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Our Video Library
A look at the Fossil Discovery Center by Fresno Historical Society - Click Here for Video
Destination California Fossil Discovery Center - Click Here for Video
To View the Mammoths Video Story - Click here for Video
Fossil Discovery Center
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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. 
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The San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation
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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.
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The San Joaquin Paleontology Foundation Board Members
President - Conrad Gaunt
Conrad Gaunt is a Retired Teacher, he earned a BA from San Francisco State University with a major in history and a minor in political science, and a MA in history from Fresno State University. He taught history at Chowchilla High School for 38 years and taught history part time for Merced College for 22 years. He was Social Studies Department Chair at Chowchilla for many years, and I coached the Academic decathlon team for 26 years. I was a part-time guide at Hearst Castle for nine summers. After retiring from Chowchilla High, I was a substitute teacher for Chowchilla Elementary School District in grades 2-8. I was elected to the Chowchilla Elementary School Board in 2010 and was recently re-elected for a third term. In 2018, He was named Educator of the Year by the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce. He has been a board member of the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation since 2009. He believe that the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County fills a vital need for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and particularly for the young people. Thousands of elementary students tour the center with their classes every year and are thereby introduced to several branches of science.
Secretary - Brooke Smith
Brooke Smith is the Director of Sale and Marketing at Visit Yosemite | Madera County, where she oversees marketing and advertising efforts for the destination. She is passionate about promoting the beauty and diversity of Madera County and is committed to helping visitors create unforgettable experiences. Brooke is a strong advocate for the tourism industry, and as a member of the board of directors of the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, she continues those endeavors. Brooke believes that tourism is a vital economic drive and is committed to working to promote Madera County as a premier tourist destination.
Board Member - Michael George
I am the lead paleontologist, fossil collections manager, and exhibit coordinator for the Fossil Discovery Center. A graduate of CSU Stanislaus with a major in Geology with a heavy emphasis on Paleontology. I have been working with fossils for over 10 years and volunteer my knowledge and skills to the Fossil Discovery Center for over 7 years. My great passion for Paleontology began before I was old enough to walk. My primary focus is to assist with Paleontological monitoring for a company that specializes in paleontological retrieval, analysis, and preservation. My education and knowledge in paleontology offers input as a board member of San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation board. As a board member, along with my fellow board members, the core goal is to promote, and expand the museum into the 21st century, and to educate our local students in the importance of science, and discovery of our local community.
Board Member- Toni Jordan
Administrative Assistant for the Madera Chamber of Commerce for the past 13 years. A past Girl Scout Leader for 15 years. A parent advocate for my own children's educations serving as a Parent Club Board Member and Madtown Robotic Parent supporter. In 2000, I received my associate degree in Small Business Administration, after raising my four children, along with my husband of 37 years. I enjoy cooking, gardening, crocheting, painting and teaching bible lesson for young children.
Board Member - Drake Montgomery
Board Member - Cecilia Moreno
Originally from a small, predominantly Mexican community here in the Central Valley of California called Orosi. She is of Yokut and Mexican heritage. After graduating from Orosi High School in 2012, she attended University of California, Merced. There, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in December of 2019. Cecilia has been involved
in many Native American language and cultural revitalization programs and events since her childhood. Her maternal grandmother, Lawona, has been her inspiration and teacher. Through her, she has learned the importance of keeping native languages and their traditions alive and strives to do so herself by speaking in her native language of Tachi. In 2018, she was published by the UC Merced Undergraduate Journal with an article about the preservation of Native culture amidst modern society. Cecilia continues to work with Native programs across California to work towards the revival and preservation of different Native cultures and languages. She currently is a mentor to many Native American Students in the Sierra Unified school district.
Board Member - Danielle Parga
Honoree Board Member - Gerald McDougal
Director-Michele Pecina,Ed.D.
Michele Pecina, Ed.D. is currently serving as Director of The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County. She has more than thirty eight years of public school service in California public schools as a teacher, reading specialist, and school administrator. Additionally, she is very involved in her local community as a member of various committees on the Madera Chamber of Commerce. She is Adjunct Faculty for National University serving the Sanford School of Education. Dr. Pecina received her Bachelor’s degree from Fresno State University, Master’s from the University of La Verne and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Alliant University. She has been the recipient of the National Association of School Principal’s award for California and the Association of California School Administrator’s award for elementary school principals.
