Lecture on Snowmass ice age discovery to be hosted by scientists

In the Snowmass Mall, a mural along the Ice Age Discovery tour displays skeletons of animals that were uncovered during the 2010 excavation at Ziegler Reservoir. Scientists who participated in the dig at Ziegler Reservoir in Snowmass in 2010 will be hosting a lecture with experts who study the ice age to discuss the prehistoric discovery in Snowmass.

The scientific lecture is scheduled to take place at the Snowmass Chapel on Friday, June 21 at 6 p.m. Speakers include Chief Science Officer for National Geographic Ian Miller, lead paleobotanist of the 2010 dig Gussie Maccracken, Assistant Curator of Paleobotany for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and an intern on the 2010 dig, David Heil, who is now president of the Aspen Science Center.

During the lecture, the scientists will delve into the details of the dig that revealed thousands of ice age fossils. The excavation began when a bulldozer first came into contact with the tusk of a prehistoric mammoth. Subsequently, hundreds of scientists and local volunteers descended on the site to unearth fossils of plants and animals from the ice age, such as mastodons, mammoths, and giant ground sloths.

On Saturday, June 22, a community celebration is planned in Base Village from 2-6 p.m. The event will offer various free activities, including completing the Ice Age Passport Walk, learning about the discovery at education stations from the Aspen Science Center, and enjoying live music with family and friends.