis of the university student applicants. The $500 award is presented pollen samples will be done with both light and scanning to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate who is currently electron microscopy. studying some aspect of Florida Paleontology. The follow­ Important information concerning biogeography ing is a synopsis of Ms. Corbett's project. and plant migration due to climate change can be inter­ preted from the Miocene plant assemblages from Alum Revision of the Miocene flora of Alum Bluff, Apalachicola Bluff. Further biogeographical information will be un­ Bluffs and Ravines, Liberty County, Florida covered by comparing the Alum Bluff flora with floras Background of similar age from western North America, Europe, and Located near Bristol, Florida (Liberty County), the Asia. The Alum Bluff flora has already proven to have site proposed for this study is Alum Bluff. The Bluff exposes Asian and western North American affinities, as evi­ a stratigraphic sequence of early Miocene to Pleistocene age denced by the presence of Paliurus (Rhamnaceae), which sediments. The stratum of interest in the undifferentiated is extinct in North America today, but was recently noted Hawthorne Group, and is middle to late Miocene in age (ca. from Alum Bluff by Manchester (1999). Paliurus has 15 million years old) (Bryant et al. 1992, Schmidt 1986). also been found in Eocene to Miocene strata in the west­ Within the upper portion of this stratum, fossil leaves, roots, ern U.S., since the Eocene in Asia, and in the Oligocene seeds, pollen, and wood have been collected. Due to the rar­ and Miocene of Europe (Manchester 1999). The pres­ ity of Tertiary fossil plant localities in the southeastern coastal ence of Paliurus suggests different floristic affinities than plain, the site is of special interest. The pioneering work of those Berry described based on his identifications and the Alum Bluff flora was conducted by Berry (1916). Berry suggests that the paleogeographic story of the Alum Bluff identified 12 plant species (based on leaf forms) and one fun­ flora is more complex than previously thought. gal species from the site. Some of Berry's identifications, Bibliography however, are dubious. More taxonomic information can be Berry, E. W. 1916. The physical conditions and age inferred today from marginal characters of the leaves, cu­ indicated by the flora of the Alum Bluff Forma­ ticle, and venation patterns than were understood in Berry's tion. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Pa­ time. In addition, recent leaf, seed, and pollen collections per, Report: P 0098-E, 41-59. reveal new taxa not treated by Berry. Berry's work essen­ Bryant, J. D., R J. MacFadden, and P.A. Mueller. 1992. tially compared the fossil flora to the modem flora of the Improved chronologic resolution of the Florida panhandle region. Some of the newer finds from the Hawthorne and the Alum Bluff Groups in north­ site, however, suggest other floristic relationships. ern Florida: Implications for Miocene chronostratigraphy. Geological Society of Plan for Research America Bulletin, 104: 208-218. I propose to continue collecting new specimens from Manchester, S. R. 1999. Biogeographical relationships the Alum Bluff site to find additional species to add to the of North American tertiaryfloras. Annals of the small flora originally described by Berry. In those leaf speci­ Missouri Botanical Garden, 86: 472-522. mens where cuticle can be removed, this feature will be used Schmidt, W. 1986. Alum Bluff, Liberty County, Florida. to aid identifications. Representative specimens of each spe­ Centennial Field Guide. Southeastern Section of cies identified will be imaged. Preliminary work indicates the Geological Society of America Vol. 6. Ed. T. that some specimens already in the collections of the Florida L. Neathery. Geological Society of America, Museum of Natural History are new to science. Additional Boulder, CO, 355-357. collections may be expected, and it is likely that specimens Traverse, A. 1988. Paleopalynology. Unwin-Hyman, yet to be discovered are new to science as well. These new Boston, MA. species will be identified and named in accordance with the FLORIDA PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Mail completed form to : Florida Paleontological Society University of Florida, Box 117800 Gainesville, FL 326 11-7800

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Payments, contributions, or gifts to the Florida Paleontological Society are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues payments may be deductible by members as ordinary or necessary business expenses. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor. Page 10 Former Florida Paleontologist Herpetologist Stanley J. Olsen (1919-2004) Walter A. Auffenberg (1928-2004) Stanley J. Olsen passed away in early January, Dr. Walter Auffenberg, emeritus distinguished 2004. In 1956 he was hired by the Florida Geological curator of herpetology at the Florida Museum of Natu­ Survey (FGS) to revive their vertebrate paleontology pro­ ral History and author of numerous papers on the fossil gram, which had languished for over 30 years. Olsen thus reptiles and amphibians of Florida, passed away on became the first person hired in Florida specifically as a January 18, 2004 following a long illness. He received professional vertebrate paleontologist. He published about his masters and doctorate degrees from the University 23 papers on fossil vertebrates from Florida between 1956 of Florida in the 1950s; his dissertation on the fossil and 1968, most on carnivores. Perhaps his best known snakes of Florida was eventually published in 1963. He contribution is FGS Special Publication Number 6, "Fos­ wrote three of the original Plaster Jacket pamphlets, on sil Mammals of Florida", first published in 1959 and re­ the fossil snakes, crocodilians, and turtles of Florida, printed several times. In the early 1960s, Olsen began work respectively. Although he worked on a wide variety of in the then emerging field of zooarchaeology and published fossil amphibians and reptiles, Auffenberg was perhaps several profusely illustrated guides to identifying bones best known in paleontological circles for his work on that are still in-print and widely used today. He left the tortoises and box turtles. He also was instrumental in FGS and began a successful zooarchaeology program at the discovery of late Cenozoic vertebrates in filled sink­ the University of Arizona. Among his best known later holes exposed by mining in the Haile limestone quar­ accomplishments was an investigation into the domesti­ ries west of Gainesville, and was part of the field crews cation of dogs, which culminated in the book Origins of that excavated the McGehee Farm site in the 1960s. the Domestic Dog: The Fossil Record published by the Auffenberg's primary research focus shifted in the 1970s University of Arizona Press in 1985. towards the ecology and conservation of tropical liz­ ards, and he published several well known books and many research articles on extant lizards.

