University of Colorado (University of Colorado Museum of Natural History)

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History will improve the long term preservation of its herpetology collection, resulting in enhanced collections management and increased accessibility to students, researchers, online users, and the public. The substandard storage environment of 65,664 fluid-preserved reptiles and amphibians will be addressed by replacing ineffective jars and lids; systematically correcting weak fluid preservative levels; providing new compact shelving to replace failing cabinetry; updating taxonomic nomenclature; tracking storage locations; and re-curating jars with archival labels. The project will provide student employment opportunities, and the results will be widely disseminated through publications, conference presentations, and in-house tours.