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Last updated: December 20, 2004
Negotiations have been opened on preserving the Muirkirk Dinosaur Site. It appears that the property which is currently owned by Cherokee-Sanford will be sold for light industrial use. On November 30, 2004, the Prince George's County Council passed an amendment to County Bill 92-2004 requiring the developers to include the issue of paleontology in their site plan. During the next months a solution to preserving the fossil site is likely to be achieved.
The Emmitsburg Track Site is likely to be part of a water treatment development site plan. The developers have express a willingness to consider donating the part of the property containing the track quarry to the state. There is to be a hearing related to the proposed development on December 16, 2004 in Frederick, Maryland.
The fossil location at Brightseat (Sheriff and Brightseat Roads) has as yet not yielded any vertebrate or invertebrate fossils. There may be some plant fossils of uncertain age. Stay tuned for further developments.
Last updated: November 3, 2004
As indicated in the special alert, there is a real possibility that the Cherokee-Sandord property containing the Muikirk Dinosaur Site is about to be/has been sold for industrial use. Dr. Kranz is still attempting to get accurate information as to the potential fate of the fossil site. In the meanwhile, it would be helpful if interested parties would send emails either to dinosaurfund@juno.com or tendernoga@co.pg.md.us expressing the importance of preserving the site. Schools in Prince George's County have been contacted to help in the effort.
There is a new exposure of Upper Cretaceous/Lower Paleocene beds at Brightseat Road between Sheriff and Landover Roads in Brightseat, Maryland. If any fossils are uncovered they could be important.
Last updated: October 12, 2004
The last scheduled dinosaurhunt/fossil field trip mentioned in the Washington Post of August 27, 2004, will meet at 10AM at the Oxon Hill Farm Parking lot on October 2, 2004. Call (202) 547-3326 for registration and details.
Volunteers are still welcome to sign up to work on the turtle fossil preparation. Call (202) 547-3326.
The dinosaur cutouts from the Capital Children's Museum have been donated to the Dinosaur Garden at Watkins Elementary School (DCPS).
Dr. Kranz's "I Can Find a Dinosaur Myself" is now in print. It retails for $9.95 US. Copies can be purchased from the Dinosaur Fund and it will soon be in local bookstores.
Westminster Academy of Annandale, Virginia is currently working on the artifacts from the Latchford Home site. They will be repairing and identifying them.
Last updated: September 6, 2004
The Dinosaur Fund will sponsor four Fossil Field Trip/Dinosaur Hunts on September 4, 12, 18 and October 2nd with the exception of September 18th all meet at 10AM at the parking lot at Oxon Hill Farm. The September 18th trip will meet at 10AM at Watkins Park Nature Center. Suggested donations are $50.00 per family and $35.00 per individual.
On September 25th, there will be a lecture and book signing in the main lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Washington, DC. The program starts at noon.
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit will be split between two venues during September and October, 2004. Part will be at the MLK,Jr. Library in DC to accompany the Saturday, September 25th lecture and part will be at the Greenbelt Park Ranger Station to accompany the October 16th program.
The fossil turtle will be excavated from its rock tomb during the Fall, 2004 by volunteers at the Maryland Science Center. If you have fossil preparation experience and wish to volunteer, call the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326 or the Maryland Science Center at (410) 545-5904.
The May 2004 Issue #7 of the Mosasaur was released in August, 2004. It contains a print version of Dr. Kranz's "Astrodon Rediscover" in which the discovery of America's First Saurapod is described along with some interesting facts about just what the first reported dinosaur find in America may have been.
The Capital Children's Museum closed on August 22, 2004 and kindly donated many items to Watkins E.S. Among the donated items are some dinosaur cutouts which will be placed in the Dinosaur Garden at the school.
Dr. Kranz's book "I Can Find a Dinosaur Myself" previously available only as an ebook, should be available in a limited print edition at his lecture at the MLK,Jr. Library on Saturday, September 25th. At some point in the near future, it should also be in book stores.
Last updated: August 6, 2004
The fossil turtle found late in June 2004 (correct date Friday June 25) has been accepted and delivered to the Maryland Science Center. The plan is to work on its preparation in public. Work will likely begin in the Fall 2004.