FPS Product Sales Prices are FPS members only Shipping and Handling Extra Butvar-76 6.00 per pound MC Thomas, Beach and Bank Collecting 5.00 H Converse, Paleo Preparation Techniques 10.00 Hulbert, Fossil Vertebrates of Florida 31.00 Sinibaldi, Fossil Diving 10.00 Sinibaldi, Paleo Dictionary 6.00 Papers in Florida Paleontology 4.00/set Florida Fossil Invertebrates Part 1, Eocene Echinoids 5.00 Part 2, Oligocene and Miocene Echinoids 5.00 Part 3, Pliocene and Pleistocene Echinoids 5.00 Part 4, Pliocene and Pleistocene Decapod Crustaceans 5.00 Fossil Species of Florida 1 Number 1, Mammut americanum $4.00 Number 2, Tapirus veroensis $4.00

To purchase the above items, please contact: George Hecht, Secretary Florida Museum of Natural History Box 117800 Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800 Page 11

FLORID LEONTOBOGICAL SO TY,INC. Recent Publications of the Florida Geological Survey As stated in.the Articles of Incorporation, "The purposes of this Corporation shall be to advance the science of Paleontology, es­ pecially in Elorida, to disseminate knowledge ofthis subject and Geologic Map of the State of Florida, by Tom Scott to facilitat~;

Section 9. Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that magnitude springs are discussed and described in this best represents the Plorida,;;Faleontological Society, Inc. report. Call 850-488-9380 for ordering information.

ANNUAL DUES for the FPS are $5.00 for Associate Membership (persons under age 18) and $15.00 for Full Membership (persons over age 18) and Institutional Subscriptions. Couples may join for $20.00, and Family Memberships (3 or more persons) are available for $25.00. Persons interested in FPS membership need only send their names, addresses, and appropriate dues to the Secretary, Florida Paleontological Society, Inc., at the address on page 2. Please make checks payable to the FPS. Members receive the FPS newsletter, Flo1ida Fossil Invertebrates, Fossil Species of Florida, and other random publications entitled to members.

NEWSLETTER POLICY: All worthy news items, art work, and photographs related to paleontology and various clubs in Florida are welcome. The editors reserve the right not to publish submissions and to edit those which are published. Please address submissions to the Editors, Florida Paleontological Soceity, Inc. Newslet­ ter, at the address inside the front cover. Saturday, 22 May, 2004 (Day) Saturday, 22 May, 2004 (Evening) Open to the general public Open to the general public Powell Hall (Location TBA) 10: IS am - Opening remarks 7 :00 pm - Featured speaker Douglas S. Jones, FLMNH Director Jack Horner, Museum oft.he Rockies (Montana State Bruce J. MacFadden, Curator of Ve rtebrate Paleontology University), will present a talk on Dinosaurs Ku rt Auffenberg, Fossil Hall Director l 0:30 am - Ribbon cutting and openfog ceremony Sunday,~~ May, 200_4

10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Festival of Paleontology Open to the general public ( Subject to change) Powell Hall on the occasion of the opening of • Guided tours of The Hall of Florida Fossils I :00 pm - S:00 pm THE HALL OF FLORIDA FOSSILS: • "Stump the Paleontologist" Fossil' ID Table. Guided tours of The Hall of Florida fossils EVOLUTION OF L.lFE AND L~ND Bring your fossils in for indentficatlon. at the Florida Museu1·n ~f Natural History experts Gordon Hubbell, Richard Hulbert, Gary Morgan Rage.r Porte/~ • Ch!ldr,en's fossil dig pit • Other children's educational activities Reserve the ates! • T~shirts, sharks' teeth, children's tatcoos giveaway • Talks about fossils, including: Thursday, 20 May, 1004 • Chris Brochu; "The R,eal Florida fossil Gators" fLMNH Members Sneak Prevfow* • Gary Morgan: 18-Milllon-Year-Old Florida Bats Powell Hall • Gordon Hubbell: Fossll Sharks 1 pm- Opening .... "",ntt'rlr~ • Fossil plant talk las S. Jones, FLMNH • tables ·Bruce J. MacFadden. Curator ofVertebrate Paleontology • Pony Express fossil program Kurt Auffenberg, Fossil Holl Project Director • fos.si! prep lab • On-line fossil activities and links 6: IS pm - Featured speaker • Florida Geological Survey Chris Brochu, University of Iowa, to talk on ''The Real flcrida Fossil Ga.tors'' • Florida Spelological Society • fossil photography 0 pm - Sneak preview a.rid guided tours of JSII Ha.II • State fossil clubs • Sook signing FLORIDA MUSEUM Of NA.Tm.U ~-«Ml '""

"'This event is a benefit open to FLMNH Members. Membership Refreshments will be avaHable for purchase. The Saturday activities coincide with the Spring Meeting information Is avallable at: www.llmnll.ufl.edu, or contact Jennifer of the Florida Paleonrologfcal Sodety (FPS). Pochurek, 352-8◄ 6-2000. ext. 204