|
|
|
|
|
|
Fossil Discovery Center
|
Madera County, in partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation, completed a unique and exciting Fossil Discovery Center. The project is located at the Fairmead landfill in Madera County, the site of one of the largest middle-Pleistocene fossil excavations in North America. These fossils are of particular significance for California and the western United States because there are few sites known from this time period, especially with so many species present. The facility interprets both the paleontology activity and the landfill activity. These diverse themes are united by showing how the world of the past became the world of the present, and how our current activities, including waste disposal, will create the world of the future.
The discovery center is next to the landfill and also serves as a satellite visitors center for the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. The site overlooks the current landfill operations and the paleontology dig. It also has a good view of the valley floor and the rising foothills to the east, the area where the prehistoric rivers washed down the bones that have become the Fairmead fossils. This facility attracts visitors from throughout the State, as well as national/international travelers to nearby Yosemite National Park. However the target audience is children and families in the Central San Joaquin Valley. School field trips, curriculum programs for teachers and other educational opportunities have been developed to serve the target populations. The Fossil Discovery Center represents an opportunity for Valley residents to share an internationally important historical resource that will help them understand their world and will inspire many of them to continue exploring and learning. 
|
|
The San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation
|
The San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation was formed in 1993, the same year that the remarkable discovery of Pleistocene fossils occurred at the Fairmead Landfill in Madera County. A landscaper working in one of the cell areas of the landfill began to find discoloration in the soil during earth removal. Once an eight-foot mammoth tusk was uncovered, the earth removal stopped until proper identification could occur and an assessment of the find could be made. The Museum of Paleontology at the University of California Berkeley (UCMP) was called in to assess the site, which was found to be a rich middle-Pleistocene fossil location.
|
Initially, the Foundation was formed to represent educational interests and commitment to other agencies responsible for oversight of the fossils for public impact. As more and more fossils were uncovered, more astounding discoveries were made – some new species have been identified, and the array of fossils is diverse beyond measure, including sabertooth tigers, Columbian mammoths and ground sloths to name a few – all contributing to one of the richest, most significant Pleistocene fossil finds in North America, as determined in 1997. Further work on the site revealed that the Fairmead Landfill site held enough fossils to keep paleontologists busy for twenty years. All of this has led to the idea of creating a place to celebrate this extraordinary find and to share the wonders of the fossils with the community and visitors to Madera County.
|
The San Joaquin Paleontology Foundation Board Members
President- Justin Raymond
Vice-President- Gerald McDougal
Secretary-Rachel Church
Treasurer-Brian Reams
Board Member-Conrad Gaunt
Board Member-Grady Billington
Board Member- Jamie Abney
Board Member- Casarra Aragon
Director-Michele Pecina,Ed.D.
President- Justin Raymond
Vice-President- Gerald McDougal
Secretary-Rachel Church
Treasurer-Brian Reams
Board Member-Conrad Gaunt
Board Member-Grady Billington
Board Member- Jamie Abney
Board Member- Casarra Aragon
Director-Michele Pecina,Ed.D.
Directions
|
It is easy to get to the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County.
Only 15 minutes from Madera city going North on 99. From CA 99 take exit 164, (Fairmead) Avenue 21 1/2 west towards Road 19 1/2. The Fossil Discovery Center will be on the left. Visable from the highway offramp. |
Hours - Spring & Summer
|
Fossil Discovery Center — HOURS --
TUESDAY 9 AM – 4 PM WEDNESDAY 9 AM – 4 PM THURSDAY 9 AM – 4 PM FRIDAY 9 AM – 4 PM SATURDAY 9 AM – 4 PM SUNDAY 11 AM– 4 PM CLOSED MONDAY EXCEPT FOR PRE-SCHEDULED TOURS PLEASE ASK FOR DAWN OR LINDA. For inquiries: 559.665.7107 |
|
Rental
The Fossil Discovery Center is available for public and private functions after our regular business hours.Contact us about hosting your next event at the Fossil Discovery Center
Cal us today! l 559-665-7107 or email fossildiscovery@gmail.com
Cal us today! l 559-665-7107 or email fossildiscovery@gmail.com
Help us grow!
Help us grow, expand, and impact our community with your generous support, You can donate through membership purchases and/or a charitable contribution. We thank you for your support and helping us make The Fossil Discovery Center an exciting learning opportunity for generations to come.
