Dig Spotlight: Salvaging the Record at Olduvai
Tanzania, East Africa -- Olduvai Gorge. This is where Louis and Mary Leakey made history with their groundbreaking fossil discoveries that set the clock back on the human evolutionary time scale. Discoveries are once again being made there as Dr. Fidelis Masao of the Open University of Tanzania leads an effort to recover as much of the remaining fossil record as possible before erosion washes it away from humanity's grasp. Working against time and the elements, his staff and teams of Earthwatch volunteers are working feverishly to salvage what is left, making new discoveries along the way, such as two hominid (early human species) teeth and a hominid skull fragment, as well as the complete remains of a million-year-old elephant. Earthwatch teams of volunteers are again being fielded during the summer of 2008. Volunteers have the option of participating on a two-week team or a three-week team. This is exciting stuff, and there is more to come. If you are interested in joining the effort, go to the website and read more about it.