Two sessions of Dinosaur Camp remain for summer 2004. DropOff Camp is the week of August 2 and Family Camp is the week of August 16. Contact the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com for details.
In addition to the program at the DC Public Library on September 25 at noon, a public program will be held on October 16 at the Greenbelt Park Ranger Station. Field trip programs are scheduled for September 4, 12, 18 and October 2. Contact DinosaurFund at (202) 547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com for details. Or check August 27, 2004 Saturday's Child to be published in the Washington Post Weekend Section.
Volunteers who have experience in fossil preparation are needed to work on the fossile turtle found in June of 2004. If you are interested, work will be in public at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. Apply to DinosaurFund at (202) 547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com
For the remainder of the Summer 2004 a display of life-size dinosaur models can be seen at the Baltimore Zoo. Visitors who have seen it enjoyed the display.
Last updated: July 6, 2004
Dropoff Dinosaur Camp for children, second grade and older, will be held the weeks of July 26 and August 2. Call the Capital Children's Museum at (202) 675-4181 to register. Family Dinosaur Camp for children and adults of all ages will be held the weeks of July 19 and August 16. Call the DinosaurFund at (202) 547-3326.
On Friday June 27 Terri Fudala, a participant in DinosaurCamp, noteiced a fossil. It has been determined to be a large turtle possibly. It was found in a small creek which enters Piscataway Bay in Fort Washington, Maryland. It is about 2 feet wide by 3 feet long. It is currently enclosed in a block of rock weighing about 150 pounds. The block came from zone 3 of the Aquia formation (Paleocene). The age is estimated at a million years. If all goes as planned it will be donated to a scientific institution. Any appropriate group may apply to the DinosaurFund at dinosaurfund@juno.com for possession of the specimen.
Dr. Kranz will present a program for the general public called "Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia" on Monday July 12 at the Chevy Chase Branch of the DC Public Library. The program is free. A similar program as well as an exhibit will be presented at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library on Saturday September 25 at noon.
On September 18, 2004 the Watkins Nature Center in Largo, Maryland will sponsor a fossil hunt lead by Dr. Kranz. Specific details are not yet available.
The Washington Post has tentatively scheduled a profile on Dr. Kranz and the DinosaurFund for August 27, 2004 in the Saturday's Child section.
Last updated: June 8, 2004
Maryland Science Center opened its new Dinosaur Hall with a festival on Memorial Day weekend.
Dinosaur Camp will run as Family Camp the weeks of June 21, July 19 and August 16 and as Drop-Off Camp the weeks of July 26 and August 2.
Fossil material is presently exposed at or near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Largo Center Metro construction sites.
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit will not be going to the Washingtonian Room until Fall 2004. It will therefore be available during the summer for any public facility. Call the DinosaurFund at (202) 547-3326 if you wish to schedule it. The exhibit is currently at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland.
The Washingtoniana program has been postponed until Fall 2004. However, Chevy Chase Branch of DC Public Library on Connecticut Ave., NW will have a booksigning and public program "Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia" with Dr. Peter M. Kranz at 7 PM on July 12, 2004. The program is free. There will also be a small exhibit.
Angelus Academy of Springfield, Virginia will join the Dinosaur Project starting in June 2004.
Last updated: May 11, 2004
The Emmitsburg Dispatch newspaper will do an article on the Emmitsburg track site in its May, 2004 issue. Rick Fulton (editor) has visited the site and found some fossil remains. Dr. Kranz and Mr. Fulton will be visiting the site in May to check out his new discoveries.
The Maryland Science Center says the opening of the new Dinosaur Hall is still on schedule to open on May 28, 2004. In addition, they have received a $2.5 million grant to make an IMAX movie about dinosaurs. The subject is supposed to be about an AMNH dig in Mongolia.
Dinosaur Camp confirmed dates are as follows:
Family Dinosaur Camp Week of June 21-25, 2004
July 19-23, 2004
August 16-20, 2004
Drop off Dinosaur Camp Week of July 26-30, 2004
August 2-6, 2004
Space is still available in all weeks. If you would like a
different week contact: Dinosaur Fund at dinosaurfund@juno.com
or (202) 547-3326.
