DICKINSON — Paleontologists at the Badlands Dinosaur Museum in North Dakota are continuing their groundbreaking research on a remarkably well-preserved Lambeosaurus fossil first discovered in 2000. This fossil, which includes skin and bone, is providing unprecedented insights into dinosaur biology as the team digs deeper. into its historical context.

Lambeosaurus lambei is a bipedal or quadrupedal herbivore, a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period. It is well known for its cranial crest, which resembles an axe. The duckbill dinosaur has a complicated taxonomic history due to gaps in the evolutionary representation of each genus.

This Lambeosaurus, nicknamed “Liberty,” stands out as one of the world’s most significant finds because of the preservation of its skin and an intact cranial crest—an exceptionally rare feature for a fossil of its age, about 76 million years. The skin retains remarkable detail, including a “pimpled” texture that provides invaluable insights into the paleobiology and coloration of this duck-billed dinosaur.

LeAnn Stasiowski / The Dickinson Press

Paleobiology is an interdisciplinary field that merges elements of geoscience and decomposition forensics to explore the biology of fossil organisms. It includes analysis of biogeography, field research and taphonomy to decipher evolutionary history.

Prior to this ongoing research, only fossilized footprints were available for study. Current fossil analysis helps identify pigments that contributed to dinosaur skin coloration and can reveal microscopic structures such as skin papillae. These structures provide further evidence of the anatomical complexity and functionality of dinosaur skin. By comparing these dermal structures between different species, scientists can discover evolutionary relationships and trace the evolution of identifiable traits throughout the dinosaur lineage.

Although fossil analysis is a powerful tool, it has limitations. Scientists face challenges in distinguishing between different skin layers and cannot observe soft tissue functions through fossils without highly specialized equipment.

• 2000: The fossil was first discovered but only partially excavated.
• 2016: A more detailed survey of the site began, initiating ongoing research.
• 2017-2018: The fossil was collected and cleaned, and preparation work continues today.

Dr. Denver Fowler, the team’s curator and fieldwork expert, oversees much of the project. Fowler is originally from the north of England and has extensive experience in the field in the USA, Canada, Mongolia and China. He highlighted the intricate preparation process required for the fossil, noting that the skin was “degloved” – separated from the bones and pressed into the stone matrix.

“The preparation process has been complex and sensitive,” Fowler explained. “Muddy sandstone preserved the skin, but the thin layers made it difficult to expose without damage. Also, Lambeosaurus sat over a sinkhole, and parts of the dinosaur had water flowing through them, softening the surrounding rock.”

Steve Clawson, preparator at the Dickinson Museum, developed the meticulous methods used for this delicate specimen. “Normally we use special compounds that soak in and solidify, but we can’t do that here because it might destroy some chemical signatures necessary for isotopic analysis. Although the sample hasn’t been subjected to that equipment test yet, we’re considering building our own setup for ultraviolet light preparation, which would include infrared light analysis,” Clawson said.

LeAnn Stasiowski / The Dickinson Press

Dr. Fowler described the ongoing need for spectroscopy in research. “We’re trying to figure out what the animal ate, where it came from and how far it traveled. Although I’m not sure how much we can learn from that, we’re looking at things like collagen and color schemes, while other researchers in North Dakota working with different chemical aspects.”

The paleontology staff is currently collaborating with international researchers and has sent tooth samples from this summer’s dig to Italy for isotopic analysis. They also work with paleontologists in Mexico.

Amanda Hendrix, who leads education and outreach initiatives for the facility, explains how the project extends beyond local boundaries. “Our field team is truly global,” Hendrix said. “We are conducting some of the most ambitious paleontological research in the world right now.”

LeAnn Stasiowski / The Dickinson Press

The Dickinson Dinosaur Museum has established itself as a hub for fossil preparation. “We get specimens from all over the world, not just from our local area,” Hendrix noted. “We are skilled and equipped to handle some of the most sensitive findings.” The facility has been key to caring for various fossils, including those that require intricate restoration techniques.

As the excavation continues, the team expects to uncover even more remarkable specimens. They plan to return to the site next summer to extract additional parts of the Lambeosaurus skeleton, which could provide further insights into the dinosaur’s life and environment.

As work on “Liberty” continues, additional field extractions are planned, along with specialized training in Chicago to refine fossil preparation techniques.

LeAnn Stasiowski / The Dickinson Press

The Dickinson Dinosaur Museum has established itself as a hub for fossil preparation. “We get specimens from all over the world, not just from our local area,” Hendrix noted. “We are skilled and equipped to handle some of the most sensitive findings.” The facility has been key to caring for various fossils, including those that require intricate restoration techniques.

As the excavation continues, the team expects to unearth even more remarkable specimens. They plan to return to the site next summer to extract additional parts of the Lambeosaurus skeleton, which could provide further insights into the dinosaur’s life and environment.

As work on “Liberty” continues, additional field extractions are planned, along with specialized training in Chicago to refine fossil preparation techniques.

Josiah Cuellar / Buffalo Eye Photography

The Lambeosaurus fossil will become part of the museum’s collection, with parts already on display. The team is committed to making science accessible to the public and engaging local schools through field trips and outreach programs.

Josiah Cuellar / Buffalo Eye Photography

Ownership, locations and permissions:

• Ownership: The Lambeosaurus specimen, nicknamed “Liberty,” is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The genus Lambeosaurus was first named by Lawrence Lambe in 1902. Over twenty years later, the modern name was coined in 1923 by William Parks to honor Lambe, based on better-preserved specimens.
• Discovery Sites: Fossils were excavated from Havre and Hinsdale, Montana, regions known to yield dinosaur remains.

Josiah Cuellar / Buffalo Eye Photography

LeAnn M. Stasiowski is a Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and highlights arts, entertainment and dining in the region. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.