For a Bronto in Need: “Project Bronto”

There’s a sleepy old dinosaur trail in northern Durham, NC that not many people know about.  But for those who do, it’s a walk through prehistoric history.  The Dinosaur Trail at Durham’s Museum of Life & Science has been a fixture for kids and adults alike since 1967.  This collection of photos over the years shows a selection of some of the best memories from the trail.

However, after years of neglect and disrepair, the trail become less utilized and more abused. On May 31, 2009 vandals removed the neck and head structure of the Brontosaurus on the trail, essentially decapitating a helpless dinosaur.

Many Durham residents were outraged.  Police and the community were on watch to find the culprits and recover the evidence.  Durham residents (and Dinosaur Trail fans) banded together to help repair the Brontosaurus.  Not long after the damage was done, police apprehended the culprits and recovered the Brontosaurus’ head.  However, that would prove to be only half the battle.  The museum estimated that it would cost between $3-5,000 to complete the repair and restoration.

Enter Bronto Software.  Joe Colopy, Bronto CEO, is a Durham resident with a penchant for our extinct friends, especially the Brontosaurus.   Joe met with the group coordinating the restoration and gave them a challenge.  Raise up to $2,000 and Bronto will match that amount.  It may appear to be a large goal, but Durhamites are willing to rise to the challenge.

Currently “Project Bronto” is underway and the funds are being collected to reach the $2,000 mark which combined with the Bronto challenge donation should fix the Brontosaurus up as good as new.  Check back here at Brontonation for updates on the progress of this project.  Or, for more information on the story, check out the News & Observer or Bull City Rising.

Caroline Smith
Marketing Operations Associate at Bronto

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Tagged as: Bronto, Bronto Software, Brontonation, Dinosaur Trail, Museum of Life + Science, Project Bronto

Author: Caroline Smith

Caroline is the Community Marketing Manager at Bronto. She is the editor and contributor to Brontonation, editor of the Bronto Blog, and manages all social media channels at Bronto Software. Caroline also serves on the Bronto Social Committee where she helps plan fun events for the Bronto Team.