President - Conrad Gaunt
Conrad Gaunt is a Retired Teacher, he earned a BA from San Francisco State University with a major in history and a minor in political science, and a MA in history from Fresno State University. He taught history at Chowchilla High School for 38 years and taught history part time for Merced College for 22 years. He was Social Studies Department Chair at Chowchilla for many years, and I coached the Academic decathlon team for 26 years. I was a part-time guide at Hearst Castle for nine summers. After retiring from Chowchilla High, I was a substitute teacher for Chowchilla Elementary School District in grades 2-8. I was elected to the Chowchilla Elementary School Board in 2010 and was recently re-elected for a third term. In 2018, He was named Educator of the Year by the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce. He has been a board member of the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation since 2009. He believe that the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County fills a vital need for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and particularly for the young people. Thousands of elementary students tour the center with their classes every year and are thereby introduced to several branches of science.
Secretary - Brooke Smith
Brooke Smith is the Director of Sale and Marketing at Visit Yosemite | Madera County, where she oversees marketing and advertising efforts for the destination. She is passionate about promoting the beauty and diversity of Madera County and is committed to helping visitors create unforgettable experiences. Brooke is a strong advocate for the tourism industry, and as a member of the board of directors of the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, she continues those endeavors. Brooke believes that tourism is a vital economic drive and is committed to working to promote Madera County as a premier tourist destination.
Board Member - Michael George
I am the lead paleontologist, fossil collections manager, and exhibit coordinator for the Fossil Discovery Center. A graduate of CSU Stanislaus with a major in Geology with a heavy emphasis on Paleontology. I have been working with fossils for over 10 years and volunteer my knowledge and skills to the Fossil Discovery Center for over 7 years. My great passion for Paleontology began before I was old enough to walk. My primary focus is to assist with Paleontological monitoring for a company that specializes in paleontological retrieval, analysis, and preservation. My education and knowledge in paleontology offers input as a board member of San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation board. As a board member, along with my fellow board members, the core goal is to promote, and expand the museum into the 21st century, and to educate our local students in the importance of science, and discovery of our local community.
Board Member- Toni Jordan
Administrative Assistant for the Madera Chamber of Commerce for the past 13 years. A past Girl Scout Leader for 15 years. A parent advocate for my own children's educations serving as a Parent Club Board Member and Madtown Robotic Parent supporter. In 2000, I received my associate degree in Small Business Administration, after raising my four children, along with my husband of 37 years. I enjoy cooking, gardening, crocheting, painting and teaching bible lesson for young children.
Board Member - Drake Montgomery
Board Member - Cecilia Moreno
Originally from a small, predominantly Mexican community here in the Central Valley of California called Orosi. She is of Yokut and Mexican heritage. After graduating from Orosi High School in 2012, she attended University of California, Merced. There, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in December of 2019. Cecilia has been involved
in many Native American language and cultural revitalization programs and events since her childhood. Her maternal grandmother, Lawona, has been her inspiration and teacher. Through her, she has learned the importance of keeping native languages and their traditions alive and strives to do so herself by speaking in her native language of Tachi. In 2018, she was published by the UC Merced Undergraduate Journal with an article about the preservation of Native culture amidst modern society. Cecilia continues to work with Native programs across California to work towards the revival and preservation of different Native cultures and languages. She currently is a mentor to many Native American Students in the Sierra Unified school district.
Board Member - Danielle Parga
Honoree Board Member - Gerald McDougal
Director-Michele Pecina,Ed.D.
Michele Pecina, Ed.D. is currently serving as Director of The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County. She has more than thirty eight years of public school service in California public schools as a teacher, reading specialist, and school administrator. Additionally, she is very involved in her local community as a member of various committees on the Madera Chamber of Commerce. She is Adjunct Faculty for National University serving the Sanford School of Education. Dr. Pecina received her Bachelor’s degree from Fresno State University, Master’s from the University of La Verne and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Alliant University. She has been the recipient of the National Association of School Principal’s award for California and the Association of California School Administrator’s award for elementary school principals.
Directions
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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. |
Rental
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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 [email protected] |
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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.
