MASTODON CAMP! In August 2005, a contractor makes a discovery. Watch Video» --------------------------------- When was the mastodon in DuPage County? Are todays elephants related to the ancient mastodon? What was the climate like back then? Naturalist Jack MacRae answers these and other questions. Watch Video» --------------------------------- Contact: Bonnie Olszewski, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County: 630-871-6402 bhahin@dupageforest.com Courtney Cosgriff, The Field Museum: 312-665-7100 ccosgriff@fieldmuseum.org

Mastodon Excavation Picks Up Where it Left Off:

Field Museum and
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Experts Lead Students in Real Dig

Learn more about Mastodon Camp»

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2008

For the second year, The Field Museum and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County are working together to give dozens of local students and teachers the opportunity to uncover remains of an 11,500-year-old mastodon found in Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne through the “Mastodon Camp!” excavation.

During the first week of camp, participants will go behind the scenes at The Field Museum to learn from geologists and paleontologists about fossil preparation and proper excavation tactics. During the camp’s second half, participants, teachers and students ranging from eighth through 12th grade, will put their knowledge into action as they dig at the site to uncover fossils while preserving and documenting any finds.

The public will also have a chance to experience this scientific expedition right here in DuPage County through multiple interactive programs.

 “Weekend Mastodon Camp” on Aug. 2 and 3 will offer the unique opportunity for the public to participate in the dig as well. One hour of orientation and three hours of excavation will make up each session. On Aug.2, the 8 a.m. – noon session is for teachers only, and the 1 – 5 p.m. is for adults and children ages 6 to 8. On Aug. 3, the 8 a.m. – noon session is for adults ages 16 and up, and the 1 – 5 p.m. session is for adults and children ages 9 to 16. These half-day expeditions cost $20 per person.

Guided tours of the excavation will take place Aug. 5 – 8 at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Visitors will meet with a Forest Preserve District naturalist to learn the history of the site and be updated on recent discoveries. Then, they’ll hike to the dig to interact with the “Mastodon Camp!” participants and see the excavation in progress. Guided tours are free of charge.

To make reservations for “Weekend Mastodon Camp” or a guided tour, call the Office of Education at 630-933-7208.

Visitors to the “Mastodon Camp!” excavations should meet at James “Pate” Philip State Park in Bartlett, which is contiguous with Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve. The center is located at 2054 W. Stearns Road, about one mile west of Route 59.

Mastodons, extinct relatives of elephants, were most common during the Ice Age. They disappeared around 10,000 years ago, but were some of the mightiest creatures of their time. Remains of the mastodon were first were discovered on Aug. 30, 2005. While working on a restoration project, a contractual worker for the Forest Preserve District uncovered the first of the remains — a molar. Additional exploration at the time revealed two additional molars as well as tusk and bone fragments and a partial rib. During last year’s “Mastodon Camp!” the expedition utilized ground-penetrating radar and uncovered numerous bone fragments.

“Last year we got our feet wet in the excavation process, and made some small but significant finds,” said Tom Pray, education outreach manager at the Forest Preserve District. “This year we hope to build on that experience and uncover some of the larger bones such as femurs, ribs and vertebrae.”

#   #   #

Support for this project is provided by The Grainger Foundation and the National Recreation Foundation.

Since 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has served the people of DuPage County through its mission to acquire and hold lands for the purpose of preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens. For more information, call (630) 933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.