Paleontology and fossil hunting are dreams to many individuals — and the North America Research Group, based in Beaverton, provides a way for amateur fossil hunters to live those dreams.

About 80 people, mostly from the Portland area, but also from all over the United States, are members. The group meets frequently and takes monthly “Fossil Search and Rescue” field trips that last from one day to about a week.

NARG recognizes that universities, museums and other institutions don’t always have the money or time to dig up fossils and clear away the rocks and debris in order to preserve the fossils for the future. That’s where NARG’s amateur paleontologists, overseen by more experienced fossil hunters, geologists and professionals, come in.

“The goal of NARG is to develop an affiliation of fossil enthusiasts working together, to continue research, perform site investigation and contribute to the growth and development of an active, premier group of avocational paleontologists,” the group’s January 2007 newsletter reads. “Exposure to both natural and human elements and subsequent erosion of fossil strata destroys specimens, not only in beauty but in scientific value.”

Group members were excited to have rescued the whale fossil near Coos Bay in October. Neighbors who have known about the existence of a portion of the whale skull protruding from the rock said some passersby had chipped away at it and other nearby fossils as erosion made the bones more easily recognizable.

The Research Group, formed in June 2004, is determined to encourage responsible paleontological work that includes not only finding specimens but also documenting them, using proper collecting methods and using careful preservation techniques. Members also work closely and communicate with professional advisers.

Dan O’Loughlin, a veterinarian in Tualatin, is a relative newcomer to the group but took some time away from his day job of working with domestic mammals to help out with the marine mammal buried in rock.

“I’ve been on two digs,” O’Loughlin said in between grabbing buckets of discarded rock to empty, “and this is by far the biggest one (for the group).”

O’Loughlin said that this is really the first time the larger power tools have been used to dig out a fossil.

“Most of the fossils you can pick up and put in your pocket,” he said.

The smaller fossils are more indicative of what the group tends to find when it goes to desert digs.

“That’s when you use chisels; you end up with smashed fingers,” O’Loughlin added with a laugh.

The Research Group is based in Beaverton but accepts applications for membership from anyone. For more information, those interested can call (360) 574-7678, send an e-mail to narg_membership@narg-online.com, or visit the group’s Web site at http://www.narg-online.com for membership information and fees.

— Susan Chambers