A Likely Story children's book store will sponsor a book signing program on June 19, 2004. Dr. Kranz will give a presentation on his book Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia. Program begins at 11AM at 1555 King St., Alexandria, VA.
The new Dinosaur/Earth Science Hall of the Maryland Science Centerat Baltimore's Inner Harbor is set to open on May 28, 2004. The exhibits wil include dinosaur skeletons and interactive displays.
Family Dinosaur Camp dates include Spring Break Camp April 5-9 and July 19-23. Drop off Dinosaur Camp is still the weeks of July 16 and August 2. For more information call (202)547-3326.
A fossil field trip led by Dr. Kranz leaves Fountain Rock Nature Center in Walkersville, Maryland at 10AM Saturday April 10th. The trip is open to the public and there is no charge. Contact Fountain Rock Nature Center for directions (301)898-1460.
Meadow Side Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland will hold a Paleo Day on April 18, 2004 from 10:30AM - 2:30PM. Cost is $5.00. Call (301) 924-5965 for directions and complete schedule.
Rockville Science Day will be held Sunday, April 18 from Noon to 5PM on the Montgomery College - Rockville Campus at Rt 355 and Mannakee St. Call (301)279-0625 for directions and details. Admission is free.
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit will move to Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland on April 5 and remain until late May. In early June, it will move to the Washingtoniana Room at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Washington, DC.
The Geological Society of America session on Eastern Dinosaurs was very informative. GSA has a new service where some of the talks presented can be accessed online. Go to www.geosociety.org for more information.
An International Children's Book Festival will be held on Saturday, April 17 in Gaithersburg, Maryland at the Gaithersburg High School located at Education Blvd. and Rte 355.from 11AM - 4PM. Admission is free. Dr. Kranz's DINOSAURS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and DINOSAURS IN MARYLAND will be showcased at the festival.
On June 5, Dr. Kranz will give a talk at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at noon. The talk about DINOSAURS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA will coincide with the opening of the exhibit DINOSAURS OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION which will be displayed in the Washingtoniana Room. A similar talk will be presented at 7PM on July 12, 2004 at the Chevy Chase Branch of the D. C. Public Library.
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit will stay at the Watkins Nature Center until April 1 when it will move to Meadow Side Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland. In June, 2004 it will move to the Washingtoniana Room at the MLK Jr. Library in Washington, DC.
Family Dinosaur Camp is scheduled for Spring Break, April 5-9, 2004. It will also be held the weeks of 6/21, 8/16 and 8/23. Other weeks are also possible. Drop-off Dinosaur Camp is scheduled for the weeks of 7/26 and 8/2.
Fossil Field Trip sponsered by the Chesapeak Children's Museum of Annapolis will be held on March 13. Fountain Rock Nature Center of Frederick County will sponsor a fossil field trip April 10.
The Theme Session on Eastern Dinosaurs at the Sectional GSA meeting will be held Friday, March 26, 2004. Contact: www.geosociety.org to register.
Paleo Day will be held at Meadow Side Nature Center on April 8th from 10:30AM - 2:30PM. Cost is $5.00.
Rockville Science Day will be held April 18, 2004 at the Montgomery College, Rockville Campus from Noon - 5PM. Many science exhibits will be there. The event is free.
There will be the annual fossil and mineral show at Harmony Hall, Fort Washington, Maryland on March 27th and 28th from 10AM - 5PM on Saturday and 11AM - 5PM on Sunday. Admission is charged.
Last updated: February 23, 2004
The Traveling Dino Exhibit will move to MLK main public library in early AprilLast updated: February 9, 2004
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit is now up at the Watkins Nature Center in Prince George's County. The Nature Center is open everyday. The exhibit is free. Call 301-218-6702 for details and directions. The exhibit will be there until about April 2nd when it will likely move to the Washingtoniana Room at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Washington, DC.
Dr. Kranz's Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia is now available in area book stores for a list price of $14.95. It can also be ordered directly from the Dinosaur Fund at 300 50th St. SE #103; Washington, D.C. 20019. There is a shipping and handling fee of $2.55.
