Fall 2023 Digging Information

We appreciate your interest in volunteering with us!

The Fall 2023 digging schedule has not yet been determined, but we will likely begin around the end of October or early November and dig until mid-December. We usually dig on Saturdays and/or Sundays, plus one weekday to accommodate as many volunteers’ personal schedules as possible. The Spring season could pick up as early as mid-January and may continue into April.

We have received so much interest in volunteering from the community that we were not able to accommodate everyone who submitted an application during the Spring 2023 season. Because of this, we are no longer accepting applications. We will reopen the application as soon as we are able. If you have questions about your previously submitted application, please email us at vertpaleo@floridamuseum.ufl.edu. 

• The site is located on private property near Williston, Florida. On a typical day, volunteers are assigned a 1 meter by 1 meter digging square, excavate matrix and fossils with tools provided, and dump leftover matrix outside of the site. These activities can be physically demanding and occur in direct sunlight. Most people find several fossils in one day, including those of fish, turtles, alligators, and maybe our four-tusked elephant relative.  With some luck, you can discover fossils of other mammals or birds, perhaps even a new species.
• We dig from 10 am until 4 pm and request a minimum of 3 hours per session but there are no additional time commitments. Must be 18 years or older. Training is provided and no prior experience or knowledge is required.
• There is no cost to volunteer for our fossil digs. However, if you wish to contribute funds to help us maintain our annual volunteer fossil digs and to process and store the collected fossils, you can use this secure link to donate online. Donations through the UF Foundation are tax deductible.
• More information about the site: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/montbrook/