The MRF Field Laboratory
In 2005, MRF staff and volunteers converted a garage into a fully-equipped fossil preparation laboratory. The lab's comfortable, naturally-lit atmosphere makes preparing fossils an enjoyable experience. The lab is equipped with multiple benches and is large enough to accommodate around twelve people. The lab has over 20 Paleo Tool air scribes of all sizes. In a separate room, there are three microblasters and two large blasting chambers. Many volunteers spend their evenings preparing material found earlier in the week.
Convenience and Instruction
MRF is unique in that it provides volunteers with the opportunity to learn both field techniques during the day and preparation techniques in the evening. Most programs' excavation sites are located hundreds of miles from their labs! Since Marmarth is nestled in the fossil rich Hell Creek badlands, however, our lab is only a few miles from the excavation sites and a short walk from where the participants stay. In the evenings and on rainy days, volunteers are able to visit the lab to learn how to use air scribes and the microblaster.
Furthermore, interested volunteers can learn casting and molding techniques from molding technician Doug Hanks. Participants will be able to take home cast fossils from a wide range of Hell Creek material including T-rex teeth, Edmontosaur skin impressions and a wide range of other material.
