DIRT PILE DREAMS 2.0: NURTURING A CONGLOMERATE

2015 was the inaugural field season for the volunteer research initiative, Hill Annex Paleontology Project. The Hill Annex Mine State Park runs a seasonal fossil tour program at a historical open pit iron mine. Centered on the western side of the Mesabi Iron Range, this is one of a multitude of localities exposing the Coleraine Formation of late Cretaceous deposits. In conjunction with the pursuit of additional scientific evidence, the Project aimed to provide a field exposure for Science Museum of Minnesota Paleontology volunteers and engage the local community about this unique resource. Opportunities, roadblocks, and matrix abound as we track the fossil trail forward and momentum builds. Discover the twists and travails of our journey as we open a new relationship with a state partner and begin to reach out to the population, building support for this Project.