Snowmass Tourism Winter 2011-2012 : Page 22
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has completed the largest-ever fossil excavation project at Ziegler Reservoir near Snowmass Village. The site is a complex series of Ice Age ecosystems that has already yielded the largest collection of Mastodon bones from a single site anywhere. Initial radiocarbon dating indicates the site is more that 45,000 years old, and geologists estimate it could be as old as 130,000 to 150,000 years. It is likely it is the best high elevation Ice Age site anywhere in the world. In total, 4,826 bones were pulled from the site in the spring/summer 2011. Twenty six vertebrate animals from the site have been identified, and the number of species will grow as work continues at the museum. 7 lARgE MAMMAlS American mastodon, parts of at least 30 individuals Giant Bison, parts of at least 10 individuals Ground sloth, parts of at least 4 individuals Columbian mammoth, parts of at least 3 individuals Deer, parts of at least 3 individuals Horse, based on a single ankle bone Camel, based on a single tooth 1 9 TyPES oF SMAllER AniMAlS Otter Muskrat Vole Mink or weasel Chipmunk Bat Rabbit WhAT’S COMIng Appointed by Snowmass Village Town Council in early 2011, the Ice Discovery Committee (IADC) is a group of volunteers that are developing a business plan to share the story and science of this paleontological discovery and to find ways to benefit the Snowmass Village community. The “Tusk Force” has recommended that the discovery be put in the hand of a 501c3 non-profit corporation to fundraise and manage the project. This will ensure that the IADC’s mission is fulfilled and the legacy of this discovery lives on in Snowmass Village for generations to come. SnOWMASS ICE AgE DISCOVERy CEnTER Touch a mastodon tooth. Wonder at a half-sized 6-foot Wooden Mammoth Skeleton. See video from Denver Museum of Nature & Science and learn the story of the Snowmass Ice Age discovery through creative displays, educational panels and interactive programming. The Ice Age Discovery Center on the Snowmass Mall is built for kids with plenty of things for adults to enjoy too. Open Daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Contact: 970.922.2277 Beaver Mouse Salamander Frog, 4 species Lizard, 2 species Snake Fish Bird, numerous species
Ice Age Discovery
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has completed the largest-ever fossil excavation project at Ziegler Reservoir near Snowmass Village. The site is a complex series of Ice Age ecosystems that has already yielded the largest collection of Mastodon bones from a single site anywhere. Initial radiocarbon dating indicates the site is more that 45,000 years old, and geologists estimate it could be as old as 130,000 to 150,000 years. It is likely it is the best high elevation Ice Age site anywhere in the world.<br /> <br /> In total, 4,826 bones were pulled from the site in the spring/summer 2011. Twenty six vertebrate animals from the site have been identified, and the number of species will grow as work continues at the museum.<br /> <br /> 7 lARgE MAMMAlS <br /> <br /> American mastodon, parts of at least 30 individuals <br /> <br /> Giant Bison, parts of at least 10 individuals <br /> <br /> Ground sloth, parts of at least 4 individuals <br /> <br /> Columbian mammoth, parts of at least 3 individuals <br /> <br /> Deer, parts of at least 3 individuals <br /> <br /> Horse, based on a single ankle bone <br /> <br /> Camel, based on a single tooth <br /> <br /> 19 TyPES oF SMAllER AniMAlS <br /> <br /> Otter Beaver<br /> <br /> Muskrat Mouse<br /> <br /> Vole Salamander<br /> <br /> Mink or weasel <br /> <br /> Chipmunk Frog, 4 species<br /> <br /> Bat Fish<br /> <br /> Rabbit Bird, numerous species<br /> <br /> WhAT’S COMIng <br /> <br /> Appointed by Snowmass Village Town Council in early 2011, the Ice Discovery Committee (IADC) is a group of volunteers that are developing a business plan to share the story and science of this paleontological discovery and to find ways to benefit the Snowmass Village community. The “Tusk Force” has recommended that the discovery be put in the hand of a 501c3 non-profit corporation to fundraise and manage the project. This will ensure that the IADC’s mission is fulfilled and the legacy of this discovery lives on in Snowmass Village for generations to come.<br /> <br /> SnOWMASS ICE AgE DISCOVERy CenTER <br /> <br /> Touch a mastodon tooth. Wonder at a half-sized 6-foot Wooden Mammoth Skeleton. See video from Denver Museum of Nature & Science and learn the story of the Snowmass Ice Age discovery through creative displays, educational panels and interactive programming. The Ice Age Discovery Center on the Snowmass Mall is built for kids with plenty of things for adults to enjoy too. Open Daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm.<br /> <br /> Contact: 970.922.2277
Publication List
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