The rehousing project is officially underway! Science Collections staff have ordered all necessary supplies and equipment for the project, including a ductless fume hood, a large guillotine cutter for making custom specimen trays, blue/grey barrier board, labeling supplies, and barcode materials, with delivery expected in advance of the first rehousing activities. A comprehensive step-by-step project workflow has been developed, outlining procedures for each stage of the rehousing process—from initial pesticide testing and condition assessment through cataloging, photography, and final cabinet placement. Workstations have been organized and designated for each phase of activity, ensuring that risk assessment, chemical testing, rehousing, labeling, and data entry can each proceed efficiently and safely. In preparation for volunteer participation, collections staff have also produced a detailed training manual covering safe specimen handling, rehousing best practices, and the specific procedures volunteers will follow throughout the project. The team looks forward to sharing continued progress as rehousing activities approach.

Collections staff have completed XRF testing on all FWMSH bird and mammal study skin specimens. Testing took place over the latter half of January and the entire month of February. Staff utilized a handheld Olympus Delta XRF Analyzer to screen each specimen for heavy metals historically used in preservation and pest management, including arsenic and related compounds. All testing was conducted on-site within a ductless fume hood, with appropriate personal protective equipment worn throughout the process. Specimens that returned negative results will proceed directly into the standard rehousing workflow, while any flagged specimens will be rehoused according to established safety protocols for handling contaminated materials. A comprehensive report detailing the full results of testing is currently in preparation and will be shared with the project team upon completion.

With compact shelving installation set for mid-July, collections staff and volunteers have begun rehousing activities on the bird study skin collection. Working through the project workflow created in Q1, staff are proceeding through each stage of the rehousing process: recording complete collections and catalog data for each bird skin, completing a thorough condition report noting any preservation concerns or special handling needs, and taking precise measurements to ensure each specimen will receive a custom-fitted tray. All gathered data is then entered into the Re:discovery Proficio collections management system, keeping digital records current as work progresses. Following data entry, custom mounts are fabricated to the recorded measurements, providing each specimen with stable, individually tailored housing. Each specimen is then barcoded for tracking, enabling efficient and accurate physical control once specimens are placed in their permanent cabinet locations.

Pending compact shelving installation. Check back after July 31, 2026 for details on shelving installation and storage organization, including barcode location tracking implementation.

Pending Bird Rehousing in Progress Update pending. This period continues the rehousing, labeling, photography, and database entry for bird study skins.

Pending Bird Collection Complete; Mammal Rehousing Begins Update pending. Bird rehousing concludes and the mammal skin collection workflow launches in July 2027.

Pending Mammal Rehousing & Project Completion Update pending. Final phase covers complete rehousing of all mammal study skins, database finalization, and project wrap-up by September 30, 2028.