Local Classes

A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY IN LATE ICE AGE PALEOARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL METHODS

The testing of a previously uninspected area of private land occurred in July of 2021.  Local residents had reported finding several species of extinct animals nearby, including the giant ground sloth (Paramylodon harlani) and the mastodon (Mammut pacificus).  To understand the environment in which these animals lived, small portions of the ancient sediments were recovered from underground for examination.  Through our work in July, we were able to reconstruct the 14,000 year old ecozone for this specific area.  This exciting field opportunity provided a location for people to learn or improve their skills in the methods of inspection and documentation that are appropriate to many Willamette Valley site areas. It also provided an opportunity to develop new partnerships with multiple organizations. 

Four teams worked independently to remove soil samples and then to document them.
Munsell color charts were consulted to accurately describe the colors of the sediments.
Equisetum (horsetail fern) in cross-section (L).  In several locations, short lengths of marsh plants were excavated (R).   
Bog iron was recovered from several auger probes and depths. The specimens collected during this project were 175-198 cms DBS (depth below surface).
Two samples from AUP 12 were radiocarbon dated.  The first had remnants of bog and the second was a flood silt deposit lacking micaceous inclusions.