Area bookstores currently include: In Virginia: Imagination Station, Aladdin's Lamp, Borders/Pentagon City. In DC: Trover's, Politics and Prose, Reiter's, Chapters, Child's Play. In Maryland: Booktopia, Maryland Book Exchange, Vertigo. Other book stores are being added all the time.
Dinosaur Camp is gearing up. Family Dinosaur Camp will be held over Spring break the week of April 5, 2004. Drop off Dinosaur Camp will be held the weeks of July 26 and August 2, 2004. All camps are day damps - Monday to Friday for one week sessions.
For more information about the camps contact the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326 or dinosaurfund@juno.com. Family Dinosaur Camp is also likely for the weeks of June 21st, June 28th, sometime in July, August 16th, August 23rd, 2004.
The session on Eastern Dinosaurs at the sectional GSA Meeting will be held on Friday, March 26th. For details and registration got to www.geosociety.org.
Snow! Snow! Snow! Cold! Cold! Cold! Despite this fact new excavation along Oxon Hill Road near Fort Foote Road looks promising.
Dr. Kranz will be doing book signings and programs for his new book, Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 from 3:30PM - 6:30PM at the Watkins Elementary School, 12th & D St. SE, Washington, DC and February 20, 2004 at 4:30 - 5:30PM at Imagination Station Bookstore, 4524 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Virginia. All programs are open to the public and free.
There will be several public fossil field trip/dinosaur hunts run during the coming months. On March 13, 2004 the Chesapeake Children's Museum is sponsoring a Fossil Hunt beginning at 10AM in Annapolis. To register, contact them at (410) 990-1993.
The Dinosaur Fund will sponsor two Dinosaur Hunts on March 20th, and March 28th, 2004 beginning at 10AM and meeting in the Oxon Hill Farm Parking Lot. To register, contact the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326.
The Fountain Rock Nature Center will sponsor a Fossil Hunt on April 10, 2004. To register, contact them at (301) 898-1460.
"Day of the Dinosaur" will be held February 28, 2004 at Watkins Nature Center in Prince George's County from 1-4PM. Cost is $3 per visitor. Call: (301) 218--6702 to register.
Meadowside Nature Center will hold "Paleo Day" on April 18, 2004. Program runs 10:30AM - 2:30PM. Meadowside Nature Center is located in Rockville, Maryland. Call (301) 924-5965 for directions and registration.
The Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit will be open for the public in mid-January 2004. As usual it will have pictures, information, interactive activities and fossils. It is expected to be at the Watkins Park Nature Center at least through April 2004. For details and directions call (301) 218-6702.
Dr. Kranz' "Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia" is now available by mail as a full color book at Dinosaur Fund 300 50th St. SE #103; Washington, D.C. 20019. Send check or money order only; made out to "Dinosaur Fund". The book should be available in bookstores by the end of January 2004. ISBN # 0-9748618-0-4
The Chesapeake Children's Museum is sponsoring several dinosaur events. On Saturday, January 17 at 2 PM and 3:30 PM Dr. Kranz will give a family program with interactive events and a discussion of his new book "Dinosaurs of the District of Columbia". On Saturday March 13 the Museum will sponsor a family fossil hunt led by Dr. Kranz beginning at 10 AM. Contact the Chesapeake Children's Museum at www.theccm.org for details and registration.
Dinosaur Camp will be offered again this year. At present several are scheduled but more will be offered. Spring break Family Dinosaur Camp will run the week of April 5, 2004. Camp lasts a week (5 days) and an adult must attend with the children. Contact the Dinosaur Fund at (202) 547-3326 for details and registration. Summer Drop-off Camp sponsored by the Capital Children's Museum will run the weeks of July 26, 2004 and August 2, 2004. Camps last a week (5 days). Contact Beth Wilson at (202)675-4180 for details, registration and age restrictions.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) Southeast/Northeast sectional meetings will be held March 26-28, 2004 in Tyson's Corner, VA. At the meeting there will be a day-long theme session on Eastern Dinosaurs. This is a must for local dinosaur buffs. Who can say when so many local dinosaur experts will be gathered in one place again?! Be there or be extinct! Reduced registration rates if you register before February 16, 2004. Go to www.geosociety.org for registration. The date of Eastern Dinosaur session has not yet been fixed.