After getting back from the field, specimens are sorted by locality based on their field labels and carefully unwrapped. Most of the Blue Rim specimens survived the journey to Gainesville intact, but a few needed to be glued (we usually use Elmer’s) and repaired. Individual specimens are placed in boxes (usually the top or bottom of a jewelry box). Each fossil is giving a number composed of the locality ID number and then an individual specimen number. This same number is also recorded on a label in the box that has additional information about the locality including GPS coordinates, geological formation, age, and collectors.
Author
By Sarah Allen
• Reprinted from Museum blog: Blue Rim Paleobotany